Gregory Bird
A keen student of business, an everlasting thirst for knowledge, and eight years as a TEC member, is what Greg brings to the table. Over 20 years as an entrepreneur in the IT world has prepared Greg for all the rigors and leadership of being a TEC Chair. Balancing the intellectual and emotional components of all business issues is the key to creating solutions that can be executed on time and successfully. Greg brings a unique set of gifts to the TEC members that will allow them to intellectualize freely and probe into the emotional psyche of their issues.
Greg joined IBM Canada’s mainframe computer division after graduating from the University of Alberta’s Business School with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. The next stop was joining his father in taking over his former business, Time Business Machines. The former office equipment dealership was struggling under new ownership. A couple of years later, Greg took a one year break from the business to complete his MBA. Greg purchased the company two years later and guided it in a whole new direction by levering current IT technology. The company has recently launched its third major course change under Greg’s leadership, always fueled by new opportunities.
Supporting the community has always been a large part of Greg’s focus. Serving on many board positions with the his alma mater, including the founding board of the Business Alumni Association of the U of A.
Recently, Greg’s focus has been aimed more at his family endeavours and he is the chairperson of the School Council at his kids school, as well as head of the Scouting program in his community for many years. As an adult has had a strong passion for the sport of golf, which led Greg to join the Alberta Golf Association. For 15 years, it was a large part of his world which saw him rise to the elite in his field as a tournament rules official/referee as well as head of the training and certification programs in Alberta. The next step was to join the professional tour and at that point, Greg stepped away, making room for his trainees.
Greg and his family, wife Sue, with children Spencer and Annika, live in Edmonton. Their children and other family members are the main focus of Sue and Greg’s lives. Greg is passionate about golf, skiing, and supporting his children’s activities. Greg is a dedicated promoter of education as the greatest gift you can provide another person, and the greatest difference you can make in your life. This dedication provided framework that lead Greg to TEC Canada, first as a member and today as a Chair of TEC 242.
