expertise is in management, accounting and finance.

He obtained a Bachelor of Commerce degree from St. Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia as young man and returned home to complete his articles at Morris & Kempe in 1971.

Mr. deFontes brings with him 23 years of international company experience as well as six years experience as the deputy general manager and controller of a local air conditioning and refrigeration company.

In addition to his controller's duties at TreeCon, he is responsible for the administration of the company.

"One of the roles I enjoy the most here is that of human resource manager and working with people,'' he said with a smile.

Mr. deFontes together with the service and stores managers is focusing on developing procedures to enhance customer service and satisfaction.

"Here like other businesses, we have many diverse personalities.

Understanding the needs and attitudes of everyone is a challenge and fun'' he explained.

As far as the employees go, Mr. deFontes is a hands-on manager with an open door policy. Like David Rowntree, he believes in considering the opinions of the other employees.

"If one member in our team fails or lacks in anyway, we all do. In the service industry, in addition to providing qualify products, customer satisfaction is very important.

Ultimately, the customer signs our pay cheques.'' He believes that an open management style empowers his staff to make good decisions. "I pride myself in being fair, if you are not fair, you pay in the end'' he reflected.

Mr. deFontes has a creative side to his business personality, which includes enjoying music and singing with his wife.

As an artist he enjoys putting up the easel and painting the view from his waterfront home. He is a member of the Orchid Society and enjoys gardening.

Controller: Michael deFontes of TreeCon Ltd. is an experienced executive with a creative side.

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