Vic De Zen to get the Order of Canada

The Toronto-based industrialist employs 9,400 people across the world

When he arrived in Canada, in 1962, Vic De Zen had the proverbial $20 in his pockets. A long time has passed since then, and now De Zen is the chairman and CEO of Royal Group Technologies Ltd., employing 9,400 people in 84 offices all over the world.
A man of indisputable success, De Zen, 62, will soon be awarded the Order of Canada by the Governor General for his contribution to his adopted country. This honour does not leave the Venice-born De Zen unmoved: "I'm very proud of this award, which recognizes what I did for this country. What's more, it is a positive thing that it goes to an Italian."
He's happy, and rightly so: the Order of Canada is presented "to people who made a difference in Canada, as the top recognition of a life of achievement".
De Zen's story is a successful one, where industriousness and determination led to the coming true of dreams that would otherwise remain illusory: "The beginning, however," remembers the Toronto businessman, "was hard. But I made it. I worked long hours, pulling all stops; I respected people, and was fair to my customers."
His Royal Group Technologies Ltd. posted sales of $1.7 billion in 2001, marketing innovative products for the construction industry. "Our company, born in Canada, has offices all over the world," says De Zen. "In the USA, Mexico, South America, Europe and Asia; our personnel number 9,400, of whom 5,800 work in Canada."
As for himself, Vic De Zen never lost his humility, simplicity and love for his country of origin: "Now I feel Canadian, but I was born in Italy, so I am somewhere halfway between these two countries. I love them both, even though I work and live here and have my family and friends here. I have closer links to Canada: my life is here."
His life, however, involves a lot of travel, and De Zen often manages to mesh business and vacations: "I frequently bring my family with me, travelling with my private jet: we went to China, Argentina, Mexico and many other places. I join work with pleasure," says De Zen, who is married to Angelina and father of Sergio, 39, and Jimmy, 31.
De Zen's entrepreneurial skills were always as apparent as his big heart: the awards he received include the Governor General's Canada's Entrepreneur of the Year in 1995; the Toronto Construction Association's Design Innovation Award and Donald P. Griffin Award; the National Congress of Italian Canadians' Ordine al Merito; and the title of Man of the Year presented him by the plastics industry of Canada.
The many awards have punctuated a successful life, and constantly rising career: "However, I never forgot other important things; that's why I help EOH Meta Foundation, founded 17 years ago to support handicapped adults and children."
This organization began in a minor key, but now operates successfully in the community: "Royal Group Technologies Ltd. supports the Walk and Run event, which this year raised $80,000. There are over 500 people there, and many families lack the means to support the organization. I try and do my best."
EOH Meta Foundation is an organization offering recreational programs, various services and consulting, aimed at enabling these people to lead an independent life in Toronto and the York Region. "To me, contributing to community initiatives and supporting those in need is very important," categorically states De Zen.
In addition to the EOH Meta Centre, the Italian-Canadian entrepreneur gave a contribution to the parish of Saint Clare of Assisi in Woodbridge: the money raised will go towards building a bigger church, which will accommodate the town's growing population.
The Little Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows are also grateful to De Zen: he helped with the construction of the church and of a centre for Torontonians in need.
De Zen participates in these initiatives with elan, and his great humanity is evident. After all, he has just one desire: "Living to 100 in good health, fully enjoying life. Without health, nothing else matters. Life is truly beautiful, a precious gift."

Publication Date: 2002-07-21
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=1583