Speech Information

Title: The Potholes of Innovation – When You Step Outside the Box.

Abstract: When you look at all the various Industrial Sectors on Vancouver Island, you’ll begin to realize that each Sector has its own comfort zone of sustainability, a mindset of modest improvements or staying the course and not rocking the boat or the industry. But what do Industry Leaders do differently to put themselves at the top of their Sector?

Innovation, technological advancements and the never-ending quest to improve on the operating efficiency’s of their business by thinking outside the box and trying to find the edge that no one else is looking at.  But this mindset does not come without some serious considerations, some potholes in this road to Innovation! Where do you train your maintenance staff on the new technology? How do you attract employees that already have experience with the new technologies?

Bio

For the past 22 years, Doug has been involved in the forest industry. Starting in the Medium Density Fiberboard industry, he was surrounded by new technology and was fortunate enough to be involved in the creation and development of new products that helped shape the industry. In 2011, Doug joined the team at Coastland Wood Industries just in time to once again help develop and utilize technology and implement innovative ideas to help shape the future of the business. Today, Coastland leads the industry in innovation and prides itself on bringing many firsts in technology to North America.