Robert Goluch, Director and President

Roles/Responsibilities
President, Funding, Planning, Communication

Background:
Robert grew up in Northwestern Quebec and spent most of his career in leadership positions at colleges in Ontario, Alberta and Manitoba, and then with the Gov’t of Manitoba. Appointments ranged from college Vice-President to Assistant Deputy Minister, Finance and Admin in Education. Also worked part-time in media – journalism (reporter) and radio (broadcaster).

A firm believer in giving back to the community, he served as Board Chair of Winnipeg Habitat for Humanity, Assistant Superintendent of St John Ambulance (Mb), Judge, Premier’s Volunteer Award Committee (Mb), Volunteer Ambassador in the dialysis wing of the Health Sciences Centre (Wpg) and Chair of the Prairie Region Citizen Advisory Committee with Corrections Canada for which he was recognized nationally with the James A. Murphy Award of Excellence.

In 2017, Robert moved to Squamish and looked for potential volunteer opportunities, and he luckily stumbled on the Squamish Men’s Shed. Since then, he has served as its President (3 years) and then elected as Vice-President of the Men’s Shed Association of BC (2 years) and, recently, as President of Men’s Sheds Canada. In 2021, he chaired and hosted the first provincial Men’s Shed Conference in Squamish, BC.

Brian Sawyer, Director, Secretary and Treasurer

Roles/Responsibilities:
Minutes, Meetings, Annual Reports, Website/Other inquiries, Financial Affairs

Background:
Brian has been involved for two years as a member of the Downtown Edmonton Men’s Shed and as Director/Secretary of the Edmonton Men’s Shed Association Board.

He has been engaged with another international men’s group for 23 years (ManKind Project) as a group leader/facilitator, in many administrative roles and now as a community elder.

As a senior bureaucrat for federal and provincial governments, he has learned the value of collaboration, inclusion and diversity as strengths of any successful endeavour.

As a university lecturer/educator, he has learned that clear communication pays dividends for everyone in our quest for lifelong learning (a.k.a. personal development).

As a father and grandfather, he knows the value of love and acceptance of all imperfect beings, including himself.

Brian is proud to serve the community of his peers, know as Shedders!

Ray Verlage, Director and Vice President

Roles/Responsibilities
Governance; Liason with International and Provincial Associations

Background:
Ray Verlage - Men's Shed Vernon

I grew up in Saskatchewan. Anita and I have two sons and one grandson. We have pursued our enjoyment of sailing together.

My working life was spent in the municipal water and wastewater industry. The first half as a technical sales rep for a PVC pipe manufacturer, and the second half as a partner in a manufacturer’s rep agency and master distributor. Common to both experiences was the challenge of always bringing innovation to market. Change was normal.

Since early 2018, I have lived the Men's Shed experience from a startup idea conceived while working shoulder to shoulder with a visionary friend, Lyle, on a boat project in his garage. I happened to hear a CBC interview about Men’s Sheds, and called Lyle, who told Mike and... you know what happened from there. The idea caught on, and grew into an affiliation with the Canadian Mental Health Association, and then, in early 2021 to a free standing non profit society. Now at the end of 2022, we are fortunate to have 100 members and an amazing facility courtesy of community support for the vision we have cast for Men’s Shed Vernon.

I have a passion for how Men's Sheds can build a sense of purpose and community, and for how I can serve to build meaningful ties that bind at a national level.

Kevin Ford, Director, Technology Mage

Roles/Responsibilities
Tech Infrastructure – Zoom, Website, Logo, Operational Infrastructure
Mission, Vision and Values Statement

Background:
Serial Entrepreneur, PEng, Mech Eng, MSc in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.
He married his high school sweetheart Deb and has three sons and one grandson.

Men's Shed Experience
Founding Member and WebMaster for Men's Shed Ottawa-Centre,
Founding Member and WebMaster for Ottawa Makers Shed focussed on WorkShop Training and Skills Development.
On the Board of Advisors for the Canadian Men's Shed Association (CMSA),
Founding Member and WebMaster for Men's Sheds Ontario,

Relevant skills and experience
Kevin had a career of founding and running businesses in the High Tech industry.
He has developed the technical and managerial skills necessary for high-tech startups where technology is harnessed to:
- free creative thinkers from administrivia
- deliver consistent high-level services to their customers
- be a force multiplier for a few good people to accomplish much
- enable geographically dispersed teams to punch greater than their weight
- reduce operating costs by eliminating the need for traditional offices

In short, the skills necessary for the startup called Men's Sheds Canada.

Jim Millar, Director

Roles/Responsibilities:
Director, Membership Recruitment

Background:
Brenda, my wife of 49 years and I grew up in Orangeville, Ontario. We have 2 daughters, and 2 sons with 9 grandchildren. We moved to Port Moody BC in 1991. We volunteered heavily with Heritage organizations and Girl Guides/Scouts.

About 5 years ago, I learned about Men’s Sheds and thought it would be a win/win to start one at the Port Moody Station Museum. It took 4 years to get it going. I am currently the treasurer. The Port Moody Legion #119 strongly supports us.

I firmly believe in Men’s Sheds, wanting to create more without bureaucracy. Men’s Shed are both valuable to the community and to its members.

Another concern of mine is the environment and climate change. I don’t think most people know how important it is to address the situation.