BARRY Payne
Hiawatha First Nation,Canada
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record in transforming a home-based startup into the third-largest furniture supplier for the Canadian Federal government, achieving over $20 million in sales and earning national recognition. Founded Adirondack Information Management in 2006, providing IT, engineering, and administrative personnel services across Canada, with sales exceeding $25 million in 2021 and strategically located offices in Ottawa, Calgary, and Toronto. Extensive executive experience in research and technology development, successfully creating product awareness and securing federal contracts for a diverse range of offerings, including furniture systems and medical equipment. Committed to fostering economic growth within First Nation communities through initiatives such as the re-establishment of Junior Achievement programs in Ontario.
Thorough team contributor with strong organizational capabilities. Experienced in handling numerous projects at once while ensuring accuracy. Effective at prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Indigenous Engagement Centre of Excellence
Government of Canada
Canada
04.2022 - Current
- Public Services and Procurement Canada (Procurement Assistance Canada)/ Pacific Region
- Facilitated cross-departmental collaboration to streamline project execution and communication.
- Coordinated project timelines and deliverables, maintaining accountability among team members.
- Evaluated performance metrics to drive strategic decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Served as a role model for the team by demonstrating commitment to excellence, professionalism, and adherence to company values at all times.
- Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
President
OnNation Inc.
Toronto/Peterborough/Ottawa
01.2016 - 01.2022
- President of IT. Consulting and strategic contracting specializing in focusing on the public and private sectors
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance company growth and market presence.
- Developed and implemented operational policies to improve efficiency across departments.
- Established a culture of accountability by setting clear expectations and holding individuals responsible for results.
- OnNation is a federally certified First Nations owned organization established in 2016 its initial FIRST contract was in excess of $6 million to an Province of Ontario Agency.
- It was created to assist Aboriginal peoples in starting their own businesses, by leveraging our extensive experience in networking across many areas of products and contacts.
- OnNation specializes in customizing large scale program management applications for any size business on time and on budget.
- OnNation also can protect all your data assets with implementation of leading-edge date centric security software used by top levels of Canadian Government and Defense organizations.
- Increased customer satisfaction through continuous improvement initiatives and excellent customer service.
- Launched new products successfully into the market after meticulous research, planning, and marketing campaigns.
President/Founder
Adirondack Information Management Inc.
Toronto/Ottawa/Calgary/Halifax
2006 - 01.2021
- Founder and principal of Human Resources staffing firm specializing in provision of personnel / professional consultants to the public and private sectors
- Adirondack is a federally certified First Nations owned company, established in 2006 as a start up to eventually grow to multi-million dollars in sales annually. Specializing in Administrative and Clerical Services, Professional Services, Information Management / Information Technology, Engineering and Technical, and HR Capital Management personnel to the private and public sectors in Canada, the United States, and internationally.
- Our expertise is in the area of searching and networking skilled individuals, especially Indigenous peoples in all disciplines and at all levels. We connect these resources, through our partnerships with key clients in the public and private sectors.
- Cultivated relationships with key stakeholders to drive collaborative projects and partnerships.
- Oversaw budget allocation, ensuring resource optimization for maximum productivity.
- Mentored executive team, fostering leadership development and organizational culture enhancement.
- Enhanced company performance by implementing strategic plans and overseeing daily operations.
- Prepared annual budget forecasts and monitored performance to meet organizational objectives.
- Drove revenue growth by expanding product offerings and identifying new market opportunities.
- Cultivated strong relationships with external partners to foster collaboration and maximize resources.
- Supported project management team for optimal performance.
- Navigated complex regulatory environments while maintaining compliance across all aspects of the organization''s operations.
President/Founder
Adirondack Technologies Furniture Inc.
Toronto/Peterborough/Ottawa
01.2002 - 01.2017
- Founder and principal of a full-service furniture systems company, started from basement of our home to a nationally recognized company that became the 3rd largest furniture supplier to the Canadian Federal Government, with sales in excess of $20M annually, and featured in the Globe and Mail "Report on Business" October 2007, representing ONLY Canadian based manufacturers, such as Teknion Office Systems, working closely with clients locally, nationally and internationally.
