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On the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast, host Evelyn Ackah talks with Garth Froese, the president and CEO of Pacific East Research Corporation, and they discuss what it's like being a corporate client of Ackah Business Immigration Law. Pacific East is a data management company that provides contact information for corporations in the U.S. and protects people from fraud. Garth shares his journey of how he got into the business and his experience trying to enter the U.S. as a Canadian without a work visa. He also talks about his experience working with Ackah Business Immigration Law to obtain an e-Visa for his business and the benefits it has provided for his team to do business in the U.S. Garth emphasizes the importance of building relationships, treating people with respect, and the impact of positivity and happiness on success. He also shares tips for doing business in the U.S. and retaining a happy and engaged team.
Evelyn is grateful for Garth's support and friendship and highlights the importance of taking care of oneself and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Garth Froese can be reached through:
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Here are the key points from Evelyn Ackah's podcast interview with Garth Froese.
- Business Journey and Visa Challenges:
Garth describes his journey in expanding Pacific East Research Corp, including starting a U.S. branch and the challenges faced in obtaining a work visa due to NAFTA regulations. His perseverance in securing the visa underscores the complexities of cross-border business operations. - Successful Visa Acquisition and Business Operations:
With Evelyn's assistance, Garth successfully obtained an E-Visa, enabling smoother cross-border business activities. The E-Visa has facilitated his and his team's ability to conduct business in the U.S., highlighting the importance of professional legal support in navigating immigration processes. - Homeland Security Policy Changes Post-9/11:
Homeland security policies in the United States significantly evolved between 2007 and 2009 in response to the events of 9/11. This period saw the implementation of stricter border controls and other security measures, prompting businesses to adapt and reconsider their operations, particularly those involving cross-border data and staffing. - Challenges of Business Expansion Across Borders:
Expanding a business into different countries involves understanding and adapting to unique regulatory environments and cultural differences. For instance, while Canada offers rich natural resources, the smaller population base compared to the US can pose challenges for businesses expecting similar market dynamics. - Importance of Personal Well-being in Leadership:
Garth emphasized the importance of maintaining personal well-being as a leader, including physical exercise and mental health. He highlighted how taking care of oneself can lead to better leadership effectiveness and overall quality of life, essential for sustained success in business and personal life.
About Evelyn Ackah
Evelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. With offices in Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver, we work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (587) 854‑3821 or email Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.
The Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast, hosted by Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah, was named the #1 Best Canada Immigration Podcast in 2023 by Feedspot.
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Transcript
Evelyn Ackah:
Hi, everyone, it's Evelyn Ackah from the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer podcast. I am so excited today I have one of my favorite clients joining us for our podcast to talk to you about what it's like being a corporate client of Ackah Business Immigration Law. I really, really want to thank you so much, Garth Froese, for being with us today. Garth is the president and CEO of, let me get it right, Pacific East Research Corporation, and he's based in B.C. They have U.S. operations as well. Welcome, Garth, to the show.
Garth Froese:
Well, thanks so much, Evelyn, for having this chat together. This is really meaningful.
Evelyn Ackah:
I appreciate it, and I think every conversation you and I have is meaningful. Either I'm laughing a lot, or I'm learning a lot. It's one of the things that I really appreciate about you. Just to give people an overview about what Pacific East Research Corp does, can you tell us a little bit about what the business does?
Garth Froese:
Sure. Pacific East is a data management company. It accesses information on people for the sake of providing contact information for corporations in the U.S., and also for protecting people from fraud, and giving correct identity information for all kinds of industry sectors, from healthcare to government to law enforcement, nonprofits, all kinds of organizations.
Evelyn Ackah:
That is so interesting, what an interesting area to get into. I know you've done a lot of different things in your career, very lustrous successful career. How did you fall into this business? Which road did you take that led you here?
Garth Froese:
Interesting. I was helping out some companies for several years who needed some maybe succession planning or some guidance in regards to some investments where they should spend their time and money. Then a couple owners at that time asked if I would take a look at this company. At that time, it was basically a telephone book, a white pages type automated sort of address, phone book company. Then as I was taking a look at it, and seeing some of the technology that was coming on stream back in 2007, I began to look at it, and think, "You know what, we can expand this into a lot of different areas," and so started in October 2007, and with a couple other guys in the company, we bought it in 2017.
