Mr.. Irving Schwartz is founder and CEO of Schwartz and Company Limited, a successful furniture and retail business based in Sydney, and a committed philanthropist.
Described as the quintessential entrepreneur, Schwartz's business instincts and willingness to take risks have resulted in an impressive record of personal and corporate success. Following in the entrepreneurial footsteps of his parents, Irving Schwartz has led more than 30 companies during his career.
After completing grade 11, Schwartz left high school to attend courses at Mount Allison University and New York University. Upon his return to Cape Breton, he became a manager in his parents' New Waterford general merchandising store. In 1955, at the age of 26, Schwartz became the President and General Manager of Schwartz and Company. Over the next 30 years, he streamlined the business, focusing on furniture and appliances, and grew the company to include five outlets across Atlantic Canada.
Irving was also busy investing in local and national endeavours. He opened his first nursing home in Sydney and amalgamated with a Calgary company to form VillaCentres Limited. Together they built nine nursing homes across the country. In 1970, Schwartz helped develop an oyster farm at the Eskasoni Reserve. Four years later, he managed a trout farm for the Cape Breton Development Corporation. In 1979, Irving Schwartz formed, Seaside Cable TV Ltd. which was renamed to Seaside Communications.
Known for his honesty and concern for the well-being of others, Schwartz's proudest achievements stem from his family life and his extensive humanitarian and community service. |
Starting as an active member of the New Waterford Volunteer Fire Department for 12 years, Irving has also served as President of the Children's Aid Society, President of the Lions' Club, Chairman of the University College of Cape Breton, co-founder of Junior Achievement in Cape Breton, Director of the National Theatre School of Canada, advisory board member of the Dalhousie School of Business, and Chairman of the Cape Breton Chapter of the Hebrew University.
Irving founded the Canadian International Demining Corps (CIDC), a charitable, non-government organization supportive of an international ban on the production, stockpiling and deployment of anti-personnel landmines. Headquarted in Sydney, Nova Scotia. It has provided humanitarian mine action services in Bosnia, Mozambique, Kosovo and Jordan.
Today, Irving continues to preside over a diverse group of Cape Breton companies and investments. He is an active member of the business and arts communities as Director of the Canadian Cable Small Systems Association, board member of the National Capital Commission, Nova Scotia Community College, and of Ocean Nutrition Canada, Ltd.
Irving Schwartz is married to Diana Usher and has four children, Margo, Joanne, David and Stephanie. Iriving is a Member of the Order of Canada and a Commissioner of the National Capital Commission (1998). Inducted into the Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame on June 11, 2003.
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