Leadership
Paul Huber, Publisher
Paul Huber has been working in media for almost a decade and published Industry West magazine’s first issue in April 2017. As the publisher, Paul spends his days working with Saskatchewan companies to help get their message out, and finding the stories and issues that matter to the local business community. Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Paul spent several years studying in Europe before returning home to start his career in publishing. When he’s not in the office, you can find him hiking in the Qu’Appelle Valley or canoeing in the North.
Brook Thalgott, Editor
Brook Thalgott has been with Industry West since the very beginning. As the editor, she is behind the computer most of the time, tracking the stories Saskatchewan businesses need to know and helping craft the content businesses need to get their message out to the world. Born and raised in Moose Jaw, Brook spent a decade on the West Coast before heading back home with her husband and two daughters in tow. You can find Brook in her garden or on the go with her kids when she is not furiously typing on her laptop.
Staff
Paul Burch, Business Development Manager
Paul Burch has been contributing to Industry West since its start, and has joined the company as business development manager. Paul is a consultant, writer, entrepreneur, and retired rugby coach, and deeply involved in the digital/interactive media industry as an owner at OmniOnline and co-founder of a Saskatchewan start-up company, EchoLotto.com (acquired by Trellis Social Enterprise Inc.).
Kailey Pirlot, Art Director
Kailey Pirlot has led the art direction for Industry West from the start. She created the masthead and layout for Industry West, and continues to create beautiful design with every issue. When Kailey is not designing, she’s spending time with her husband and children, and has been known to shut off her phone and disappear into the Canadian Shield after an issue heads to print.
Shane Luhning, Photographer & Videographer
Shane Luhning graduated from the University of Regina’s Film and Video program in 2005, and has worked for Industry West and IW Media Group since 2017. He has collaborated on a wide variety of projects with the Government of Canada, the Government of Saskatchewan, First Nations University of Canada and many other Saskatchewan-based small businesses and individuals. When Shane is not behind the camera, he cycles and plays in a band.
Contributors
Noah Callaghan
Noah Callaghan is a Saskatoon writer and recent graduate from the University of Saskatchewan. While completing a B.A. (Hons.) in English and History, Noah wrote articles for the College of Arts & Science’s Communications and Events Office and The Sheaf Publishing Society. The reporter has been the recipient of multiple academic awards for his student journalism, including the James B. McGeachy Prize and the Mary Lou Ogle Award for the Study of Communications.
Brendon Demerais
Brendon Demerais is a Métis graduate from the Edwards School of Business in Saskatoon and currently works as a project manager for the Gabriel Dumont Institute in Saskatoon. Brendon works with Métis entrepreneurs across Saskatchewan to break down barriers and supports successful startup and business creation. Brendon enjoys travelling, personal investing and finance, biking, working out, and is an automotive enthusiast.
Bruce Johnstone
Bruce Johnstone is a Regina-based writer and graduate of Sheldon-William Collegiate and the University of Saskatchewan. He joined the Leader-Post in 1977 and took over as financial editor in 1985 until his retirement one month short of his 40th anniversary with the newspaper. In 2017, he formed a consulting firm, Bruce Johnstone Communications, which offers freelance journalism, writing, editing and photography services.
Patti Haus
Patti Haus is a copywriter who believes results come from in-depth customer knowledge. She’s on a mission to make email copy more entertaining to read without giving up the strategy that makes it convert. Her secret power is writing copy your customers want to read. To the end. And click. Because nobody wants to read boring copy. You can find her pattihaus.com.
Hilary Klassen
Hilary enjoys splashing words on a page and has been on beaches in 10 countries. She has lived in all four western provinces and is still trying to get back to BC. Hilary has written on all kinds of topics, first for a monthly publication, then a weekly, then a daily, then for magazines. She has won a handful of awards along the way and has come to love Saskatchewan.
Geoff Kirbyson
Geoff Kirbyson has been a business reporter for more than 20 years, writing for the Winnipeg Free Press, The Lawyers Weekly, Western Investor, Investment Executive and The Hockey News. He is also the author of “The Hot Line – How the Legendary Trio of Hull, Hedberg and Nilsson Transformed Hockey and Led the Winnipeg Jets to Greatness.”
Erin Legg
Erin has been storytelling for a variety of audiences for the past 15 years. She works with various organizations, publications and individuals using different media to spread messages of information and pure entertainment. When she’s not working with words, Erin enjoys a good cup of coffee and a great book.
Dan Matthews
Dan Matthews is a Saskatoon-based writer. His background in rural economic development led to a passion for sharing the challenges, opportunities, and successes of Western Canada’s Main Street businesses and the industries that support them.
Sara Robertson
Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Sara’s childhood was spent reading at night with the help of a flashlight. Sara has an HBA in English and an MBA from the U of S. She is sought after for her very odd taste in obscure genres of international music.
Phil Symchych
Phil Symchych CPA, CA, MBA, ICD.D is the president and founder of SME Business Wealth Builder Corporation. He provides strategic growth, consulting CFO, and M&A services to privately-held companies.
