Meet John A Brink. John has been living in PG for 53 years! 

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My wife, Sharon.

What is your favourite local store in Prince George and why?
Costco.

Describe yourself in one word.
Determined.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Netherlands.

What is your favourite activity in Prince George?
Body Building.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Coming to Canada in 1965.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My favourite childhood memory is speed skating in Holland. In addition, on April 12, 1954, I witnessed Canadian soldiers liberating my hometown during World War 2.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?

I have a reputation for integrity, tenacity and fairness. I seek to support projects and programs that nurture and support education, economic development, the arts and sciences, sports and recreation and the innovation in the forest and wood processing industries. 

More recently, in 2017, BI committed to a five-year $50,0000 donation to the Prince George Equine and Animal Rescue. I have also helped the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation raise over $90,000 at their Boogie With The Stars fundraiser, as both a Title Sponsor and participant. Both this year and last, I also signed on as a Gold Sponsor – the highest level achievable – to help the Prince George Hospice Society with their annual Dream Home Lottery. 

I can be witnessed dedicating both financial resources and company marketing support to dozens of events every year, including the Prince George Iceman, YMCA of Northern British Columbia Megathon, Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life, Prince George Triathlon, BC Cancer Foundation Inside Ride, Iron Ore Classic, National Powerlifting Championships, Taste of India, St Vincent de Paul’s, the Prince George Brain Injury Group and many more. 

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Violence and hatred, especially seeing displaced individuals due to politics.

Where would you sneak away to in Prince George to spend some time alone?
North Saanich.

Where would you like to see positive change in Prince George and why?
Upgrading the city and adding to more infrastructure. I'd also love to see a performing arts centre.

What do you think makes Prince George great?
Great place to raise a family, along with close proximity to the great outdoors. It truly is a big, small community and I absolutely love it

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Writing a book

2) Building a sawmill

3) Competing in the Arnold's in Columbus, Ohio in March 2019.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm an accomplished dressage rider on the provincial level.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Brink Group of Companies.

Why did you get into/start this business?
Starting a business in Canada has always been a dream of mine to start a lumber mill from the time I was 12.

What is the goal of your business?
To add social and economic value to the community. Having a stable, sound organization after 43 years is important, we plan to see it surpass 50 years, with unlimited growth.

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Building a business from the ground up is always a struggle, especially continuing to grow the business and remain innovative. This has been true in 1975 and still is today.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn't change a single thing.

What do you always find yourself saying?
I can and I will.

Tell us your best piece of life advice
Never Give Up.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I one of the individuals I admire is Jimmy Pattison, both his business accomplishments and philanthropy.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Giving back to the community is always vitally imperative.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Qualifying for the Nationals in Body Building in Vancouver in July 2017.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Nicola Redpath and her husband, Grant. These two individuals run the Prince George Equine and Animal Rescue as volunteers. The Brink Group is proud to support this local non-profit and committed to donating $50,000 over 5 years.

My choice for the PrinceGeorgeNow In Focus spotlight is:
Camille MacDonald, owner of Pop Media.

We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Prince George!