Business

Re-Thinking Technical Trades

Re-Thinking The Identity of Technical Trades

The first few months of my training in North West, Alberta (Grande Prairie) I conformed to every stereotype of what I perceived the trades where all about. The western lifestyle and way of doing things is night and day compared to Eastern Canada. When I make this distinction I am specifically talking about the emphasis on work life balance and to be more precise the lifestyle and occupational health/safety standards of those who work in the Oil & Gas sector. The government of Alberta is very aware of the stress toll this sector experiences; the reality of drug, alcohol abuse and aggressive domestic violence leading to broken homes due to long periods of time away is a huge productivity and societal health problem.

Beyond The Stereotypes

Stereotypical view points like the one above are not static but instead very fluid and the situation in the west is changing rapidly. There is currently a surge of strong responsible well educated young professional talent from the east that is moving west. Fundamentally competition for Human Capital from a Supply & Demand level leads west but there is also competition for talent in occupational sectors and it is my personal opinion that in the next 10-25 years the jobs of the future will continue to be in the technical trades. We all know of the Lawyer, Doctor, Engineering route which is a universal societal occupation of status, power and talent however in the same breath Carpenter, Electrician and Pipefitter are equally in the same category under “High Skilled” occupations. The only difference is in the tools required to do the job and the need for workforce mobility the 9 to 5 lifestyle, North American dream that was sold to a generation of millennial’s is something of the past. There is no such thing as job security, the only security is in an individuals ability to adapt, and to be the best at what they do in order to keep a competitive advantage over their peers.

Tools Required To Do The Job

I’ve recently been listening to Earl Nightingale a 1950’s motivational speaker who’s simple viewpoints on life, success and living have resonated with me.

Something that I think is forgotten sometimes because Canada is such a strong a stable country politically and economically is that we are competing on a global level in business. Our academic institutions are generally highly regarded as the best in the world, howeve

In order to make my point as clear as possible, it was

, however moving west and living is not necessarily the ideal circumstance for a majority of people in the population.

This is especially alarming when you look at the fact that from my estimate of working a year in the north that 80% of the population working in these fields is . Now this is something that is an issue throughout the world and in every region of the country, however I will

matter where in the world status is a huge motivation for individuals who want to enhance their quality of life.

Cutting cost and austirty is not always the best opition, sometimes what is requried instead of cost cutting is changing in the mind the perception of what it means to be in a certin occupation andth

in the sector not for the enjoyment but to cover cost,

Overtime as I have matured in my understanding of the trades and where the future is leading things I am more convinced than ever that the synergy between the East and West is slowly fusing together. What I mean by this is that the academic/technical expertise

not just from a cultural stand point as inter-provincial mobility enhances but from a technical and business standpoint also.

Progressive Canadian Politics

The Conservative Party of Canada would do the same as Patrick Brown if smart and move back to its Progressive “Red Tory” roots, for any chance of surviving or will Elizabeth May and the Green Party of Canada get there first?

At this moment in time Justin Trudeau is visiting Barack Obama, Drake has the keys to the city , DMF Energy Inc. is on the right path, and Facebook is planning on teaming up with the NFL for live streaming,for the record according to NPR, a consultant with SAP said 100,000,000 hours of video is consumed globally each day.

Ontario Central Focused

Ontario has always been my home and remains. I’ve been fortunate to also have deep Atlantic Canadian roots and Western Canada experiences. I’ve been exposed to various cultures and environments in Canada for so long it has no doubt shaped my adventurous spirit. In 1995 passing the welcome to Mississauga sign when moving from Toronto with my brothers and mother I recall seeing the population sign say 350,000. As of this year in 2018 Mississauga is peaking towards 1 million. The GTHA has grown significantly the last 20 years with no change of pace expected, this extends to the Waterloo Region as well, a place I equally feel and call home.

I’m not an economist, politician or public policy professional however I’m an aware engaged private citizen. This upcoming Ontario provincial election will have a lasting impact on the policy direction on not only where Ontario is headed in the future but potentially Canada as a whole with the federal election coming up in 2019. All eyes will be on Ontario the next few weeks as the new government forms and people take to the polls. Some will care, many will not, however the results will make an impact direct or indirect on everyone’s wallets.

Debt when properly used as a financial instrument of leverage allows our country and economy to expand at great lengths. Financing student, vehicle, consumer purchases, and housing. Debt is a tool of financial freedom and flexibility, however when mismanaged or abused it can have extreme negative consequences and become a prison. I think it is very prudent and responsible that before leveraging our future cost anymore collectively as a province and country we don’t abandon our principals of fiscal responsibility. The same responsibility that is placed on every home and individuals budget should be shared for those who govern. If Ontario’s Auditor General’s calculations are accurate we really do need to reflect and re-consider the direction we’re going and how will get back to balance or if that is something that is even valued anymore.