Evelyn Ackah:
That's awesome. That's awesome. I know that you also expanded, or you tried to actually enter the United States in 2012, I think, it was as a Canadian, and you were trying to get a work visa. Was this to work for the Pacific company on the U.S. side at the time?
Garth Froese:
Well, we already had a company in the U.S. By that time, I had started a company in the U.S., Pacific East Research Inc. in 2009. So, I was just travelling back and forth, just having meetings, and for two years, I just travelled all the time to rebuild the company in a different direction. In that May day, in 2012, went across the border again to catch a flight from Seattle to another state where we're having a meeting. It was then that the customs officer called me in, and they took up my time for about 30 minutes until they were off their... They were checking out at that time. Then they put another person on me who worked with me for another two and a half hours.
At the end of the day, after taking fingerprints, and signing all kinds of documentation, they said, "Garth, you're not allowed to enter for any business purposes into the U.S. again until you have a working visa." I said, "Well, why is this? Because according to NAFTA, it's okay that I come over just for meetings." They said, "No." At that time, I suppose the officer was having a mood swing or something, and they said, "No, as the CEO, your face is selling your products in the U.S." I said, "Well, our products are all in the U.S. There's nothing that we have that is part of Canada."
They said, "It doesn't matter. As a Canadian, you're stealing somebody else's job, so you need to get a working visa." They said it very kindly and nicely. So, that really motivated me as they helped me turn around and go back into Canada. For the next year, I worked on a working visa myself, and built this three-inch thick document [inaudible 00:04:40].
Evelyn Ackah:
Wow. So, you built this document, and you got through. You DIY'd it yourself.
Garth Froese:
Yeah. There was some people along the way that I asked some questions of that people in the network, and then went to YVR. Let me just say that the land border crossings, there is nothing that would identify a person as special in crossing the land border. But if you go to an airport like I did to YVR, Vancouver airport, there, you've already bought a ticket. They already have your identification that way. You have a passport with you. So, there's a degree of respect already. Then when you bring the visa, and show them all the information about yourself and your company, and you're fairly transparent or completely transparent, they've got a lot to work on.
They've studied this, and they've been trained on how to help people get into the U.S. So, that was super helpful and very rewarding.
Evelyn Ackah:
Good.
Garth Froese:
Even though it was a long experience, it was a great experience.
Evelyn Ackah:
I'm so glad. I mean, you've just given tips to our listeners about the difference between the border and the airports. This is why when we have clients doing NAFTA, L-Is or NAFTA TN visas, we always suggest the airport first, mostly just because there's more experience. They're more experienced with professional business travellers like yourself, so they know what you're trying to achieve, and they can help facilitate. If you have the good intentions, you have the material you need, everything goes according to plan. So, let's skip forward then, Garth, to when you and I met.
I think it was in 2020. During COVID, we became friends during COVID, lots of Zoom, and you wanted to get an e-Visa for your business, because of course you have no intention of moving to the states. You just want to be able to do business in the states, and have your team do the same. So, how are we able to help you, and how did you find us? I can't even recall now.
Garth Froese:
Oh, okay. Well, internally, I had written four more L Visas for four different team members, and there's an expiry date on those. So, the first three years, you have to go renew again, and then for two more years in succession, you have to get them renewed. Well, the seven years was coming up, and so we needed to flip into another visa. So, I started researching all kinds of attorneys and lawyers in immigration, and calling them and looking at their podcasts, and things like that. Once I had... Honestly, Evelyn, when I had spoken with you, knowing that you had worked in multiple countries and that your company was built on people from immigrants from all over the world, you've done an amazing job of education.
I really believe that if somebody knows how to educate a team, then they themselves will be able to help educate me as the customer. Then you connected me with this person down in California, who was also an attorney in immigration, and everything just seemed like you, as it were, spoke our language, and so was so glad that I connected with you. Then periodically, you'd come over here to Vancouver, so my wife and I could have dinner with you. There was a sense of alignment, let's put it that way, both professionally and also as a friend. You're a happy person, and we may talk about this later, but that's really important in this life.
Evelyn Ackah:
I agree. I really agree. I'm so excited that we have the opportunity. So, we worked with you and one of our U.S. attorneys to get the first E for you. As you may remember, the appointment date for the consular in Toronto was very, very long. Was that during... That was the midst of COVID, right? It took something like... I don't know. How long was it, eight months, 10 months, a year?
