Type Of Business:
Restaurant
Marketing Area:
International
Expertise:
Food; Hospitality; Real estate
Major Product/SVS:
Hospitality; Food and beverages
Favorite Business Publication:
Marketing Publications by Rory Fatt, Dan Kennedy and Bill Glazer
Hobbies/Sports:
Spending time with her children; Walking; Enjoying nature
Education Degrees:
Equivalent of Bachelor's Degree in Business, Earned in the Netherlands
Affiliations Awards:
Parish Leadership Team, Saint Ambrose Catholic Church; Missionary Oblates
Industry:
Hospitality Industry
State/Country of Origin:
Netherlands
Date of Distinction:
9/27/2011
What do you feel separates you from the rest of the professionals in your industry?:
She is separated from her peers because she tries to think of entrepreneurship at the front end; she enjoys helping people reach their full potential. She wants a sustainable business, not just a nice office.
What has been the most outstanding thing you have done thus far in your career?:
She considers her greatest career achievement to be becoming an entrepreneur in the hospitality industry.
How would you like to be remembered by your peers?:
She would like to be remembered as a person who made a difference in someone's life, either at a personal or professional level.
If you could solve one problem in the world today, what would it be?:
She would solve the problem of the killing of the unborn.
If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?:
She would have lunch with her husband, John, and her parents. All three would have so much to share with her, either in advice or encouragement.
Spouse's Name:
John (Deceased)
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The highlight of her career was when she and her husband, John, successfully opened another outlet. She also enjoys helping a new restaurant owner becoming the best he or she can be.
Charity:
Volunteer, Local School; Pro-Life Causes; Missionary Oblates; Canadian Red Cross; Canadian Wildlife Federation
Number Of Years In Profession:
30
Number Of Years In Current Position:
1
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her faith and hard work.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became completely involved in the business after the sudden death of her husband, who had also been her business partner for more than 25 years.
Extended Bio Profile:
When Ms. Struik met her husband, John, he was the area franchisee for Dixie Lee Food Systems. They were very successful and opened many outlets throughout Northern Ontario. In January 2006, corporate ownership changed, and in June 2006, she and John became entangled in a legal battle with the new corporate owner. In May 2008, John became suddenly ill and was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer; he passed in June 2008. She had always been involved in the business, but in a more supporting role. After John’s sudden death, she honored his previous agreement with Dixie Lee. She finished the legal battle in September 2011, and started her own business in the hospitality industry, with the objectives in which she and her late husband believed so strongly.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Acquiring sites; Negotiating buying contracts and leases; Overseeing the existing units
Education Certifications:
REBB; Licensed Real Estate and Business Broker, Canada; Certification in Marketing
Awards/Honors:
Two-Time Finalist, Marketer of the Year, North American Marketing Contest (2011, 2010)
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Mrs. Struik hopes to have the company built up to at least 25 units or more. She also wants to have a restaurant in Bruce Mines.