Jocelyn Bamford began her career in sales, working for companies like Xerox, Bell Canada, and AT&T. After the birth of her first child, she transitioned into assisting with her husband’s family business, Automatic Coating Limited—the first powder coating company in North America. Initially focused on sales and marketing, Jocelyn quickly fell in love with manufacturing, small business, and the defence industry. Today, as Vice President of New Business Development, she oversees key operations in a company known for its dedicated team, many of whom are first-generation Canadians, and its loyal customers in the defence industry. Jocelyn is proud to be part of a business that works with such high-integrity individuals and is one of out October/November Game Changers.

How did you start out in this industry and how has it brought you to where you are today?

I started my career in sales at Xerox, Bell Canada and AT&T.  When I had my first child I went to assist my husband’s family company, which was the first powder coating company in North America. I came in to assist with some sales and marketing and I was hooked. I was hooked on manufacturing, small business and the defence industry. Our employees are wonderful. Many are first generation Canadians with amazing stories (check out our employee profiles on our Facebook page and on our website). Our customers in the defence industry have the highest integrity and are salt of the earth people. We are blessed.

What is your role at your organization today?

I am vice president, new business development.

What was your most challenging moment?

There is one every day. If I had to pick one, it was maintaining our U.S. government business with Buy America legislation. Energy unaffordability with carbon tax and clean fuel standards is also driving manufacturers from Canada. Canadian manufacturing needs a strategy to maintain jobs for Canada.

What was your A-HA moment or epiphany that you think will resonate most with our readers? Tell us that story.

Earlier in my career I worked in corporate Canada. When I came to work in the family business and we were debating a decision my husband looked at me and said, “What don’t you get?  We don’t just make decisions for you and me, we make decisions for you and me, our employees and all their families.” Then I understood the responsibility of working in a small business. Talk about a light bulb going off!

How has innovation become engrained in your organization’s culture and how is it being optimized?

We are always inventing and improving, every day.

What technologies, business models, and trends will drive the biggest changes in your industry over the next two years?

Taxes, capital gains changes, unaffordable energy, companies leaving for other countries.

What is your parting piece of advice?

Never give up