TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Vince van Wieringen

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Vince van Wieringen has built his life and career around a single guiding principle—helping people thrive. As a Métis entrepreneur, he embraces his Indigenous heritage with pride, raising his children in their culture while championing Indigenous-owned businesses in his community. For Vince, success has never been just about personal gain; it is about creating opportunities, supporting local growth, and giving back in ways that ripple outward.

 

As CEO and owner of Elevate Enterprises Incorporated, Vince launched an innovative consulting company that delivers sales training through The Conversion Code: 13 Sales Tactics That Get Results. The program equips teams to build authentic connections with clients by mastering sales psychology, recognizing buying personalities, and creating meaningful rapport. Whether delivered in person or virtually, the training emphasizes ethical selling, building trust, and driving sustainable results.

 

At the same time, Vince transformed his passion for food into Your Plate or Mine, a dining experience company that brings elevated cuisine to northern BC. By sourcing fresh produce and meats from local farmers and showcasing wines from across the province, he created a concept that enriches both community life and the local economy. His commitment extends beyond the table, however. Through donations of five-course dinners to events like the Fireman’s Ball and Be an Angel Gala, Vince’s culinary skills help raise thousands of dollars each year for local charities.

 

Vince’s entrepreneurial journey expanded further in July 2025, when he became a licensed real estate professional across British Columbia. The venture took off immediately, fueled by Vince’s reputation as a trusted community leader. From the start, listings poured in from both local residents and business leaders who recognized his integrity and commitment to doing what is right. By offering transparency, strategic marketing, and free property appraisals, Vince quickly positioned himself as a reliable guide for clients making some of life’s most important decisions.

 

Beyond his businesses, Vince also serves as president of the Fort St. John and District Chamber of Commerce, where he advocates for economic growth and champions the entrepreneurial spirit that defines the city. With a population of about 24,000, Fort St. John is known as one of Canada’s most dynamic places to start and grow a business. Vince views his role at the Chamber not as an obligation, but as an extension of his personal mission: to help people succeed in their ventures and to promote his community as a place where both businesses and families can flourish.

 

We sat down with Vince to talk about his journey, his businesses, and his vision for both his community and his clients.

 

Vince, can you share a bit about your early life and how those experiences shaped your career journey across hospitality, business, and now real estate?

Growing up, my mother and stepfather lived paycheck to paycheck, but when I was 16, my mom became the sole provider. That’s when things got even tougher. Yet, despite our economic challenges, she always made sure I felt safe. I started a paper route at age 12, waking up at 3 a.m. tossing papers from the back of a station wagon. That built my work ethic. Then, at 16, I worked at KFC, which piqued my interest in the culinary field. From 19 to 34, I worked in hospitality. Then, in 2021, my wife and I bought our first home. We later sold it, and used the equity to move into a bigger place. Now I teach others those same strategies of progression so they can keep moving forward too.

 

What inspired you to launch your real estate venture, and how has it developed since you started?

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It really came from wanting to help people. I was already involved with nonprofits, community initiatives, and the Chamber of Commerce, but I realized I could also make an impact on a more personal level through real estate. Young people especially worry about affording rent, let alone buying their first home. My goal is to guide them into that first home, then the next one, making sure they keep moving forward. It’s about progression and doing right by people. I really enjoy being out in neighborhoods, meeting people, asking what they love about their community, or if they’re considering downsizing or retiring. Those conversations are what make this work meaningful. And, from the very beginning, the response was strong—business owners and CEOs started reaching out right away. I think that comes from the relationships I’ve built through the Chamber and economic development.

 

Can you share what makes your Conversion Code program stand out?

The program is about more than just techniques. I train people on the psychology of sales and how to read visual, verbal, and nonverbal cues. We cover the four main buying personalities, so they know who they’re speaking with and how to adapt. It’s about creating trust and rapport right away, because you only get one chance at a first impression. When people feel that transparency and connection, the conversions follow naturally.

 

Your Plate or Mine adds another dimension to your entrepreneurial work. What was the vision behind it?

Up here in northern BC, we didn’t have that kind of dining experience, so my wife and I wanted to create it. We highlight local foods, meats, and wines, and at the same time support our economy. The best part is being able to give back. For events like the Fireman’s Ball, we donate five-course dinners, cover the costs, and the auctions raise thousands of dollars for charity. That’s where passion and community come together for me.

 

What do you find most rewarding about living and working in Fort St. John?

It’s the spirit of this place. With about 24,000 people, it’s small enough that everyone feels connected, but it’s also one of the top entrepreneurial cities in Canada. People come here to build businesses and create opportunities. There’s a real sense that if you put in the effort, you can achieve anything. That energy drives me every day.

 

 

 

Vince van Wieringen
CEO, Owner, and Real Estate Professional
Elevate Enterprises Incorporated; Your Plate or Mine
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/vincevanwieringen

Facebook: www.facebook.com/vincevanwieringenRSECSP

Instagram: www.instagram.com/vincevanwieringen