Nova Scotia Business Laureate Archive

George E.M. Lewis

Inducted 2025

With a strong legacy in the Nova Scotia business community, George established himself as a business leader in the early 1900s with companies including Sheet Harbour Lumber Company, The Glencovey Shipping Company, and The Eastern Hat and Cap Company Ltd. George was active as member of First Baptist Church in Truro and supporter of various charitable organizations. "He was best known, of course, in Truro, where he made his home for so long, and there he was held not only in regard but affection, for George Lewis was one who had the common touch". Unknown

George Lewis was born in Economy N.S. of Scottish immigrant parents who had been shoe makers in Scotland before coming to Canada in 1837. His parents began making shoe pegs and lasts by hand in…

Jim Mills

Inducted 2025

Jim goes all-in when it comes to taking a business risk. Jim has built Office Interiors into the largest office furniture and office equipment company in the Atlantic Region with offices in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. His decisions are never based on what is "required," but instead on what is the right thing to do and this style of decision making, of doing right by your colleagues, customers, and community stakeholders, has become the norm across the organization. Jim has volunteered with, fund-raised for, and played a leadership role in, dozens of community organizations in Nova Scotia.

Jim goes all-in when it comes to taking a business risk. After starting his career with Johnson & Johnson, Jim decided to “chase the dream of owning a business”. As co-founder and now owner of…

Mike Brien

Inducted 2025

After beginning his career in the banking industry Mike’s need to feed his entrepreneurial spirit saw him venture out on his own in 1985 establishing a consulting practice providing real estate and turn around management services. Mike is a strong believer and supporter of the local business community, first as a JA mentor and now acting as a mentor, investor and director to a number of early stage and mature business ventures. Mike was an initial investor and volunteer CEO of the Halifax Hurricanes Professional Basketball Club which brought a national professional championship to Halifax in its first year of operation.

Mike graduated in 1975 from St. Francis Xavier University with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). He subsequently continued his education earning industry designations in Banking (FICB) and Insurance (CAIB) and a designation from the…

Thane Stevens

Inducted 2025

A leader is not simply the sum of their titles and positions held, but rather the impact they have had in those roles. For Thane, joining his family’s successful second-generation business did not limit his…