Title: Chief Financial Officer, Partner
Company: Elco Label Industries Inc.
Location: Ravenna, ON, Canada

An expert in business analysis and development, cash flow, and financial delivery, Lesley Shoji parlays 30 years of professional experience into her position with Elco Label Industries Inc. It started out as a small label printing company she ran with her husband, but after Ms. Shoji recognized a niche in the market, they moved forward with an entrepreneurial spirit. The well-established company now offers labeling packaging products, flexographic pressure-sensitive labels, eco-friendly labels, tag printing services, stick pack printing, pouch printing, and blister foil printing.

On a daily basis, Ms. Shoji’s responsibilities as the chief financial officer and partner include forecasting the finances of the company, handling accounting and treasury functions, managing cash and acquisitions, overseeing overall operations, budgeting, and managing shareholder expansion, risk, and new business relations. She attributes her success to her financial acumen and entrepreneurial vision, as well as her drive and determination. If Ms. Shoji could offer some advice to the younger generation of women entering the workforce, it would be to find a good mentor, male or female, and allow them to act as a guide and a sounding board. She would also advise women to stick to their values, and that it is okay to be bold.

In preparation for her career, Ms. Shoji earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Western University in 1985.  She is a member of Kolapore Upland Wilderness Trails, The Blue Mountain Water Shed Trust, and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, and supports the local animal shelter and Plan International Canada. Furthermore, Ms. Shoji is currently co-developing NOCIMO Woods Enterprise, a natural retreat and bed and breakfast on her property nestled in the Blue Mountains of the Georgian Bay area in Ontario.  There will be cabins available for overnight stays to help visitors experience roughing it with some refined “glamping,” and it will promote activities to unplug and restore the spirit, such as hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and making s’mores by the campfire.

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