www.bdc.ca/en/about/mediaroom/news_releases/2007/200710 -
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Published on: 10/16/2007
Last Visited: 12/6/2007
Founded in 1999 by Dan Belhassen, the company today employs 15 people, and is growing at a rate of 25% per year.For his success, Dan, 33, has earned BDC's Young Entrepreneur Award for Manitoba and will be honoured tonight at a ceremony in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
"Most web design companies are either technical in nature or artistic," says Dan.
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Dan started Modern Earth as a "hobby business" while working full-time for a software company.When he tried to register his daughter online for Highland Dancing lessons and discovered there was no such service, he developed an online registration system himself and had soon sold it to continuing education providers in Winnipeg.Recognizing the potential value of a "different type" of Internet company, he seized the opportunity to turn his hobby into a full-fledged business.As Modern Earth continued to grow, Dan acquired a company in Winnipeg and has purchased a multi-tenant building which he has named the Modern Earth Business Centre."We'd like to spin off some of our products into their own companies," explains Dan of his plans for the future.
Dan emphasizes that his team is key to Modern Earth's success."What I look for is raw talent and people who are really passionate about what they do.If they have those things, they can learn the rest," says Dan."The team is a real competitive advantage."Modern Earth is also active in the community, providing support for non-profit organizations with services such as website design.Dan also serves as a board member of the Manitoba Marketing Network (mmn.mb.ca), which mentors people who are starting new businesses.
"Dan is to be congratulated for his remarkable success.He is making his mark with innovative services that integrate technology with creativity and respond to a need in the marketplace," says BDC President and CEO Jean-René Halde.
"Our motto is ‘eclipse the ordinary'," points out Dan.
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Dan BelhassenModern Earth Inc.