A Short Career History
Conair Plastic Processing
As a 'start-up professional' at Conair, Bernard ensured new installations were set up to specification. He was the on-site technician and trained maintenance personnel to maintain and repair the plastic processing equipment.
Design and Invention
Wood, Steel, and Fire
When you have 'that kind of brain', building and designing becomes a passion. Bernard understands the process and logistics of drawing engineering plans, making prototypes, getting certifications, and bringing designs to market.
Wood Stove
Bernard obtained CSA Certification for a Wood Burning Stove known as the Heat Master which was an exercise in the study of thermo-dynamics, physics and how to send cleaner air up a chimney.
Portable Sawmill
Bernard's involvement with forestry and wood milling spanned many years and a number of iterations.
Bernard purchased the rights for a manually operated sawmill, adding electrical controls and hydraulics. The German Forestry industry used this design which was further redesigned as SERRA sawmill. Through his designing, engineering, fabrication and field testing it became a transformative and reliable product which allowed private woodlot owners to use mill their own standing trees.
Constant Vent Lumber Drying Kiln
Bernard designed, fabricated and operated a constant vent lumber drying kiln. The process used the reference RH table to recognize moisture levels in even the quirkiest, twisty and crotchy hardwood.
Trade Mission
Through the work and design Bernard had been undertaking he was invited to join a trade mission to South East Asia to promote his portable sawmill for milling rubber trees into usable lumber.
Canadian Cheeseboards
Building a Business
It began with a serious heart event. Bernard was very grateful for the life-saving care he received at Barrie's Royal Victoria Hospital. Later, when contractors were removing maple trees to build RVH's impressive new addition, Bernard secured these trees to build a massive boardroom table as an expression of his gratitude. The hospital felt this artistic tribute should be displayed to the public and thus installed it on the wall of one of the hallways.
This chain of events started Bernard on a new entrepreneurial venture. He built a company, Canadian Cheeseboards, which turned low-grade wood into coveted live-edge charcuterie boards.
These boards were sold throughout southern and central Ontario through companies like Farm Boy, Loblaws, Metro, Pusiteri, Nellas Restaurant Supplies, boutique cheese stores, the MacLaren Art Gallery, and even the Peller Winery at Niagara-on-the Lake.
Education
Always learning
One of Bernard's great assets is his thirst for knowledge. To gain greater insights into business Bernard attended numerous classes through both York University and Georgian College.