Garth Froese:
We worked on it through 2020. Then in November of 2021, we flew out to Toronto, and I had the interview there at the U.S. Consular office, and you said, and the other attorney from the U.S. Said, "You know, Garth, you don't need to bring anything. We've sent them everything. They've got it all," but I brought a big stack of information so that in case I was questioned, I would have the answer.
Evelyn Ackah:
Good.
Garth Froese:
Of course, they looked at me, "You had done your job so perfectly," and I'm saying this. That's the truth. It was so perfect. They looked and said, "Oh, how's your day going?" "Good. Good. Good," a few more questions, and signed off, and it was done. So, that was great.
Evelyn Ackah:
That's what we want.
Garth Froese:
Then that became the anchor. So, from that point, whether it be people, somebody in Calgary or people out here in Vancouver, they've all been able to go to the local U.S. consular office, and get their e-Visas. So, that's been tremendous.
Evelyn Ackah:
Oh, we're so happy we can help. This is exactly what I think NAFTA is about, is allowing the people who need to cross the border, do their job, and obviously create businesses, and create jobs for Americans. We've also had the pleasure of working with you even for our Green card sponsorship for one of your U.S. employees. So, it's been a really wonderful partnership for us. Our firm loves working with you, and talking to you, and getting emails from you that are very interesting and humorous. It really is a breath of fresh air, because we work so hard, and we're dealing with bureaucracy as you know, and consulates, and sometimes you lose the people aspect of the job.
You want to always keep that close in mind that these are people's lives, and their businesses, and their families. So, talking to you, and connecting with you where you really appreciate what we do has just made this such a worthwhile relationship. For me personally, meeting you and your wife, and getting you to know my husband, and talking about life, especially during COVID when people were struggling, and all of us were dealing with different challenges, it really was a lifesaver for me. I have to say that honestly. I want to thank you for your friendship and your support. It means so much to me. Because as I say to everybody, you are my favorite client.
We have the same sense of humor. So, let's talk a little bit about how your ability to cross the border right now with the E. How does that look on a monthly, quarterly basis? How often are you traveling, or your people?
Garth Froese:
Well, it goes in waves depending upon trade shows and conferences and meetings. We have a Portland office, and so whenever I need to go down there into Portland, and for different people, there's always somebody traveling. We have one person actually out of Calgary who's a trade show conference warrior. She just shows up at all the shows, and she's amazing at doing business. So, for that individual, it's really, really important to be crossing on a regular basis, and even to live down there for a month or two to make sure that she's connecting. That e-Visa provides all of that latitude to do all of that. It's really tremendous.
Basically, that e-Visa is actually amazing, because as soon as you're crossing the border land or through error, they look at it. The customs officer will look at it, and they go, "Oh, it's an e-Visa." It's almost like a sense of sophistication.
Evelyn Ackah:
It is.
Garth Froese:
They sign off, and welcome you into the country. It's such a good deal.
Evelyn Ackah:
I think it's because, Garth, they know you're creating jobs for Americans, because you're a business entry. So, they know already that, "Wow." The fact that you had to go through months and months, and even your people months and months to get the visa, to get that appointment, they know that this is a legitimate entity and enterprise. So, I'm really happy, because it's a lot of work, and you and your team give us so much information, and it still takes time. So, I think getting it now and making life easier for everybody. Does your team, do they have NEXUS passes too?
Garth Froese:
Most of them do.
Evelyn Ackah:
Good.
Garth Froese:
Not all of them. For whatever reasons, they don't, but let me just say too that when crossing a border, or working with immigration attorneys or whoever, I think you said it right earlier, and that every person really matters. I think that customs officers too, that how we respond to them, and if we're cold, they'll be cold back. It's like a mirror image. So, when we treat them with respect, and ask them how their day is, and then respond when they ask us a question correctly, I think it really matters. I did a speech once called the magnification of data, because we literally deal with billions and billions of data on the civilians of North America and especially the U.S.
Every point of data is so important, because if you get hacked, and they steal one thing, your license number, your license, your social security number, anything of your life, it feels terribly invasive. So, the importance of treating people well really matters, including the billions of data that we process on a regular basis. It really, really matters to every single person.
