2026 Summit

Description

The London Chamber of Commerce Annual Summit brings together accomplished local founders and business leaders to share the real stories behind scaling their companies from London-based ventures into businesses with national and international reach.

Through honest and engaging conversations, Summit speakers reveal how their businesses began, the decisions and opportunities that helped them grow, the challenges they encountered along the way, and how their leadership roles evolved as their organizations expanded.

This is more than a celebration of business success. It is an opportunity to learn directly from entrepreneurs who have navigated the complexities of growth—from building the right team and entering new markets to overcoming setbacks, managing change and preparing a business for its next stage.

Each founder brings a different journey, industry and perspective, providing attendees with practical lessons that can be applied to their own businesses, careers and entrepreneurial ambitions.

The Summit is designed for:

• Small business owners preparing for growth
• Entrepreneurs building or scaling a company
• Aspiring founders exploring a business idea
• Business professionals and community leaders
• Students from London’s universities and colleges
• Anyone interested in entrepreneurship, innovation and business growth

By presenting a diverse group of successful London founders, the Summit gives current and future entrepreneurs relatable examples of business growth. Attendees leave with new ideas, practical insights and a stronger belief that building and scaling a successful company from London is achievable.

Meet the speakers:

Michael Abela - He is the Business Centre Manager at the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), centralized in London, Ontario, where he leads a team of Development Bankers supporting entrepreneurs across Southwestern Ontario including Middlesex, Lambton, Oxford & Elgin counties. He specializes in commercial lending, business development, and operational leadership, with a strong focus on driving financing growth and advisory impact. He is passionate about helping Canadian businesses scale by combining sound credit judgment with practical, client-centered solutions.
 

Andrew Tepperman - Born in Windsor, Ontario. Worked in the family retail business (founded 1925) through elementary school. Attended high school at Upper Canada College in Toronto and university at Vassar College in New York, Dartmouth University in New Hampshire and the American University in Paris. After completing university, Andrew worked for a large US-based furniture manufacturer living in Washington DC, Montreal QC and Knoxville TN, before returning to Canada after Tepperman’s acquired Patton’s Place in London in 1997. He became President in 2006 through 2024 and currently is the Executive Chairman.

Today, with over 450 employees in 7 markets, the company has become one of the largest private family-owned home furnishings retailer in Canada. An important part of their success lies in working with 10-year Visions backed by non-negotiable Guiding Principles. In 2025, Tepperman’s celebrated both their 100th anniversary as well as making their largest technology investment in a new operating system for the future. He is married to Tina and has 2 children (his daughter Lia is currently in year 2 at Western’s Ivey in London). www.teppermans.com

Organizations:

• Director: North American Home Furnishings Association – 2009-2023
• Chair: Inspiration 100, Division of Windsor Community Endowment 2020-2026
• Judicial Advisory Committee: Federal Government 2019-2023
• Member: Institute of Corporate Directors (certified as a Board Chair) - Since 2016
• Young President’s Organization (YPO): since 2017

Brett Lucier is the President and owner of Provincial Glass & Mirror, a London-based company that has grown its reach and reputation while remaining firmly rooted in the community it calls home.

As an entrepreneur and business leader, Brett has experienced firsthand the opportunities and challenges that come with growing a company, from building the right team and strengthening operations to developing client relationships, navigating difficult decisions, and adapting his leadership style as the business evolves. His leadership approach is grounded in accountability, relationships, continuous improvement, and a willingness to learn from both successes and setbacks.

Brett’s leadership extends well beyond the business world. He is a co-founder of Fight To End, a London charity boxing event that has raised more than $1.3 million through its first four events, and he is also a co-founder and organizer of the Ontario Novice Tournament, which has grown into one of Canada’s largest novice boxing competitions. He is an accomplished boxing coach and an active contributor to the sport at the provincial and national levels.

Whether in business, sport, or the community, Brett believes sustainable growth comes from surrounding yourself with great people, creating a strong culture, embracing challenges, and never becoming too comfortable with where you are today.
 

Michelle Humann De Ruiter – Marketing Director of INPS and a member of the Humann Family.

Michelle spearheads all marketing efforts for the company, with her primary goal of spreading awareness of the company’s products and expertise. Her father, the late Werner Humann and mother Pamela Humann started International Name Plate Supplies Limited back in 1966. Her brother, David Humann is the President. A true family business. INPS reached its 60 years in business milestone this year. Michelle is going to share the INPS story of business growth and success.

And our moderator/emcee: Ashley Sisco

Dr. Ashley Sisco is the Founder and CEO of Sisco & Associates Consulting Inc., a London-based advocacy, research and social impact firm. She is also an Assistant Professor at Western University and Huron University College, where she teaches and researches Indigenous entrepreneurship, ethical engagement and community-based approaches to research and partnership.

Ashley has more than 20 years of experience working alongside Indigenous communities and organizations in Canada and internationally. She brings a thoughtful, practical perspective to conversations about business, community, leadership and creating meaningful partnerships. Ashley also serves as Vice Chair of the London Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

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