Judges emerge from their deliberation room, after a difficult task of selecting grand prize winners from among six exceptional businesses
Meet Your 2026 Judges
As the Pitch Gala approaches, the program partners are proud to welcome this accomplished judging panel. Their commitment reflects a shared belief in supporting local entrepreneurs and celebrating business success in Leeds and Grenville.
Philip Ling
Philip Ling has been an entrepreneur and nature lover since growing up in Montreal. A professional engineer, he has launched businesses in music production, engineering, and clean technology. He co-founded Powersmiths International, a Toronto-based cleantech company that designs and manufactures advanced power systems for large clients. Over 25 years, he and his partner grew the company to 150 employees before selling it in 2018. Philip now runs BlackStart Labs, a venture capital firm investing in early-stage cleantech companies. He is also Founder and CEO of the Maitland Tower, a hub for nature-based research, arts, and commerce, and serves as Board Chair of Door Number One, advancing climate action in schools. An active community leader, he supports environmental and arts initiatives and sits on the boards of United Way Leeds Grenville and the Brockville Airport Commission.
Philip Ling
Philip Ling has been an entrepreneur and nature lover since growing up in Montreal. A professional engineer, he has launched businesses in music production, engineering, and clean technology. He co-founded Powersmiths International, a Toronto-based cleantech company that designs and manufactures advanced power systems for large clients. Over 25 years, he and his partner grew the company to 150 employees before selling it in 2018. Philip now runs BlackStart Labs, a venture capital firm investing in early-stage cleantech companies. He is also Founder and CEO of the Maitland Tower, a hub for nature-based research, arts, and commerce, and serves as Board Chair of Door Number One, advancing climate action in schools. An active community leader, he supports environmental and arts initiatives and sits on the boards of United Way Leeds Grenville and the Brockville Airport Commission.
Wendy Merkley
Wendy Merkley is a senior business leader with a distinguished career in technology and insurance. She held global leadership roles with an international reinsurance company, was named a 1998 UK Business Pioneer: Women and the Global Market, and later served as CIO of a Kingston-based insurance company. Wendy served her community as a municipal councillor, current Vice Chair of the 1000 Islands CDC Board, chair of the Friends of Rockport Customs waterfront project, a 2020 Bill Thake Award recipient, and a leader in her family’s marina business.
Wendy Merkley
Wendy Merkley is a senior business leader with a distinguished career in technology and insurance. She held global leadership roles with an international reinsurance company, was named a 1998 UK Business Pioneer: Women and the Global Market, and later served as CIO of a Kingston-based insurance company. Wendy served her community as a municipal councillor, current Vice Chair of the 1000 Islands CDC Board, chair of the Friends of Rockport Customs waterfront project, a 2020 Bill Thake Award recipient, and a leader in her family’s marina business.
Barry Moss
Barry Moss, President of Four O One Electric, has more than 30 years of entrepreneurial experience. He grew the company from a small contractor into a business employing over 50 full-time staff. Recently named Citizen of the Year by the Brockville & District Chamber of Commerce, Barry is known for mentoring entrepreneurs and supporting community and youth initiatives.
Barry Moss
Barry Moss, President of Four O One Electric, has more than 30 years of entrepreneurial experience. He grew the company from a small contractor into a business employing over 50 full-time staff. Recently named Citizen of the Year by the Brockville & District Chamber of Commerce, Barry is known for mentoring entrepreneurs and supporting community and youth initiatives.
Wendy Onstein
Wendy Onstein has guided hundreds of small business owners as a business consultant. Known for her practical advice and approachable style, she continues to run Wedding Ceremonies by Wendy and volunteers with Community Futures Grenville, Leeds Grenville Small Business, and Brockville General Hospital.
Wendy Onstein
Wendy Onstein has guided hundreds of small business owners as a business consultant. Known for her practical advice and approachable style, she continues to run Wedding Ceremonies by Wendy and volunteers with Community Futures Grenville, Leeds Grenville Small Business, and Brockville General Hospital.
Brett Prikker
Brett Prikker is Business Centre Manager with the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) in Kingston, supporting entrepreneurs across Eastern Ontario. With more than 30 years in commercial banking, he specializes in financing, business growth, and mentorship, and previously served as Board Chair of Frontenac Business Services Community Futures Development Corporation.
Brett Prikker
Brett Prikker is Business Centre Manager with the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) in Kingston, supporting entrepreneurs across Eastern Ontario. With more than 30 years in commercial banking, he specializes in financing, business growth, and mentorship, and previously served as Board Chair of Frontenac Business Services Community Futures Development Corporation.