Evelyn Ackah:
I totally agree. I think when I prepare people to go to the port, I didn't have to do any prep for you, or to go to the consulate, because you are so sophisticated, did your own L-2 without me all those years, but it's always about being kind and being respectful and treating people. As I always say, even when I travel, if I'm not dressed professionally, I'm wearing jeans and whatever because I travel usually quite comfortably and casually, and they'll question me, "What do you do?" "I'm a lawyer." "What kind of law?" "I'm an immigration lawyer." They look at me. They look up and down, and we usually have a chit-chat, and it's all about, "Yes, sir. Yes, ma'am."
I give them the respect that their position allows for, so I can make my life easier. The reason I was asking about the NEXUS Pass is that you don't use that entry to get the first Visa, whether it's a TN or an L or an E, but once you have it, you can go through the NEXUS line. So, I really always encourage business professionals. Now, it's even better. You don't have to take out your laptop. I was saying to my husband the other day, I traveled to Vegas for a conference, and everything stayed on. I just put everything in. I didn't have to take out anything. Just within two minutes, I was done, and there was a line out the back that probably would've been an hour and a half.
So for business professionals like yourself, if you can get one, I highly recommend the NEXUS Pass, because it makes your life easier. You don't have to get to the airport so early, and you just feed through immigration as well as the safety security line. So, let me ask you a question. How do you think doing business in the U.S. is different from doing business in Canada? Are there differences that you have experienced?
Garth Froese:
Yeah. Now, I've done business in various places in the world, and all I can tell you is there is no difference between doing business. In my opinion, the differences, the gap between doing business in China or doing business in the U.S. or business in Mexico, or doing business in the U.S., it is so different. I think 9/11 really changed a lot.
Evelyn Ackah:
Yes.
Garth Froese:
9/11 happened when it happened then, 2001, but they didn't start changing homeland security policies until between 2007 and 2009. That's when the border got really thick, really high, and all the policies came into place at that time. That was the reason why we had to completely do a makeover of our business if we want to continue to stay in business, and led the charge in that one in setting up the company in the U.S., and then hiring staff down there, and making sure no data comes into Canada that's of the U.S. When it came to our business, there are a lot of differences, and I think the main thing, again, it comes down to respect.
They want to be respected in America for who they are as an independent individual company, and as in Canada too. Canada is very different, and a lot of American companies want to start businesses in Canada to say, "Whoa, we've got a business in Canada." The problem is they don't count the people. They don't understand that 40 million people is a 10th basically of America.
Evelyn Ackah:
Yes.
Garth Froese:
So, when they come up to Canada, all of a sudden, they're disappointed, and they think that their investment has failed because there's just not the same population base in different industry sectors. Now, do we have the natural, all of the oil and the gold and all of the amazing commodities that we offer? Yes. So, there's a lot of reasons why corporations come up here, but it's often a disappointment when they start to deal with the people. Meanwhile, when we started a business in the U.S., the volume of people just changes everything. Now, that's because of the economy there.
I mean, I've also started a business in China, and the volume of the people doesn't really have to do with the economy per se because a lot of those people are in places where there is not... It's kind of third in some places in China. So, every country has to be taken on its own merit, and a lot of research done. Before, people say, "Every country I've gone into, I failed the first year." Well, that's because you need to plan, or I needed to plan at least a two-year journey even before we get traction in the country.
Evelyn Ackah:
Yes. Oh, I love that. You've given really good advice to new business owners, and some of them come to us, and they're just thinking about expanding. Those are all really good valuable tips, Garth. What do you think about... What kind of tips would you give somebody moving to the U.S. to do business? If I sent you one of our newer clients who had a successful Canadian business maybe, and now they're looking south, because there are people looking south to Texas, to Denver, to Phoenix, we're seeing a lot more of that look over the border to dip your toe, and think about it. How do you think they should prepare for that transition to doing business in the States?
Garth Froese:
Well, a few points, I guess. First of all, every state runs business differently than the next state. They're like independent countries. So, a person has to prepare for all the rules that are different from state to state. I think that it's also important to understand that when a person is going into the U.S., the Canadian government has Export Development Canada, and Export Development Canada can come alongside because their job is to promote foreign enterprise, and they can come alongside, and counsel, advise, provide financial security, and even access to cash if needs be depending upon the project that's going on in the U.S.
