CREATED BY DUECK GM TO SALUTE B.C.'S ENTREPRENEURS
DRIVING B.C.
FORWARD
Through this 12-part series, Dueck GM salutes B.C.'s entrepreneurs
who are driving growth and innovation in the local business
community. This month's driving force is Phil Heard, owner of
Heard Productions Inc.
Y
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Phil Heard
PRESENTED BY Dueck GM
P R O M O T E D C O N T E N T
I
f you've attended an
auto event in Western
Canada during the last
40 years, there's a good
chance Phil Heard's ngerprints
were all over it. From running Canadian
National Sportsmen's shows to heading the
Vancouver Molson Indy, he's been a key
gure in building the prole of auto events
in B.C. After some excursions with other
industries (GM of Hastings Racecourse,
COO of the World Ubran Forum and run-
ning the Vancouver Economic Development
Commission) he has returned to the world of
automobiles. Alongside his son, Jason, he's
created Heard Productions Inc., and together
the two have turned the Vancouver Inter-
national Auto Show into the premier auto
show in Canada. Dueck salutes Phil for his
involvement in building B.C. with key auto
events in the province, and providing events
that allow the industry to present products.
What's your favourite car?
A Chevrolet Corvette. I had wanted a
Corvette since I was a boy. I got my rst
one as a company car when I was GM at
the Molson Indy.
Why do you choose Dueck as your
preferred dealership?
They treat you like a
VIP. I took my rst
Corvette there because they sold the most
Corvettes, plus they give great service and
advice.
What was your first job?
Washing dishes at Woolworths. After that I
graduated to making donuts.
What was your big break?
It was moving to run consumer shows
with Canadian National Sportmen's
shows. Some of the rst I worked on
were The Boat Show, The RV Show
and The Floating Boat Show in Vancouver.
What was the turning point in
your career?
When Molson asked me to be the GM
of the Indy Race. With my love of both
cars and special events, it was the perfect
job for me.
What motivates you?
Working with smart, creative people on
challenging projects.
What have been the keys to your
company's success?
Working with my son, who is the creative
one, and helping him build a company that
can innovate and grow.
What excites you the most about
the future of your industry?
Consumer shows are changing.
The challenge is to keep things fresh,
interesting, and exciting.
How would you describe your
leadership style?
Open and honest (with a bit of humour
thrown in for good measure).
What is one of the most underrated
qualities of a leader?
The ability to communicate your goals
clearly.
What are three must-haves for you
on a road trip?
A good sound system, plenty of classic
rock and my wife.
(clockwise from left) Phil
Heard with his favourite car, a
Chevrolet Corvette; Heard with
son, Jason at the Vancouver
Collector Car Show and Auction;
Heard on the roof of BC Place at the
start of the Molson Indy's first race in 1990;
Heard's wife, Dianne
(F
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COUR
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