President & Creative Director – Optamedia – www.optamedia.com

“I’ve never actually worked for anyone,” admits this young entrepreneur. Optamedia, an Edmonton communications company that specializes in branding, was born when Chris Bolivar was studying political science at the University of Alberta.

There are only eight employees, but he considers his small company to be his competitive advantage. “When you have ownership over projects, you have better results,” says Bolivar.

The staff takes care of the creative aspects of the business, while he focuses on business development. Since its conception, business has grown 200 to 300 percent per year, with clients such as Microsoft Canada, Isotechnika, and the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

“I don’t think the equation to business is difficult or profound. If you deliver the goods and treat your customers right, you’re going to do well.” But the success also comes with a challenge. “The growth of the company is very difficult to manage.” He explains that it’s important to ensure that the resources match up with the growth.

Bolivar plans to expand Optamedia, first in western Canada, and then nationally. His goal is to be a leader in the national branding and design community in Canada. “I have ideas everyday. The most difficult thing is choosing which ideas to pursue and which ones to drop.”

He also has a rich community life, and is on the fundraising committee for the CARITAS organization and volunteers for the Edmonton Junior Chamber of Commerce. “We all want to make Edmonton a better place.”