Colony Network’s management team has extensive experience in telecom, service delivery and commercial real estate. The team has a proven history of success.
Michael Kuhlmann, President & CEO
A successful ‘serial entrepreneur’, Michael started his first venture while finishing university (UBC Economics). After gaining valuable start-up experience at a digital media venture incubator in Boston, Michael returned to Vancouver and started mobitus communications consulting.
In 2002, Michael co-founded FatPort, which became Canada’s largest independent Wi-Fi hotspot operator. As VP Business Development he was actively involved in all aspects of the company including its operations, finances, sales and strategic planning. In 2003, Michael initiated and led the mobitus VoIP division, forming one of the first mobility-focused VoIP operations anywhere. FatPort has since been acquired by PowerStar International Inc.
Michael’s area of expertise is technology strategy in the digital media, wireless communications, digital payment and VoIP verticals. His primary focus lies in determining business and pricing models. He has worked with strategic partners such as Intel, Sony, Nintendo, T-Systems, Boingo, the MIT Media Lab as well as Telus, Rogers and Bell Canada. Michael is fluent in English and German.
James Nedila, VP Engineering
James has designed, built, and managed secure wireless networks for over 10 years. Upon graduation from BCIT, James began collaborating on wireless projects with Simon Fraser University, Industry Canada, Chevron, and North Shore Rescue.
Recently, James was Chief Technical Officer of FatPort, Canada’s largest independent Wi-Fi network, where he was an integral part of designing and developing the mobile platform. He has a long fascination in ham radio, and RF propagation, and is an ardent contributor to Open Source development, including driver support for the 802.11 wireless standards.
Robert Parry, VP Sales
As a founding member of Colony, Rob brings 15 years of sales and sales management experience to the team. He is responsible for sales channel management for the company. Rob has extensive knowledge and expertise in the development of sales strategies and sales organizations as well as managing sales forces for both start-up ventures and established companies within the IT and Telecommunications arena.
This experience has been further augmented with developing new markets and opportunities for IT outsourcing, Managed IT Services, Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Plans for a variety of companies as well as in-building technology planning for Real Estate owners. Rob Parry’s career started at a senior sales position with data-driven Canadian telecommunication firms, such as fonorola (acquired by Sprint Canada) and evolved into managing sales forces and driving sales for IT service providers. Rob has also been a Director of a not-for-profit business association and a Private Real Estate company.
Board of Directors
Dave Mackey, Michael Kuhlmann, and Rob Parry.
Dave Mackey, Chairman
Dave Mackey is an architect and a founding member of the Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership, one of western Canada’s longest established and most respected architectural practices. Over the years MCMP has been a leader in commercial architecture having successfully completed many significant landmark office developments in Vancouver and the lower mainland. Additionally, the practice has been active internationally with projects in China, New Zealand and the USA. Many of the commercial projects that MCMP has developed exemplify progressive design and construction techniques as well as incorporating the most advanced systems technology available.
Dave has recently retired but whilst with the partnership was involved in all aspects of the architectural practice, both design and management, and his work required that he travel extensively, both in Canada and abroad, particularly in China.
Dave was a member of BOMA for many years, serving on numerous committees as well as acting as a Director for two terms.
Dave has also made a significant contribution to the Architectural Institute of British Columbia having served as council member, Registrar, and Treasurer. Currently he is committee member and Chair involving matters of conduct and government relationship issues.
Board of Advisors
Mark Cosyn
Mark brings over 15 years of commercial real estate technology expertise to his business development role. He is recognized as a leader in introducing wired and wireless IP-based solutions for commercial building managers in Canada and the United States that deliver economic benefits to building owners and tenants.
His background includes technology research at one of Canada’s leading architecture firms, Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership, a leader in designing commercial facilities for the technology sector, as well as the design of service models for commercial facilities for Rogers and Bell. Mark also has experience in joint venture partnerships with industry leading technology developers including Intel, Cisco, Ericsson, and the Metro Ethernet Forum.
Eric Wesling
Mr. Wesling has over 25 years of business, management, development and marketing experience in both Western and Eastern Canada. He has held senior level positions as Senior Vice President of Oxford Properties, and President and Chief Executive Officer of Wesbridge Property Services. In his last position he was responsible for over 400 employees and managed annual operating budgets of over CDN$250M. He emphasized the team approach in continually increasing the net cash flow of the companies he managed year after year.
Eric has considerable experience in managing Public and Private Companies. In addition to his strong business acumen, he has extensive national and international contacts within the real estate and pension fund industry. He has been a member of BOMA for over 15 years and during that time has held a number of key executive positions.
Eric Wesling has been a member of many private and public boards. He holds a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Saskatchewan and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Portland.
Paul Needham
Paul Needham comes to Colony from IBBS/Parasun Technologies, where he served as Vice President of Operations since April 2004. At Parasun, Paul was responsible for the delivery and support of Parasun’s ISP services. During his time at Parasun, Paul also initiated the introduction of new technology, process, and people aimed at ensuring Parasun’s continued to successfully take advantage of new growth opportunities. At IBBS, Paul is working with the Steering Committee on the seamless integration of the two companies.
Previous to his role at Parasun, Paul was the Vice President of Operations with Cayenta Inc., a subsidiary of the Titan Corporation (NYSE:TTN) and one of the largest software companies in British Columbia. Paul was also one of the original senior executives of Voyus Canada Inc. (CDNX:VCS.U).
Paul’s educational experience includes both the University of Victoria, where he studied political science and environmental resource management,and the Certified Management Accounting Association of B.C. where he
completed the AAT designation.
Paul is an involved member of both the technology and local community. He actively participates in the B.C. Technology Industry Association (BCTIA) and Vancouver Board of Trade, Virtus’ executive exchange group, the Junior Achievement Organization, as well as various other charitable and networking organizations. Paul is also a member of the BC cycling community, having previously held a national ranking in the sport, even competing against Lance Armstrong in the Tour De Gastown, an annual Vancouver BC race.