- Conducted market analysis to inform strategic planning and competitive positioning efforts.
- Spearheaded corporate social responsibility initiatives, enhancing community engagement and brand reputation.
- Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
- Managed crisis situations effectively while minimizing disruption to daily operations.
- Monitored financial performance and implemented measures to enforce compliance with budgetary standards.
- Inspired innovation by creating an environment that encouraged creative thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
- Delivered operational excellence by optimizing resources, processes, and overall cost structure.
- Developed strong partnerships with cross-functional teams for improved collaboration and efficiency.
- Built a diverse workforce through targeted recruiting efforts focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.
- Adirondack offers a complete furniture solution, specializing in office systems design, reconfiguration, installation, and custom furniture design.
- Adirondack is a certified First Nations owned company with its Head Office located on the Hiawatha First Nation and sales Offices in Ottawa & Toronto.
- Adirondack Technologies services include Delivery and Installation, Project Management, Space Planning, Installation and Move Management, Reconfiguration, Storage, Asset Management, Dedicated Customer Support, End-User Product Training and Liquidation of Redundant Assets.
- Utilizing our extensive knowledge and contacts to employ Indigenous people whenever and wherever possible.
President/Founder
Adirondack Office Supplies
Toronto/Peterborough/Ottawa
01.2007 - 01.2014
- Founder and principal, Adirondack is a leading provider of office supplies, and technology solutions to business, federal and provincial governments, as well as First Nation organizations.
- A just-in-time inventory model and state-of-the-art distribution allows Adirondack to provide the latest technology with fast and accurate delivery.
- Adirondack offers First Nations organizations access to products and services at the same levels experienced by the Federal government.
- Streamlined processes through innovative solutions, reducing operational redundancies significantly.
- Streamlined organizational processes by evaluating current systems and implementing improvements.
- Reduced operational costs through strategic cost management initiatives.
- Adopted cutting-edge technologies to improve productivity levels within the organization.
President
Adirondack Technologies Inc. (ATI)
01.1999 - 01.2002
- Started as Sales Manager, and was eventually promoted to company president in 2000, personally responsible for bringing sales of over 6.5 million dollars in its first year of operation.
- Fostered collaborative partnerships with stakeholders to align business objectives and operational goals.
- Directed cross-functional teams in executing strategic plans, ensuring alignment with company vision.
- Implemented innovative solutions to streamline operations and improve overall efficiency across departments.
- Mentored senior leadership team, cultivating their skills to enhance decision-making processes and team performance.
- Analyzed industry trends to identify opportunities for expansion and competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Vice President, Sales
New Tech (Ottawa-based Aboriginal Company)
01.1996 - 01.1999
- First Nations Community owned company, responsible for sales of a comprehensive and extensive line of Information Technology products to Canadian Federal government clients.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency across multiple departments.
- Cultivated strong relationships with stakeholders to drive collaborative project outcomes.
- Oversaw development and implementation of company-wide policies and procedures.
- Directed financial planning and analysis to optimize resource allocation and budget management.
- Mentored senior management team, fostering leadership skills and professional growth.
- Spearheaded market research efforts to identify emerging trends and business opportunities.
- Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, vendors, regulators, and community leaders to promote collaboration and long-term success.
- Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop strategic initiatives and long term goals.
- Negotiated high-value contracts that maximized profitability while mitigating risks for the organization.
- Developed new revenue streams by identifying growth opportunities and forging strategic partnerships with key industry players.
- Identified opportunities to improve business process flows and productivity.
Sales Manager / Sales Agent
Xerox Office Document Products
01.1992 - 01.1996
- Started as Sales Manager and moved on to become Xerox Sales Agent responsible for the entire Durham region in 1994.
Sales Representative / Sales Manager
O.E. Canada
01.1988 - 01.1992
- Started as Sales Representative and moved on to become Sales Manager responsible for Durham region.
