For Kevin, the path to becoming an Export Advisor with Export Navigator is a story of “the mentee becomes the mentor.” As an B.C. exporter himself, he understands the journey selling products and services across Canada and around the world. Besides being an entrepreneur, he’s also an experienced business consultant – and the combination makes him a valuable resource. 

Export Navigator: What is your professional background, and how did that prepare you to work as an Export Advisor? 

My career journey started with a small consulting company that was struggling to survive. Even though I didn’t have a lot of experience, I was asked to step in as vice-president. That lack of experience probably helped because I didn’t realize how tough the situation really was, plus, I really believed it what we were doing. As we managed to move from survival to recovery, then growth, I learned a lot along the way and discovered how much I love the creativity of business. 

I became a partner in the firm, and then in 2016 I moved onto business advising on my own. I worked with Innovate BC to support innovation-driven companies in communities like Prince George and Smithers.  

Export Navigator: Tell us about your own business and how you joined Export Navigator. 

During the pandemic, I decided I needed to try something entrepreneurial myself. I wanted something to keep me connected to the latest business trends and experiment with e-commerce and innovation. I also wanted my kids to experience the process. 

I combined that interest in e-commerce and innovative business models with my passion for food. I started cooking and baking back in my university years and that led to founding Black Fox Flour, a food business that is a mix of old-school craftsmanship and modern logistics.  In Prince George, we mill fresh-to-order flours from organic, heritage and ancient grains and sell directly to customers online. 

Black Fox Flour is how I became connected to Export Navigator when I started exploring how I could expand my market into the U.S. When I finally got moving on exporting, I discovered that shipping flour to the U.S. was surprisingly simple. My product is under the de minimis threshold, so it had no duties, and it isn’t perishable, so it was a relatively easy expansion.  

Export Navigator: What kinds of businesses do you work with? 

It’s a diverse group that includes everything from microbreweries, homesteaders, tech firms, audiovisual services, pavement maintenance, health and wellness consultants and equipment manufacturers. Some are tiny, others have 50+ employees. The variety is incredible and interesting. As an Export Advisor, I can provide direction and support no matter the size or sector of the business. 

Export Navigator: What do you look for in a potential client? 

Passion, a clear vision and readiness. It helps if they know what they’re offering and who they want to reach. We also want to identify any challenges or roadblocks upfront, such as shipping or regulatory issues, to avoid wasting time or money later. 

Export Navigator: Why should a business consider exporting? 

To build resilience. The last few years have shown how risky it is to rely on one market. Exporting to other provinces and countries opens new paths for growth and makes businesses more adaptable. 

Export Navigator: What’s your advice to entrepreneurs thinking about exporting? 

Start thinking about it from day one. You don’t have to go international right away. Maybe it’s another province first. But if you build exporting into your business plan, you’re setting yourself up for more opportunities down the road. 

Learn more 

Thinking of exporting? Find an Export Advisor in your region today and discover the opportunities available to you.