A Team of Visionary Leaders

Biography

Eric Bergeron is the Founder and CEO of FlyScan Systems since 2015. Previously He was Founder and CEO of Optosecurity, which he started from scratch and where he raised $38M of Equity Financing to hire a great team of geniuses who developed, sold, and deployed airport security automation products around the world. The company was acquired by a division of Toyota Industries. Prior to Optosecurity, he worked for start-ups, investment funds and large companies in Quebec, Virginia and The Netherlands. Eric is a senior member of the IEEE, and a member of the Quebec Order of Professional Engineers (P.Eng.). He has a BSc in Engineering Physics from Laval University, a MSc from the University of Quebec, and completed the Entrepreneurship Development Program at the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Biography

Mirko Zgela, Vice-President System Integration, operation and R&D, joined the team in 2016. He graduated in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science in Physics (Honor) from the College Militaire Royal de Saint-Jean, Quebec and in 1985 obtained a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Vehicle Design from Cranfield Institute of Technology (CIT), England. During his M.Sc. studies at Cranfield he specialized in flutter analysis and aircraft structural design. He enrolled in the Canadian Forces in 1975 and retired from active service as a senior officer in 1994. During his military career he served as Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Structures and Test Engineer as well as Aircraft Structural Integrity Manager for the Canadian Fighter and Trainer fleet at the National Defense Headquarter. Upon his retirement from the Canadian Forces, he served in many senior positions in the commercial aerospace sector where he continued evolving in the world of engineering by providing consultant expertise to a number of companies, air operators and the Department of National Defense by performing design, analysis and certification work for FAR 23, 25, 27 and 29 aerospace vehicles as a Transport Canada Design Approval Representative in the field of structures, systems and equipment with more than 350 certification projects completed.

He has a full understanding of the product development and aerospace manufacturing processes. He has extensive experience in flight test of aircraft, helicopter and UAV systems, broad experience in International Project Management and the establishment of collaborative programs. He is skill at multi-disciplinary team project management in complex technical working environment. Finally, he is highly familiar with financial analysis methods, market surveys, cost benefit analyses and business planning processes.

Biography

Jean-François Grenon is a serial entrepreneur and a technology angel investor. He is a graduate from Ecole Polytechnique de Montréal, Tres Grande Distinction in Elecrtrical Engineering and Harvard Business School (MBA). After a stint with the Boston Consulting Group in Paris and Boston, he worked for over 20 years in the wireless equipment industry in the US for technology innovators such as M/A-COM and California Microwave and start-ups such as Technical Communications Corporation, Microwave Radio Corporation and Innova Corporation. His claim to fame was as a CEO, to recapitalize fledging Seattle-based start-up Innova Corporation, take it public 18 months later and then merge it with its frontal and dominant competitor 12 months later. He provided over 10x return to its venture backers in that process.

Jean-François has focused for the last 15 years on angel investing in technology, primarily in Canada. He has invested in and exited a number of companies such as Elliptic Technologies, Optosecurity, Ticksmith, LandR via secondaries or an outright company sale.

He is a limited partner of Montreal-based Tandem Launch Fund 1 and 2, Ottawa-based Mistral Venture Partners Fund 1 and Fund 2 and Quebec-based Fond InnovExport. He sits on the boards of 10 (mostly AI-connected companies), including 4 as their Chairman. He generally exits an investment when they reach break even and are engaged in healthy revenue growth.

Biography

Eric Bergeron is the Founder and CEO of FlyScan Systems since 2015. Previously He was Founder and CEO of Optosecurity, which he started from scratch and where he raised $38M of Equity Financing to hire a great team of geniuses who developed, sold, and deployed airport security automation products around the world. The company was acquired by a division of Toyota Industries. Prior to Optosecurity, he worked for start-ups, investment funds and large companies in Quebec, Virginia and The Netherlands. Eric is a senior member of the IEEE, and a member of the Quebec Order of Professional Engineers (P.Eng.). He has a BSc in Engineering Physics from Laval University, a MSc from the University of Quebec, and completed the Entrepreneurship Development Program at the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Biography

Mr. Ulbricht is the founder (2001) and Managing Director of ADLARES GmbH, an SME focusing on the development and operation of airborne LIDAR systems for pipeline leak detection. The ADLARES team developed the CHARM® technology for the detection of smallest leaks in gas pipelines. The development included laser technology and optical parametric oscillators, optical scanner, pipeline tracking hard- & software as well as system integration and system software. Furthermore the ADLARES team developed software for data management, evaluation and reporting.

Mr. Ulbricht was member of the DVGW (German Gas & Water Association) working group setting up the first technical standard worldwide for laser based airborne leak detection in gas transmission pipelines (G501).