I think that that's really important to understand that in that area with Canada, it is head and shoulders above probably any other country in the world when it comes to foreign investment, and finding the council that we pay for anyway with our taxes. So, why not find that council in Export Development Canada? I think the other thing is it's a who you know world, and the network really matters, and trust has to happen. So, if you're dealing with somebody, and you trust them, and you've only met them twice, or you've been doing some business, get out there, and get some references. Make sure you can trust that person a lot. Make sure they are industry leaders.
I have crossed the border many times just to meet with an industry leader just for breakfast, and then flown back when finances are tight, just to build a network with people that I know will provide the right connections with us. [inaudible 00:20:30]
Evelyn Ackah:
I love that. Those are really valuable. I mean, I think sometimes the face-to-face, I remember when I worked in Toronto at Ernst & Young, and I'd come out to Calgary back in 2000, 2001, 2002. What I really liked about it before I moved here was you would meet face-to-face, have a lunch. Done. There's something about you don't have to spend months and months for the RFP. You would just have that... You'd have that prep. You'd get there. You'd talk to them. You show them who that you were, and you'd learn about who they were. If it felt right, you shook hands, and that was it.
For me, that just like you, there's so much value in that experience of authenticity and connection. I think that people sometimes don't think about that when they're making hiring decisions or expansion decisions is, "Who's in your network? Who can you trust? Who will vouch for you?" I mean, you basically participating in this podcast gives me so much confidence, because you're basically vouching for me and the firm and our wonderful team, and sharing your experience as a client of our firm, and how we want to do business with more people like yourself, educated professional, sophisticated business owners who don't want the border to stop them from growing and being successful.
So, why don't we switch to another part of our relationship? I would love to talk to you about why you think you and I both being happy people impacts our lives, and makes us successful. Why do you think that's about?
Garth Froese:
Well, let me start on the emotion side first.
Evelyn Ackah:
Okay.
Garth Froese:
Nobody cares about how much you know until they know how much you care. If you give to get to give, if you're not giving, if you're not sharing, if you're not open and transparent with people, people can read through that nowadays like crazy. I mean, it's so fast. Howard Schultz, the president and CEO, founder of Starbucks once said, he said, after all of the investments he's done, and all the paperwork and documents he's had to look through, he says, "Sincerity is more powerful than a business plan." So, it's really important to work on oneself, and that creates and generates the happiness that matters. Secondly, from a scientific point of view, and I sound very analytical how I'm going to explain this-
Evelyn Ackah:
No, I love that.
Garth Froese:
... but I'm [inaudible 00:22:59]. This is how I talk about this, because it's so important. I studied neurology for many, many years. I can tell you this, that the mechanics of the brain, the way the brain works, and that is positive information, people who are helpful, that we surround ourselves with, a network of people who have been there, done that, the research that we do, finding solutions for other people, and helping other people, this literally builds the infrastructure around our neurons to make us stronger, better, happier people. It literally builds the myelin around the neurons without getting too deep that makes us better people and healthier people.
Evelyn Ackah:
Wow.
Garth Froese:
So, I think that it's really important to... Plus, then it goes to whoever it was, Dale Carnegie or whoever. It's the books you read and the people you surround yourself with. It really matters to work through every issue. We all have issues. We all have baggage. We all have a past, and we're going to have a future. So, it's so important to have an attitude saying, "You know what? We're building a network of people, and we are prepared to do the work, to continue to have a life that has deep meaning to it."
Evelyn Ackah:
I love that. I think just even from our first meeting and our first Zoom and our first discussions, I got that sense from you that you had been somebody who had done that deep work. As somebody who is a little bit younger than you, just a tiny bit, I really appreciate the mentorship, and even I've had to do this work. I'm reading constantly. I'm looking at how we can improve personally, professionally as a family. I think talking to you really just solidified for me the importance of doing that hard work, and to create the life you want from a place of joy and happiness as opposed to bringing negativity and suspicion, but instead that open-hearted way of being.
Whether it's a spiritual way of being or some other way that it comes across, it absolutely comes across about your integrity and your need to connect as opposed to have these superficial level relationships. Like me, I don't like chit-chat. I like to just get right to the heart of it, and to also talk truthfully and openly, and I think as you said, the authenticity and even just the caring for our clients. The other day, I was working from home. My husband was like, "My goodness, you sound like a therapist," because these days, people are struggling, right? No matter if you're a business person or a family member trying to sponsor somebody, people are dealing with the impact of COVID.
