Being tough, working hard

Barbara McLean-Stollery had planned to become a commercial pilot, but the post-9/11 downturn in the industry forced her to change her plans so she studied aircraft maintenance engineering and took a job working for Executive Airways to pay for her education. The owner offered to sell her the business and she jumped in. Working out of hangars at Calgary International Airport, Executive Airways Grooming Service offers a range of cleaning services for operators of corporate jets, from interior and exterior grooming to lavatory services, hangar and office cleaning. Under Barbara's ownership, revenues have grown 500% in five years. Barbara is also active in her Metis community, where she encourages young entrepreneurs. In 2011, she spoke at the G20 Young Entrepreneur Summit in Nice, France. Her advice to young entrepreneurs: know your numbers.