Prior to the foundation of ADLARES GmbH Mr. Ulbricht was General Manager of Elight Laser Systems GmbH (1993 – 2000), a company manufacturing solid state lasers and LIDAR systems for urban air pollution monitoring.

Biography

Mr. Lortie is Senior Business Advisor at Dentons Canada LLP, a major Canadian law firm. A director of ECN Capital, he serves as Chairman of the Credit and Risk Committee of the Board. Previously, Mr. Lortie served as a director of Element Financial from August 2011 to October 2016 and as director of Canam Group from 1989 to 2003 and from 2004 to 2017. Mr. Lortie served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Bombardier Transportation, Bombardier Capital, Bombardier International, and as President of Bombardier Aerospace, Regional Aircraft. He has also served as Chairman of Canada’s Royal Commission on Electoral Reform and Party Financing. He has been Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Provigo Inc., President and Chief Executive Officer of the Montréal Stock Exchange and a Senior Partner of Secor Inc. He received an M.B.A. with honors from the University of Chicago, a licence in applied economics from the Université Louvain, Belgium and a Bachelor’s degree in applied sciences (engineering physics) from Université Laval. He was awarded a Doctorate Honoris Causa in civil law from Bishop’s University. He received his certification from the Canadian Institute of Corporate Directors. He was elected Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering in 1988. Pierre was appointed member of the Order of Canada in 2001.

Biography

Martin Theriault is the founder, CEO and Chairman of Eddyfi/NDT. Eddyfi/NDT is a technology company based in Quebec City, Canada, and a portfolio company of Novacap and the Caisse de Dépôt et Placement du Québec.

Eddyfi/NDT is a fast-growing, innovative private Test & Measurement (T&M) technology group focused on Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). Through its 2 divisions, Advanced NDT Equipment and Advanced Integrated Inspections, it caters to asset owners, large engineering firms, and service companies globally in markets such as Aerospace, Energy, Mining, Power Generation, and Transportation. The company employs over 1,100 people throughout 22 offices worldwide and serves clients in more than 110 countries.

A late-blooming entrepreneur, Martin Theriault has accumulated a vast experience in engineering, sales, marketing, and management before starting Eddyfi in 2010. He worked mainly for Roper Technologies and Air Liquide in Canada, the United States, and Europe. Martin holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from McGill University (Montreal, PQ) and an MBA from Duke University (Durham, NC).

Biography

Bhushan joined Enbridge in 2018 and leads the functions of Information Technology; Cybersecurity; Business Process Simplification; Operational Technology; Data and Digital. Bhushan has shaped the digital strategy for the company including the launch of technology + innovation labs while transforming technology services into a strategic enabler for Enbridge.

Bhushan brings over two decades of international leadership in the business of technology, and experience from shaping and leading transformation in multiple industries, with diverse cultures and in different business cycles.

Prior to Enbridge, he was Vice President and global CIO at AP Moller Maersk, where he led and transformed the global information & data, cybersecurity, improved industrial technology and built the digital strategy. Before Maersk, Bhushan served as an executive at General Electric. Prior to GE, Bhushan drove outcomes in the high-technology sector, leading demand and supply chains and performed in various roles including product management, technology management and software engineering. Bhushan has a track record of raising the competitiveness, differentiation and scalability of the business during any business cycle, a knack for applied technology and innovation, developing winning teams and talent.

Bhushan serves as a member of the board and director for the Calgary Spark Science Center and the Technology Business Management Council. Bhushan holds a Master of Science degree with major in Information Systems and Operations Management and holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Biography

Passionate about sustainability and health, Pascal has over 25 years of experience in technology, R&D, innovation and investment. Prior to joining BDC, Pascal was Director of Corporate Development and Intellectual Property with renewable energy company Anaergia and water technology company Fibracast. Pascal spent 6 years as an Investment Lead at SDTC with a focus on the agriculture, bio-industrial, mining and water sectors. Earlier in his career, Pascal worked in an IP Advisory firm drafting patent applications and developing IP strategies, as well as having a mix of VC and startup experience. Pascal also sat on various Research Ethics Boards that review clinical trials in humans and holds a commercial pilot’s license for airplanes.

Pascal holds a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Pharmacology from Sherbrooke University, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from HEC – University of Montréal, a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Pharmacology from Sherbrooke University and a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Physiology from McGill University. Pascal also conducted post-doctoral research on neural stem cells at the Salk Institute and UCSD in California.

