Okanagan College Media Release

One of the Central Okanagan’s best-known developers and businessmen is adding a new entry to his resume: entrepreneur-in-residence for Okanagan College’s School of Business.

Ed Hall, co-president of Canadian Adult Communities and CEO of Regency Retirement Resorts, has accepted the volunteer challenge of helping provide real-world perspective to the 1,400 students enrolled in the College’s Business Administration programs.

Entrepreneur-in-residence Ed Hall

“We’re more than pleased that Ed has accepted our invitation to bring his experience, insight and education to our program,” said Dr. Jayne Brooks, Dean of the Okanagan College School of Business. “He has a sterling reputation as a thoughtful, ethical and successful businessman who has helped shape the face of our valley.”

Hall, through his partnerships in Regency Resorts and Canadian Adult Communities, has been involved in building several retirement resorts and communities, accounting for about 2,500 dwelling units in the region. Regency Retirement Resorts owns and operates more than 500 dwelling units in the Kelowna area, targeted at the seniors market. The include Sandalwood, Missionwood and Westwood Retirement Resort.

“I was contemplating how I might contribute to the development of young entrepreneurs and businesspeople when I was approached by the College with this opportunity,” said Hall. “The School’s focus on entrepreneurialism, small- to medium-sized enterprises as well as its reputation and track record of working in and with the community all led me to accept.

“I’ve already met some of the professors and students and am looking forward to the challenge.”

Hall has a Masters of Business Administration from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario and an undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Calgary.

He is the College’s second entrepreneur-in-residence. The first, another well-known area businessman, was Bill Redmond, who founded and headed HRI Foods before the Okanagan company was bought by SYSCO Foods in 2001.

What is it that an entrepreneur-in-residence does?

“That’s a great question because each individual who takes on the role will get to decide how it is answered,” explained Associate Dean of Business Barry McGillivray, who brought the concept to the Okanagan.

“We know that Ed will be speaking to some classes and that he will be available to students who want to talk to him about their future in business, but from our experience with Bill, we know the role can – and will – be much more. The advice and insights these individuals can offer to students is invaluable and our students are quick to take advantage of opportunities such as this when it is afforded them.

“It’s another example of the opportunities for our students to make real connections between their business education and the communities they will be working in.”