User:Pkidston/sandbox

Paul Kidston was born in 1963. Born in the tail end' of the baby boomer era, he was raised in the small village of Herring Cove. His family history in Halifax dates back almost 300 years before he was born. As one of 11 original immigrant families who helped settle the Halifax area, there are many reminders of their deep roots in the community. The 'Kidston Farm' museum and Kidston Lake are 2 notable landmarks baring the family name. Paul's father was Gordon Kidston, the owner of G. M. Kidston Glass Company. This thriving auto and commercial glass business was established the year Paul was born. It ran for many years and was subsequently sold when Gordon Kidston passed away from complications of Kidney disease. Gordon Kidston discovered his Kidney disease in 1963 and was told by doctors that he had only a year to live. His wife, Paul's mother Evelyn Kidston was quoted as saying at the time of the diagnosis "Live your dream. Doctors are not God. They don't know when your going to die." And she was right. Gordon Kidston struggled and successfully grew the business over the 13 years but eventually succumb to the disease. Gordon Kidston walked with a noticeable limp as the result of polio as a child. Paul Kidston only knew his father a short time through childhood but admired his courage and tenacity. His father inspired him through his career, and helped establish the work ethic, entrepreneurship, and sense of community that are weaved through every chapter of his life. Some people grow into a business profession. Paul was a born business person. He started making money through numerous entrepreneurial businesses at an early age.

EARLY YEARS 6 Years-10 Years Old
 * leased a spot in the family garden from his father, planted, nurtured, cultivated and sold cucumbers and tomatoes to local housewives in the neighborhood.
 * as an offshoot of the gardening business, he vertically integrated and began selling worms to local fisherman as bait.
 * from the baiting business, he seen a need for cooler ice for travelers, tourists and fisherman. He used the family freezer, and any milk cartons he could find to freeze ice for the business.

DARK YEARS 10-12 Years
 * turbulent family time before his father's death
 * family began falling apart

13-18 Years
 * abandoned as a child, Paul lived in various places and on the street
 * he worked in fast food at 14 years of age to survive (he lied about his age)
 * he quit high school in grade 10.
 * he stayed infrequently at his mother's home, and fell victim to abuse and neglect during those short visits
 * during these years he sought help from doctors and community agencies to combat feelings of suicide

NEW LIFE 19-24 25-30
 * had an epiphany one morning and decided not to be a victim anymore (tired of being hungry and depressed)
 * forgave his mother and resumed ties
 * started and completed vocational school as a steamfitter. Received top student award for the class.
 * Tried to find an apprenticeship. Union books were closed. Worked fulltime at Canadian Tire in the Plumbing department for minimum wage.
 * Tried to enter university. Blocked by the administration because of my high school record.
 * Took my GED, and convinced Mount Saint Vincent to take me as a Special Status" student under academic probation.
 * Loved school and did well.
 * graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University have completed my last year at the University of British Columbia (BBA 1986)
 * volunteered for the Helpline for 2 years
 * volunteered as a Big Brother as part of the Big Brother/Big Sister program 2 years
 * starred as Charlie Brown in the Broadway Musical "Snoopy".
 * Got married to the love of his life: Angela Young. Still happily married.
 * travelled extensively and had the time of their lives.
 * recruited into the Life Insurance industry from university
 * won gold medal for top sales recruit at London Life.
 * headhunted by Motorola and was promoted to sales manager
 * headhunted again and went to Cantel (now Rogers)

30-42
 * began a family. Marshall Kidston, then 4 years later Matthew Kidston
 * bought a house and settled down
 * completed Executive MBA at Saint Mary's University
 * promoted 3 times during his career, Dealer Sales Manager, Director of Sales, General Manager
 * helped Rogers find my replacement

42-Now
 * Opened Sales Training Experts
 * helped wife buy and open Welcome Inn Halifax B&B
 * Angela ran the business for 10 years
 * Built and grew the consultancy business in consulting, coaching and training.
 * as Ted Rogers said many times " The best is yet to come".
 * Marshall is at university in TO
 * Matthew is finishing grade 12 and going on a tall ship when he graduates
 * Paul and Angela are at a crossroad...next chapter.