Junior Sales Representative
Pitney Bowes
01.1984 - 01.1988
- Started as Junior Sales Representative in copier division and attended sales leadership conference within six months; eventually promoted to Copier Sales Specialist. Surpassed sales quota over entire career at Pitney Bowes.
Education
Economics
York University
01.1986
A.M.E.P. (Advanced Management Education Program) Diploma -
Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management
01.2009
Diploma - Introductory Leading Teams: Governance for Indigenous Councils and Boards
01.2022
Indigenous Entrepreneurship Program Diploma -
Sprott School of Business/ Carleton University
01.2022
Skills
- Successful entrepreneurial ventures
- Media recognition in Globe and Mail
- Business establishment and management
- Executive experience in technology research
- Proficient in working with First Nation organizations
- Facilitated Junior Achievement's integration with First Nations communities in Ontario
Citizenship
Canadian (Status First Nations)
Clearance Level
Secret with Public Services and Procurement Canada
Volunteering Board Experience
- First Nations Coordinator, Junior Achievement Canada, 2018-04-01, Present
- Member Of the Board of Directors, Mushkegowuk Development Corp., 2022-03-01, Present
- Member Of the Board of Advisors, Inclusive Advisory Peterborough, 2020-01-01, Present
- Member Of the Board of Directors, Indigenous Performing Arts Alliance, 2021-04-01, Present
- Supplier Board Member, CAMSC, 2022-02-01, Present
- Indigenous Advisor, eQuoShift, 2022-02-01, Present
Personal Information
Nationality: Canadian (Status First Nations)
Awards
- RBC National Aboriginal Partnership Report (featured supplier), 2013-06-01
- Globe and Mail (Report on Business), 2007-10-01, Tapping into contracts just a keystroke away
- Merx, 2006-10-01, Canada's leading e-tendering service
- What is Merx, 2008-08-01
- United States National Minority Supplier Development Council Scholarship, Only 35 people from the entire United States (First NON-AMERICAN) to be invited to participate.
Awards and Recognition
RBC National Aboriginal Partnership Report (featured supplier) June 2013, Globe and Mail (Report on Business) October 2007, "Tapping into contracts just a keystroke away", Article regarding building Adirondack from the basement Of my home in Peterborough, Ontario, Merx Canada's leading e-tendering service October 2006, A Vision, An Internet Connection And A Subscription To MERX Gives Way To A $10M Business., United States National Minority Supplier Development Council Scholarship, Only 35 people from the entire United States (First NON-AMERICAN) to be invited to participate)., Advanced Management Education Program (A.M.E.P.), NMSDC's (National Minority Supplier Development Council) custom executive education program held at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois., The program is designed for minority men and women CEOs/owners of NMSDC-certified businesses- who have demonstrated sustained levels of solid performance and are ready and interested in accelerating their growth. Businesses should be at least three years Old, With sales of over $5 million for manufacturing and distribution firms, and at least $3 million for service firms.
Timeline
Lead Indigenous Engagement Centre of Excellence
Government of Canada
04.2022 - Current
President
OnNation Inc.
01.2016 - 01.2022
President/Founder
Adirondack Office Supplies
01.2007 - 01.2014
President/Founder
Adirondack Technologies Furniture Inc.
01.2002 - 01.2017
President
Adirondack Technologies Inc. (ATI)
01.1999 - 01.2002
Vice President, Sales
New Tech (Ottawa-based Aboriginal Company)
01.1996 - 01.1999
Sales Manager / Sales Agent
Xerox Office Document Products
01.1992 - 01.1996
Sales Representative / Sales Manager
O.E. Canada
01.1988 - 01.1992
Junior Sales Representative
Pitney Bowes
01.1984 - 01.1988
Diploma - Introductory Leading Teams: Governance for Indigenous Councils and Boards
President/Founder
Adirondack Information Management Inc.
2006 - 01.2021
Economics
York University
A.M.E.P. (Advanced Management Education Program) Diploma -
Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management
Indigenous Entrepreneurship Program Diploma -
Sprott School of Business/ Carleton University