Ginger Garbiar Owner, Antler Sculpture by Ginger

"I have been wanting to start up a business utilizing my artistic abilities for so many years but wasn't sure how or where to start. When My former boss of 20 some odd years had retired I felt it was time to get the ball rolling. When I heard of Execuserv Plus and the self employment program I knew this is where it would all begin. Execuserv plus gave me the entrepreneurial spirit to be confident in getting my product out there, to continually seek opportunities, and gave me the foundations I needed to tackle the world of business and gain recognition. Leigh and Gillian are a great team - they taught me that there are no 'closed doors' only open ones. With their help and knowledge I now find myself able to focus and implement what I learned and apply it to my business. "

Emma Goerzen Owner, Hire Standard

I had the opportunity to join the ‘Self Employment Program’ at Execuserv approx. 3 plus years ago.  I am entering into my Fourth year of business and would like to say the group at Execuserve prepared me well for what was ahead.  They shared all the components that would arise during a one year course or sooner.  They warned of the pitfalls and the highs.  Earlier this year our company incorporated and I took on a partner, all went much smoother than it might have if I didn’t have the information acquired in the program.

Gillian and Leigh are without exception two of the finest people I have had opportunity to meet, honest, encouraging and resourceful, always.

As a Background Check and Permanent Staffing agency I get plenty of opportunity to refer folks to this program.  We interview many people some who are only looking for work until they can get their idea or new company off the ground; these people are delighted to hear of the supports in the community to help them succeed at their dream.

I highly recommend Execuserv and these helpful ladies to anyone and have.

George Epp Owner, Epp & Associates

I have know execuserv plus inc. in Lethbridge for 8 years.  The first experience was being a participant in the self-employment program myself, then working on some valuable government contracts together and now helping students of the self-employment program put together their own business plan.  During this time I have worked closely with both Gillian Nish and Leigh Thompson.

In my 30 years on business experience I have not met people in an organization who care so much about the results of their clients.  In my personal life and certainly in my business life, I have referred many people to execuserv and their self-employment program.  I believe that in the future this self-employment program will be more important than ever because of the new economy we live in.  In all of the world, Governments, Universities, Colleges and communities are promoting and supporting entrepreneurship. 

This company understands the value of small business and relevant training in our communities. Gillian Nish and her company are leaders in the Lethbridge business community and are very well respected in southern Alberta.  I would highly recommend this company and it’s people for management consulting, assistance in executive search, and business/workplace training

My best description of this company is a quote by Albert Schweitzer  “Do something for someone every day for which you don’t get paid"

Gwen Tietz Owner, Mountain Blue Accounting

"The success of a small business is the ability of an entrepreneur to surround themselves with complimentary affiliates.  Since attending the Self Employment Program in 2003, I continue to exercise many of the practices taught by the various facilitators.  I know my success is due in part to the amazingly well rounded sessions I attended.  I would highly recommend the Self Employment Program to anyone starting a new business, especially today in this challenging market place."

Darlene Raven Owner, Rock Solid Memories

Back in January 2009 I was fortunate enough to attend a Self Employment Program offered through execuserv plus inc. It was the most valuable 8 weeks of learning I had ever attended. I can’t stress enough the amount of valuable information that was presented to me by the staff at execuserv plus inc., and also by the several facilitators that were brought in during my time there. I would strongly recommend that anyone who is considering starting their own business to take a few minutes of their time to speak with one of the coordinators at execuserv. They are truly experts in their fields and are always willing to steer you down the path to success. It’s been 7 months since I completed my course and still to this day the coordinators there are always available to answer any questions I have or to offer advice on my latest endeavors.

There are just so many positive things to say about this course. I personally have recommended this course to several people who were not aware that it was available. I feel that Alberta Employment & Immigration has gone above and beyond in providing an entrepreneur this chance. Hopefully this government funded program will be available for many years to come, and that it will always be offered by a company such as execuserv plus inc., who presents it with the professionalism it deserves. As a new entrepreneur, I would like to take this time to thank both execuserv plus inc., and Alberta Employment & Immigration for the opportunity of being apart of such a wonderful program and experience. Keep up the good work execuserv. There are many entrepreneurs still counting on you.

John and Susanna MacGarva Owners, MacGarva Company Ltd.

My wife Susanna and I had the pleasure of being enrolled in the Self Employment Program delivered by execuserv in the spring of 2008. We thoroughally enjoyed it and, as this was all new to us, we really learned a lot. The sessions offered a great outline of the things we would run into as we set up our small business. It gave us the "courage" to step into this new future. Our small business is slowly growing and we will not turn back. What is nice is we can phone execuserv any time if we have questions and they are there for us. Also we have some key contact numbers we have used. We would recommend this program and exposure to anyone. But remember, you need to do the work to make it work!

Geri Hecker, B.Mgt. Executive Director, 5th on 5th Youth Services

I want to send a special thankyou and appreciation to you Gillian for chairing our organization's Advisory Committee meetings for 5th on 5th Youth Foundation. Your participation and support is very much appreciated. Your input, advice and referrals continue to help us to provide quality programs and services to assist youth to become productive members of society. You are a true professional.

Dan Kazakoff Director, Theory Into Practice Programs, University of Lethbridge

"I have had the pleasure of having interacted with Gillian through her volunteering for many of our programs in the Faculty of Management, sitting with her on our Lethbridge Advisory Council and interacting with her on various student consulting matters.  I have also worked with Gillian on committes outside of the University of Lethbridge dealing with many community endeavours.  Gillian is the consummate professional and her reputation is one of being strong in her areas of expertise and a credit to her profession.  She is committed to helping others and devotes so much of her time to making Lethbridge a better place.  Ms. Nish and her company are shining examples for our local community."

Steve White General Manager, Ramada Inn, Lethbridge, Alberta

"I would like to congratulate you Gillian on the vision and determination you have in offering the e-merit training occupational standards for Night Auditor and Front Desk Agent for southern Alberta. It will help our hotel greatly (and many others in our area I am sure) to fill gaps in these occupations and will help us to be better able to hire knowledegeable and job-ready" staff to serve our customers better."