Biography

Tom Miesner spend 25+ years at Conoco Pipeline, retiring as President in 2003. Over those years Tom held many industry positions and served on a variety of boards and management committees. In 2004, Tom retired from ConocoPhillips to found his pipeline consulting business. In 2006 Tom’s book Oil and Gas Pipelines in Nontechnical Language was published by PennWell Publishing. Since that time it has sold over 10,000 copies, and the second edition of this popular book will be released in 2020. In 2008, Tom founded Pipeline Knowledge & Development to share his oil and gas pipeline knowledge with others. Since that time Tom has taught over 150 instructor led classes. His most popular class is Oil and Gas Pipeline Fundamentals.

In addition to teaching in person, and providing management consulting services, Tom founded a company which produces video-based oil and gas pipeline training materials. The Hazardous Liquids Control Room class is currently in use by seven oil pipeline companies.

From 2009, through as successful sale to First Reserve in 2017, Tom served as Chairman of the Board of LineStar Services, a super-regional pipeline service company. Tom is a member of the Central Texas Angle Network where he invests in early stage companies, and coaches entrepreneurs. Tom’s work passions are mentoring entrepreneurs, and helping midstream stakeholders improve the safety, reliability, efficiency and environmental performance of the oil and gas pipeline industry.

Biography

John Roark, currently serving as Chief Operating Officer of ARB Midstream since January 2020, has thirty years experience in the oil and gas industry, primarily in mid-stream engineering and operations roles. Prior to joining ARB he served as Vice-Presedent of Operations for Andeavor Logistics, leading operations for pipelines and terminals. Mr. Roark also spent 25 years with Phillips 66 in leadership roles over pipelines, trucking, rail, and operations services. Mr. Roark has a bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University and lives with his family in Fayetteville, AR.

Biography

Mr. Muhlbauer is an internationally recognized authority on pipeline risk management. In this field, he is an author, lecturer, consultant, and software developer. Techniques developed by Mr. Muhlbauer are in use by the largest pipeline operators in the U.S. and in pipeline operations in many other countries. Mr. Muhlbauer is an advisor to private industry, government agencies, and academia, as well as a frequently invited speaker at industry conferences worldwide. Mr. Muhlbauer also has an extensive background in pipeline design, operations, and maintenance, having held technical and management positions in a pipeline operating company for over 13 years prior to becoming a full time pipeline risk management consultant

Biography

Scott Rust is a Senior Executive with a consistent track record of scaling teams to drive innovation and profitable growth while leading corporate-wide strategic and operational initiatives. Scott’s extensive experience is demonstrated in his current role with National Instruments (NI) as the Senior Vice President of Product R&D. Scott leads a global R&D organization responsible for delivering a unified product platform by developing world-class software connected automated test and automated measurement systems with HW capabilities scaling from DC to light and SW capabilities from low-level driver to enterprise SW. These systems accelerate innovation, productivity, and discovery in all industries with a focus on Semiconductor, Transportation, and Aerospace/Defense. Scott has a BS of Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University and he is the inventor of 9 patents.

Biographie

Mr. Pierson retired as President of Marathon Pipe Line LLC in 2017.   He was also vice president, operations of MPLX GP LLC. He served as an industry representative on the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Technical Advisory Committee, which advises the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration on regulatory matters.   Mr. Pierson also served as Chairman of the American Petroleum Industry’s Pipeline Subcommittee, Member of the Pipeline Safety Excellence Steering Committee and Member of the Safety Policy team.   He also was a leading industry advocate for the development of API 1173 – Pipeline Safety Management Systems.   Mr. Pierson served on the board of the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port (LOOP) and as an owner representative for Marathon Petroleum’s interest in Capline, both entities being significant parts of the nation’s crude oil infrastructure.

Mr. Pierson joined Marathon Pipe Line Company in 1978 as a pipeline engineer. He also served as an internal control auditor for Marathon Oil Company before returning to a series of pipeline engineering and operations positions in Wyoming, Alaska, West Texas and Houston. In 1989 he helped develop a gas pipeline project in Syria. In 1991, Mr. Pierson was named manager of Engineering and Construction Services with responsibilities in the retail marketing sector. He then held operations manager positions for Marathon Pipe Line until 1997, when he joined a project to develop offshore oil and gas resources on Sakhalin Island, Russia. In 2000 Mr. Pierson returned to operations manager positions for Marathon Ashland Pipe Line*, with responsibilities over Gulf Coast operations. He was named vice president of operations for Marathon Pipe Line LLC in 2005, and as its president in 2011.   He assumed the role of vice president, operations of MPLX GP LLC in 2012.  Marathon Pipe Line at the time of his retirement operated about 6,000 miles of pipelines in 15 states with nearly 800 employees, moving about 3,000,000 barrels of hazardous liquids on a daily basis.

Mr. Pierson graduated from Ohio Northern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering in 1978. He attended Stanford University’s Leading Change and Organizational Renewal Program.