REDEFINING BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
IN THE NORTH
Virsa Group was forged by a union between northern business leaders and the Takla Nation. We manage companies that provide leading services to the North, and bring economic diversity to Indigenous communities.
Sustainability
We are experts in our land and territories. We prioritize measures that care for our land and protect our environment.
Synergy
We look for synergies. Our group of companies form a purposeful, complimentary network of services that add value to our partners and industry initiatives.
Progress
We are forward-thinking.
We move quickly and strategically to support long-term growth and continuous improvement.
People
We respect our people. We hire and invest in skilled industry experts who care deeply about what they do.
What We Do
Our Services
Prince George | Fort St. John | Terrace
We are an industry leader in Western Canada for cabinetry and countertop design and manufacturing. Our quality craftsmanship, durable products, and excellent service is sought after by homeowners, businesses and industry partners.
Prince George | Vanderhoof
We are one of northern BC’s largest providers of remote communication solutions. We know the region inside and out. When staying in touch really matters, we ensure your two-way radio and satellite communications work flawlessly.
Leadership Team
Meet the Team
Our leadership team has honed experience across multiple industries and sectors, specializing in business development.
CEO
Terry Thiara
Terry Thiara was born and raised in Prince George, BC. His lifelong interest in entrepreneurship led to an early start in business. While studying commerce at CNC and UNBC in his teens, he began investing in real estate. He went on to co-found Lithium One Group. This company initially invested in the manufacturing and construction sectors. Through mergers and acquisitions, it now includes businesses in communications, remote camp services, and commercial real estate.
In 2021, Terry partnered with The Takla Nation to create Virsa Group. He brings several companies to this new portfolio. In return, Virsa Group provides an environment with the support his business teams need to grow. Terry believes it is important to develop the unique competencies of each company in the portfolio. By focusing on this, Virsa Group creates an operating structure that attracts other businesses to the fold.
When not working, Terry enjoys spending time with family and friends. He is an avid reader with a special interest in Punjabi history, the region in India his family emigrated from in the 1970s. Learning about his cultural heritage and the opportunities his people gained by moving to Canada is what motives Terry to create opportunities for others.
Director
Jas Raju
Jas has over 25 years of experience in the construction industry in northern BC and is currently the President and Owner of Lithium One Homes Ltd and NRH Investments Ltd. He is also a partner in several other local businesses.
Jas graduated from The College of New Caledonia with a Computer Information Systems Diploma. He started his post-college career with the Ministry of Transportation and Highways as a Systems Analyst. He then achieved his Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and a Certified General Accountant (CGA) designation, and worked for accounting firms in Burns Lake and Prince George, BC. Jas went on to work for Canfor for a period of 10 years in different accounting roles, and gained extensive experience in solid wood products manufacturing at an operational level.
In 2009, Jas left Canfor and decided to venture on his own by either starting, acquiring, or partnering in different businesses in northern BC. Coming from a family of home builders, he has always been involved in new construction. This lifelong passion led to the development of Lithium One Homes Ltd. His residential company specializes in custom single-family homes and has grown into one of Prince George’s premier home building firms.
Director
Tom Lewis
Tom Lewis has over 30-years of experience in the forest industry in Western Canada and is currently the President of Lewis Management Systems Ltd. and Vice President – Business Development for the Sasuchan Development Corporation – Takla Lake First Nation.
Previously, Tom was the Chief Operating officer for Jemi Fibre – a division of CanWel Building Materials Group involved in all aspects of operations from the forest to the market in Western Canada which including sawmills, private timber lands, public tenure, wood treating facilities, timber harvesting, road construction and a trucking company.
Tom worked for Canfor Corporation for 17-years and was Vice President Woodlands – Canada where he was responsible for safely delivering 17 million (m3) of high quality logs annually to 16 primary manufacturing facilities and represented Canfor on forest policy, sustainability, environmental leadership and stakeholder relationships at a regional and provincial level in BC and Alberta.
As well as Tom’s experience at a senior leadership level in the forestry and manufacturing sector, he also has extensive experience in Organizational Development, Human Resources and Continuous Improvement. Tom is a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) who holds a Certificate in Conflict Resolution from the Justice Institute of BC, a Green Belt in Six Sigma and several advanced Lean Production System credentials.
Tom has lived in Prince George since 1992.
Director
Steve Nycholat
Steve has over 25+ years of experience in consulting and contracting fields.
He is currently the CEO of Sasuchan Development Corporation. Before this role, he spent six years as Pacific Regional Manager of All North Consultants responsible for six divisions providing engineering services to the Pulp & Paper, Infrastructure, Oil & Gas and Mining sectors. In addition to those operational responsibilities, Steve oversaw Project management, IT and continuous improvement companywide.
Steve also worked as General Manager/CEO for TDB consultants for 17 years working in the field of forestry consulting and contracting.
Steve‘s education includes a Masters of Business Administration from University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), a diploma in forest technology from College of New Caledonia (CNC) and a Blackbelt in Lean continuous improvement.
Currently serving on the CNC board of Governors as chair of Finance and Audit committee since 2014 and is an active coach for UNBC JDC west entrepreneurship team since 2012.
Previously Steve has served on the city of Prince George economic development corporation board 2011-2014 and volunteer food service at St Vincent de Paul 2005-2013.
Born in Prince George and raised in Mackenzie British Columbia, Steve is a lifelong resident of the central interior; married with two children and attending UNBC.
Work With Us
Interested in working with the Virsa Group? Contact us today.
We are Indigenous-owned and entrepreneur-led, with access to industry leading professionals in accounting, finance, operations, sales and marketing. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your business.
Find Us
Details
Address
1699 Ogilvie Street
Prince George BC V2N 1W7
Phone
250-561-2801
Driven by progress and grounded by Indigenous values – our respect for the land, the people and our communities, is at our core.
