Andrew Gower

Activist, Business leader, Consultant, Engineer, Entrepreneur, Environmentalist, Musician, Parent, Performer, Writer/Editor

I was born in Prince George and grew up in Nelson and Prince Rupert. An avid mountain biker and downhill skier since age 11, I still play in the woods on a regular basis. I became a dad in 2005, and still keep busy chasing after my son Cole! I joined the Canadian military in 1991 and after graduating from Royal Military College in 1996. I enrolled to become a fighter pilot, but for reasons I have trouble explaining to this day, I transferred to the Army Engineers! I spent 6 years serving as an engineer officer obtaining my jump wings and serving in several locations in western Canada. In April of 2002, I “retired” from the army, and moved to California where I worked as a structural materials engineer on major bridge projects. In October of 2003, I took a break, in Nelson and then in January of 2004 flew to Ireland and got a job as a transportation consultant. I finally came back to Canada in January of 2005 and started working for Wedler Engineering at their Chilliwack office in March of 2005. In 2007 I helped to start the Courtenay branch which has now been open for five years! I am a partner (part owner) and the Courtenay Branch manager. At one point I pursued an alternate career as a sports journalist with a focus on mountain biking and reviews of mountain bikes. This lasted about 2 years, and community commitments have taken over. I also played professionally in two band which included being half of the horn section (tenor sax), occasional back-up vocals, lead vocals and cowbell!!

the facts - and evidence. I don't suffer zealots who spread hyperbole and rumour to further their cause. I am passionate about making the world better!

We waste resources like crazy in the western world. The value we throw into landfills is staggering. Great effort needs to be put into finding ways to mine landfills, sort the materials, and recycle or re-manufacture them. This would be a good step in moving to a sustainable, closed loop production cycle.

Civil Engineering, Event Production and Management, Sound Production

I first discovered TED through the internet, and became hooked on watching talks. Then, I started inviting friends over to talk about local issues, and watch TED talks (needless to say, we would end up talking more than watching TED...). After that, moving to organizing TEDx events was a natural progression. I even had a chance to give a TED talk at one of our TEDxComoxValley events!

Finishing drywall! Seriously! I have a real talent for this and have done walls and ceilings in several houses. I am also very adept at repairs and can make holes in walls disappear...