DMF Energy – 2018 Developments

April 8th, 2018

Each year brings forward new opportunity and promise however it is only through our actions that we are able to realize our potential. At the end of the first quarter of 2018 collectively with the support and encouragement of numerous friends, family and business associates I’ve completed the 5 year goal of building a sustainable business operations framework; with coverage across Canada secured we now have with the ability to scale into the United States and Caribbean markets.

DMF Energy is a Alberta incorporated company that is extra-provincially registered in Ontario and Nova Scotia.

Business Verticals

DMF Energy Inc. has 3 core business verticals General Contracting, Training Development and Piping Infrastructure. As a general contractor the company is responsible for the day-to-day operations and site management of building projects. Training development it is the retail distribution of online, print and in-class educational programs.

Piping infrastructure is the apprenticeship and journeyman certificate in the Steamfitter-Pipefitter trade held by me as Director DMF Energy Inc. it is the backbone of our business. The occupation of Pipefitting Supervisor according to Canadian Business Magazine in 2017 was ranked the 4th best occupation in the country that’s an increase from the 26th ranking in 2013.

DMF Energy 2016: Canadian Developments

It’s been 3 years, 80,000 kilometers flying in the air, 30,000 driving on the ground and 7,000 hours working in the field but DMF Energy Inc. (DMF) is now ready to be of service to Canada and the World, what started as a dream is now a reality and it wouldn’t be possible without teamwork, family, sacrifice and perseverance. For more background details on DMF’s origins you can click here, for program details you click here.

More information will be coming this fall regarding how the public can be involved in the companies projects on a private equity level or as volunteer with Canadian Human Capital Development Initiative (CHCDI). Currently our team has began the process of direct communications with elected officials at all three levels of Canadian government but most importantly we are going to be working with individuals and communities within our core Canadian municipalities of service:

http://dmfenergy.com/contact-us

As we position ourselves to offer bilingual services in the next year the additional regions of Greater Moncton and Greater Montreal will be added as well. For 2018 we plan on servicing Prairie capitals in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and British Columbia respectfully. DMF Energy Inc will be hosting information sessions and events late Fall 2016 and all of 2017 with major funding goals to be secured and reached by Summer 2017.

www.dmfenergy.com/management-team

The Canadian-Jamaican Invitation & Energy Management training partnership is ahead of schedule and will be making announcements soon regarding paid and volunteer opportunities with that exciting initiative. Thank you to everyone along the way who inspired, shared and stood by our vision of working with a determined, motivated and focused mindset to be the change and build a better tomorrow today.

My best,

Halifax Citadel: Historic Site of Canada

With the outbreak of WW1, few blacks were serving in the Canadian military because of the racial attitudes prevalent at the time. Initially, some blacks attempted to enlist in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, but most were rejected. The Department of Militia and Defense’s policy towards recruitment was to defer to the judgement of the individual commanding officer, and since many held deeply ingrained beliefs about the inferiority of blacks, very few were accepted.

via Parks Canada. http://bit.ly/24LSVEF

via Wikipediai http://bit.ly/2agvrBv

The Future of Personal Development

With every negative so comes a positive, this is the universal law of nature and can’t be thwarted. Coming to terms with this reality is extremely important and something that I’ve taken a great deal of time to research, understand and implement within my own life a system and lifestyle that embodies this sort of balance.

Having vision without purpose you are just a boat tossing in the sea however with Determination, Motivation and Focus you can create and cast your sail to discover wherever your heart leads. The case load of work I have is extensive and only recently have had the time to work through many of the files because of my travels the last 3-5 years however with a more solid foundation and credibility behind me I’m looking forward to getting through and addressing each one. I’ve categorized my GTD (Get Things Done) list into 5 categories for simplicity (Legal, Business, Non-Profit, Personal, and Government). When these files are updated the real fun and adventure can start, however until then I’ll make my way through each one. Before you can explore the world, you must first build your wings with personal development so that you may fly safely to your destination.

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I really believe the following Jim Rohn quote below embodies the future of Personal Development and Mental Health, it strikes a great balance between self-reliance and mutual co-operation something we surely could use a lot more of.

Northern Alberta: Beyond Blood & Oil

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It’s approaching a year since returning from Northern Alberta, reflecting back to what impressed me the most about the province was the sheer vast amount of open space and land. There are no shortages of socio-economic challenges in the region but that is the case anywhere cities are not immune to homelessness, drug abuse and people living in shelters. I can’t help but smile reflecting on how great the experience was to be around so many honest and hardworking people, raising families, living life and doing whatever it takes to survive and thrive specially in what can be at times an unforgiving landscape. I had an old Truck, affectionately named “Old Red”, my dog, love a goal and purpose. This July 2016 will be the anniversary date and I’ll be eligible to complete my Red Seal had I gone the same route in Ontario it wouldn’t be possible until maybe July 2019.

Photo: Taken outside Reed Energy work shop,working as a safety watch because it was a confined space, the welder was fixing a flange inside the tank, pictured in the back and Old Red, 96 Single Cab Ford F-150 in the front.

It wasn’t until his passing that I learned why my grandfathers nickname as a young man was “Hank”, his friends called him that because of his secret love of Country Music, Hank Williams was a legend for many I don’t know his music but he’s in the Hall of Fame for a reason I suppose. Now don’t get my wrong, my grandfather loved good Soul, R&B, Blues and Jazz grew up with it, he also ran a night club that played it all the time however he did have a soft spot for country tunes. As a kid sitting in the passenger side of his car I can recall when News Talk Radio wasn’t playing he would be humming the melody to a country song., maybe it was at that time my affection and soft spot for the slow country lifestyle began. Although camping and cottaging was something I enjoyed, this type of country living of the north was blue collar hardworking and resonated with me and many others across Canada, and really throughout the world.

Canadian-Jamaican Innovation & Energy Management Training Partnership

In an effort to enhance the quality, competitiveness, and professional development of Canada’s social and energy infrastructure, DMF Energy Inc, has signed a memorandum of understanding in agreement with the Health, Education and Counselling Institute (HECOIN) of Jamaica to develop and introduce a new 36 month pilot project program. The program is designed for professionals, mature students and youth seeking knowledge and employment opportunities in the fast modernizing global energy sector.

It is anticipated that 150 participants will be enrolled between Winter 2018 – Fall 2019. The key objectives and goals are to increase mental health and cross cultural awareness for Canadian and Jamaican youth, enhance skill development in relation to new emerging technology trends and to create employment opportunities within Canada, Jamaica and other international markets for program participants. Administered by the Canadian Human Capital Development Initiative the curriculum will focus on several key areas of interest including: international business development, modern political relations, solar engineering, environmental assessments and Canadian Red Seal Endorsement pathways for construction and service related trades.

Jerome L. Downey – Executive Director & Principal Consultant, CHCDI, DMF Energy Inc.

“Energy security is very important and Canada needs to affirm its place as a leader in conservation and renewable energy markets. We’re excited for the opportunity to launch our pilot project in the Caribbean. Our company supports the principals of the Vision 2030 Jamaica, National Energy Development Plan which align with our corporate values and Canada’s commitment to international diplomacy, health, education advancement and business innovation.”

Colin O Jarrett, – VP of Administration, Finance and International Marketing, HECOIN

“The HECOIN family welcomes this partnership where both Jamaicans and Canadians will be trained in Jamaica which is a welcomed change. Solar energy conservation is a priority for many governments and this training collaboration will further bring savings in the coffers of governments that take energy security seriously. Both Jamaica and Canada have made significant strides in the area of renewable energy which is commendable.”

An Indigenous Canadian Journey

The Stage

I’ve lived in 7 cities in the last 6 years pushing to discover and become the best version of myself. Looking inside my new Canadian Passports it shows the place of my birth as Toronto, ON however in my heart and mind it could simply just read Canada. As a child my heart came alive exploring the commons of Halifax playing baseball at the local YMCA, summer day camp trips at the George Dixon Community Center and great memories on the football gridiron. The thrill of learning and challenging myself academically and athletically in the town of Sackville, New Brunswick as an adolescence forever changed my life for the better. Then I moved back to Toronto before my passion took me to Ottawa, where I then embarked on a great journey west stopping in Grande Prairie, Edmonton and Fort McMurray Alberta to secure my future and seek opportunity like thousands of other Canadians in the energy sector.

Presently

Now as a young man at the age of 30 without an immediate family or independent of my own reflecting back on these travels from east to west, the people that have come in and out of my life the moments of pride, shame, glory and sadness one thing has never faded, the desire to keep learning and becoming better, they say to know where your going you need to know where your from and understanding Canada and what grew from the former Dominion of Canada has been a great motivation of mine, and reason why I’ve enrolled in Cape Brenton University’s innovative new online Mi’kmaq course, to learn more, as Plato told Socrates “Know Theyself”. As an indigenous Mi’kmaq Canadian, who is also a direct decent of a slave, French Canadian and indigenous Jamaican I’ve come full-circle in some respects by landing in the town of St. Catherine’s Ontario. A historic and famous town for many reasons, for me knowing that it was the central hub of Canadian operations for Harriet Tubman during the time of the underground rail road is enough to give me a sense of pride and belonging, the same pride and belonging feeling as Canadians we should be extending to Syrian Refugees fleeing a devastating in humane conflict.

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