James Douglas Fleck was known to many in Toronto as a successful businessman and academic, writes toronto1.one. His accomplishments have become a true role model for several generations of Torontonians. It must be said that this is well deserved.
The fact that he sold his companies several times and opened several new ones did not make him less popular. The latter were no less successful and brought James huge profits.
Not surprisingly, many educational institutions wanted to work with the entrepreneur. After all, he knew all the secrets of business like no one else.
The early years
James Douglas was born on February 10, 1931 in Toronto.
The future entrepreneur attended school at the University of Toronto.
James received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Western Ontario. By the way, while studying at this educational institution, the young man was awarded a high scholarship for the best results in such disciplines as mathematics and science.
Education
The year 1964 was marked for James by the fact that he became a student at Harvard University. He graduated with a doctorate in business administration.
In addition, the young man brilliantly defended his dissertation. In it, he popularized the topic of investment in life insurance, which was handled by Canadian companies.
June 2002 brought another significant event in James’s life. It was when he received his Ph.D. from the University of Toronto.
Business
It is worth mentioning James’s entrepreneurial activities.
In 1954, he initiated the creation of Fleck Manufacturing Inc. Later, he became its head and also held the position of chief executive officer.
This organization was engaged in the production of wires and cables, power cords and electrical wiring, which were later used in household appliances. The company also participated in the automotive and electronics industries, successfully cooperating with American, Canadian and Mexican companies. In 1994, however, James decided to sell his company.
In addition, he was a member of the board and a director of CUC Ltd. It was a private company involved in cable television. But in 1995, Shaw Cable became its new owner.
Other Companies
In addition, James owned Alias Research Inc. which developed computer graphics software. He was also a member of the management team of ATI Technologies Inc.
After that, he founded a company called Promis Systems Corporation Limited. But he later sold it as well.
It is fair to say that James has been at the top of many other public and private companies. Especially we should mention Сerticоm Insurаnce, Rogers Multimеdia Ltd., Zurісh Insurаnce, Travеlers Insurаnce, Сhаnnеl 47 Insurаnce, Colоnial Homes Ltd.
For a certain period of time, he even ran NGRАIN Corporation, which was a supplier of equipment used in the field of 3D modeling.
Teaching activity
It is worth mentioning that he was not just a very successful businessman. He was also engaged in educational activities.
For example, in 1964-1966 James was a professor of finance at the Harvard Business School.
In the 1966-1970s, he lectured to students at York University.
Later, he was even invited to teach in Japan.
Of course, he also actively cooperated with the University of Toronto.
His numerous articles on economics, corporate finance, relationships and politics were among the most important textbooks for students and professors.
Photo: ssutton-and-associates.com, wikipedia