In summer '49, College Pro started a podcast to showcase the "x" element of our current franchisees that make them successful. In a limited-time series called Torch Given, in summer '50, our CEO Tony Valle is sitting down to talk with the founders, past CEOs, and trusted partners of this resilient brand called College Pro.

Paul grew up in Belleville, setting his roots throughout his youth playing hockey and all different kinds of school sports. In 1980, after his 3rd year of University at the University of Western, Paul opened a College Pro Painting franchise in his hometown. After graduating from Ivey Business school he went on to work for Pricewaterhouse and earned his CPA. 

In 1985, our previous guest and College Pro founder Greig Clarke recruited Paul back to the College Pro family as Vice-President and gave him his first taste of professional skill development. In 1989 College Pro was sold and Paul was able to purchase a piece of the company. For the next 25 years, Paul worked directly with Steve Rogers.

In the 2000s, Paul shifted gears and began working more with College Pro's holding company The Franchise Company. This is where he began the Leadership development program and worked closely with our host and current CEO, Tony Valle. This leads up to his current involvement in executive consulting and working with tech start-ups. 

Listen to Tony and Paul talk about their life, and work experiences together and be ready to hear about what goes on beyond the surface level of a business. They discuss the qualities of what makes people good leaders and how the success of a business goes beyond profits and numbers. We hope you enjoy!