They're dealing with technology, and they're dealing with economy and interest rates and whatever, whatever. I feel like people are struggling more. So, my job has turned into more, I would think, of counseling, listening, more so even than it was before COVID. That's something I try to remind my team is that we have to always be thinking. You don't know what the other person is living through. You don't know what's on their end. So, if there's frustration and stress, you need to really come from a place of empathy, because people are living challenging lives right now. So, it's nice when I can work with somebody like you who's happy, who's appreciative, who has a sense of gratitude for the entire team. It makes us all want to do more and do better. So, I just want to thank you for that, Garth. It means a lot.
Garth Froese:
Thanks, Evelyn. Well, and likewise, I think about your business and our business, so the law and data, very analytical, and truth is intention with kindness. Here's the truth. Here's the law. Here's the truth to our team. We have to put in the hours. We have to put in the work, but here's the kindness. Let's be kind to each other. Let's always communicate. It's hard sometimes to be kind and tell the truth. Sometimes it's hard to tell the truth and be kind, but let's work at those two things so that our corporate culture is productive and a place where we want to be, because that'll help generate tenure with the staff, and also job satisfaction, and it flows over to the customers and suppliers and everybody that we work with. It is not easy, but truth and kindness really matter.
Evelyn Ackah:
I totally agree. How would you... What are some of your tips? I've come to you before when things were slower during COVID, and just trying to keep busy. What do you consider a really good retention strategy for your team? Because you've built this incredible team of people, I've met some of them and worked with some of them. How do you keep them incentivized and engaged?
Garth Froese:
Well, that's a really important question, and every company is different. So, all I can tell you is after working for various companies, we've created a system here at Pacific East that for us, it works, but I'm not saying that that's transferable to others-
Evelyn Ackah:
For sure.
Garth Froese:
... but we basically took away all commissions for salespeople so that the technical people did not feel like they were lesser than the salespeople, because in technology, it takes a team to make every single sale. It takes a team to maintain every single customer. But in doing that, we created a gain-sharing bonus that is determined by the success of the company that everybody gets the same amount maybe three or four times a year.
Evelyn Ackah:
Great.
Garth Froese:
Then also performance bonus that people are rewarded when they're doing work over and above what they would normally do, and they're rewarded for that. Then there's other benefits that we've got to add. We've got to look into health benefits. What are some of the things that we can do to add to the health benefit package that we have some cash in the bank where people can apply it to other things? We've got to make sure that people, if somebody passes away in their family, that it's not just according to BC employment laws that they get the three days off or whatever it is, but they get the time they need to heal so that when they come back to work, they're better, or sometimes a furnace doesn't work.
We find a way. I believe it's our privilege as owners to find a way to make our team feel secure in the job they're at. It's never perfect. Yes, we make mistakes, but all I'm saying is that to have that intention, it begins to flow over. Then there's times where the owners just have to fall on their sword and sacrifice, and that's just the way it is. That's the privilege of ownership, but there's a few ideas.
Evelyn Ackah:
The privilege of ownership, I like how you say that. Sometimes it's the privilege and a burden, right? Because I feel like I think those are all great ideas, and we do that. I think incentivizing for success, everybody on the team is important. We do that too, and recognition of bonuses and all of that. We were focusing on having fun. At least those of us in the physical office, go to the theatre. We go to dinner. We spend time together with each other and our families. I just came back from the National Immigration Lawyers Conference, and took my senior paralegal as a reward and benefit for her outstanding work.
It was really a big deal, because most lawyers don't bring their paralegals with them to a lawyer's conference. So, it was great. I don't know if you saw, but I went to the Philippines. So for me-
Garth Froese:
Oh, nope. I don't know.
Evelyn Ackah:
I have. You don't follow me on social media, Garth. I'm just teasing.
Garth Froese:
I'm paranoid. Because of the industry we're in, I'm paranoid.
Evelyn Ackah:
I know. You're in the paranoid industry. I just decided. The kids were in Vancouver for spring break, and Howard and I just thought, "This is the perfect time," and I wanted to go, because we do as you have a remote virtual assistant team in the Philippines as well as other countries that are international. We just thought, "Let's go." So, we went for 10 days, and that level of time with them, we took them to the beach, we flew to different islands. They just had the most incredible time, and we had the best time with them, but it was nice to have that physical time together to eat and drink and play in the ocean, and do stuff together and retreat. We did meetings, but for me, some of them had been with us for three and a half years.
