Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcast

On February 18th, 2019 episode one of the LIBI podcast was launched with Allan Marston hosting Pete Lafontaine. In this episode we visit with Pete again to see what he has been up to over the past four years. Yes, he still rides his bike even when it is very cold outside.

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.

Host: Al Del Degan is a software developer and tech leader in Alberta's innovation ecosystem. He is also a Web3 enthusiast and podcaster, sharing his knowledge and passion for emerging technologies with his audience. Al is the founder and CTO of New Idea Machine, a software company dedicated to helping new developers gain hands-on experience building real-world applications. With his commitment to giving back to the community, Al is always available to offer advice on technology and business. His passion for innovation and entrepreneurship is evident in everything he does, making him a respected leader in the tech industry.

Guest: Pete Lafontaine is a Community and Business Builder, Innovator, Technology Leader, Entrepreneur.
Peter (Pete) is Board Chairman of Rainforest Energy Corporation, focused on building a new multi- billion-dollar clean fuels business.  The proven process takes waste from forestry and agriculture (not crops) and produces green (no benzene or sulfur) gasoline. The facilities will be built in rural areas in partnership with indigenous communities.

He works with or volunteers to help entrepreneurs grow and expand their businesses or organizations. He is a partner in Peer Guidance a business mentoring team, Business Advisor with Intergen and is a 6 year champion of Rainforest Alberta a movement focused on building a diversified economy by building a strong technical innovation ecosystem in Alberta.
 
Peter moved to Alberta in 1976 as a fur buyer with the Hudson Bay Company.  He took a personal interest in early computers, took programming at UofA and has been bringing technology and business solutions to market ever since.  Peter has worked with industry leaders like Apple and Microsoft. He was a Founder, CEO of Zymeta Media Systems. Currently Peter is a strong community contributor using technology and business skills to improve people’s lives. 

Think of Peter as a business geek using technology and innovation to create jobs, improve the economy and improve quality of life. His personal moto is: Happy, Healthy, Wealthy in that exact order, that happens to be core to one if his favorite words, prosperity. He believes the journey is the reward. His mission is to build organizations that combine purpose and profitability with strong effective teams.

Peter is an active snowboarder, Mountain Biker and Teaches families how to fish and enjoy the outdoors. He is married to his lifelong partner Leila with two amazing daughters, Brandi the Economist and Amber the Architect.

Show Links:

• LIBI Podcast Episode One 
• Rainforest Alberta
• Rainforest Energy Corp. 
• Peer Guidance 
• Tip of The Spear - Jim Gibson 
• CORUM Group 
• Branch-out Neurological Foundation 
• Intergen 

Show Quotes:

"[when cycling outside] I have this idea that's pretty straight forward. At minus 10 it's two layers, at minus 20 it's three layers, and at minus 30 your crazy."
"Come up with a personal motto that drives you and gets you excited about your day. Mine is happy, healthy, and wealthy, in that specific order."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan