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Sept. 11 - Sept. 18, 2011 |
Vic De Zen to get the Order of Canada
The Toronto-based industrialist employs 9,400 people across the world
By Mariella Policheni
Originally Published: 2002-07-21
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Vic De Zen
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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.
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