Rizaly has been with me, and I'd never met her in person. So, it was really valuable.
Garth Froese:
Wow.
Evelyn Ackah:
They just were like, "We're committed for life, because nobody else's boss from abroad is coming." They don't meet. Sometimes, they've never... Some of them had never even met each other, because they live in very far regions of the Philippines. So, we brought them all together, and it was really exciting. So anyway, that was my highlight.
Garth Froese:
When hard times come, and they come in these waves every five to eight years, the economy for whatever reason fails, or there's wars or whatever kind of things. The relationships that we strike up face to face when we see people, those are the relationships that stick, and that goes especially for customers and suppliers. They will go for a... They'll pay a higher price if you know the name of their dog, and genuinely can care about their children and their families and their workplace.
Evelyn Ackah:
Yes.
Garth Froese:
When they see that, tough times come, and they go, "You know what? I know who's going to actually be thinking about me during this time versus maybe the big bully corporation over there." Just a thought. Just a thought.
Evelyn Ackah:
Yes, absolutely. Absolutely. No, I agree, and it was worth it. Those are the investments we make to keep people happy, and build a positive team. I mean, I really am so grateful to you, Garth, because you have given us your time, and you've also given us your knowledge. I know how busy you are and all the things you do when you're not working, because you hike. You fish. You run. You go to the gym. You do all these things. How are you finding the time to do all that? I know your kids are older now, but I struggle with that, and I just came back from my gym, but how does that impact you and your effectiveness you think as a leader to have that level of physicality, whether it's kayaking or being on your boat? How does that impact your success with your business?
Garth Froese:
Well, I think it's important that just like they say on the airplane, put your mask on first. I've had those times in life where I haven't been healthy, because I did not take care of myself. I just worked all the time. Those are like... It's tough discipline to all of a sudden look in the doctor's eyes, and he says to, "You may not have much time left, because of this or that happening in your body." Well, what do I need to change? They say, "Well, you need to change your nutrition. You need to change your exercise," and so we make a change. So, whether it means just an hour a day, one hour for 24 hours, I'll be a better person or possibly have a better quality of life.
I think that's the important thing. I'm not a good example when it comes to taking vacations. I'm really lousy at taking vacations, and just taking time off. I love British Columbia, and so for me, just to wander around here is almost good enough, but I'm trying to put a plan together for 2024 and 2025, and my wife is helping.
Evelyn Ackah:
Good. Good.
Garth Froese:
I'd say that it's really important to at least all of these things, whether it be corporate culture or personal well-being that we're always looking at these things, and including our faith and making sure that we're always nurturing ourselves, and growing in our minds and growing in our bodies and growing in our faith so that we can be people that actually have something to offer possibly to someone when they come along.
Evelyn Ackah:
The work is not everything. When you're a business owner, you're always thinking about work, even when you're not at work, right? It's in your head. I think the exercise I just did really helps to just clear that, and you're not able to think about business really because you're busy being physical. I think too, focusing on health is really important. I just got a call yesterday, and this is very true from a lawyer in BC who is wrapping up his practice, and wanting to refer some files that are clients' ease in particular, because he has terminal cancer and was just diagnosed. When you get those calls, or you get that, it just puts everything into perspective, that work is work, and life is life, and it's nice if you can integrate them, but that work is not life.
It just was a really good reminder of that yesterday that we need to take care of ourselves and each other. So, I would like to thank you so much, Garth, for giving me your time on our podcast, for being a fabulous client, and for sharing your wisdom and knowledge with me over the last four years. It truly has been my pleasure and a blessing to me and my family. I want to wish you and your beautiful family all the best as well. Until I see you next time, hopefully in Vancouver. We'll be there this summer. Thank you.
Garth Froese:
Okay. Well, let me just say about Ackah Law and Evelyn's leadership. You are a woman to be watched. I'm not just saying that because that's been in a magazine. I'm saying that you're an amazing woman to be watched, and the way you work internationally with people, and the way you care and your credible ability to do both administrative and to be relational work is just outstanding. So, we have not had a bad moment working with you and Ackah law, the whole team. Seriously, it's been so good. So, thank you so much.
Evelyn Ackah:
Thank you for saying that. I really appreciate you and everything you do. Until next time, thank you all for joining me on the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer podcast. If you have any questions, feel free to call our firm, and please share our podcast with your friends and family. Take care.
Garth Froese:
Thank you.
