AL FRANCIS

What brought you to Northern College?

I grew up in Timmins and wanted to study Business Administration. I didn't see a need to leave home and attend college in Sudbury or North Bay or anywhere else. Living at home allowed me to save alot of money throughout my 3 year program. My wife, then girlfriend, also studied at Northern in a different program. I also had some friends attending Northern, so that made it convenient for all of us to attend together. We really had some great years studying together.

Tell us about your favourite Northern College experience?

I actually studied at Northern back when it was a bilingual college (pre Boreal). We had a small core group in my program and we all supported each other and had a great time together throughout our 3 year program. I actually did a double major in both accounting and marketing, thus opening more doors for me as I entered my career and progressed through various roles and promotions.

What impact has Northern College had on your life?

Attending Northern was really the foundation for a successful business career for me. Even after after all these years later, I still use many of the concepts I learned in those years. I did continue on to take a number of university courses and programs with Laurentian and Guelph, but it all started at Northern College. I am very happy that I chose that path way back then.

What are you up to now?

Today, I am a multi-unit Tim Hortons Franchisee. I started with Tim Hortons in a corporate role back in 2000 as a District Manager and then got promoted a few times and was Director of Operations for a number of years before having the opportunity to purchase some locations in Gatineau, Quebec. My wife and I are proud franchisees with 4 locations in the region. I've always believed in the importance in giving back to my community. As such, I also serve on a couple of Board of Directors; Soupe Populaire de Hull (local charity) and Tim Hortons Foundation Camps (National Organization).

Where are you living now?

Chelsea Quebec

What Northern campus did you attend?

Timmins Campus