Vote Rob Slykhuis

for Whitestone Council

Ready to Make a Difference

Meet Rob

My family first fell in love with Whitestone in 2002. Since my retirement in 2019, my wife Mary Ellen and I have been fortunate to live here the majority of the time year-round at our home on Lake Wahwashkesh. We are blessed with five children and six grandchildren, and our entire family treasures everything this vibrant community has to offer. My goal is simple: to help protect and strengthen Whitestone for future generations.

I have over 40 years of business experience. As the former CEO of the multinational corporation Bizerba, I managed operations across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. I directed a workforce of over 450 employees across six companies, successfully driving business growth, leading strategic acquisitions, building high-performing management teams, and balancing large-scale corporate budgets. Following my corporate retirement, I spent six years as a business consultant helping companies navigate growth and complex challenges. Now fully retired, I am ready to dedicate my energy and experience to a new challenge.

Giving back has always been important to me. In my previous chapter, I was an active member of the Rotary Club of Mississauga, where I championed youth organizations, supported overseas projects, and funded local charities.

I have served on the Lake Wahwashkesh Conservation Association for nearly a decade over two terms, contributing as Treasurer, Secretary, Vice-President, and, for the past three years, as President.

When the renovations began on the Ardbeg Community Centre, I volunteered to help with roofing, flooring, and painting. On my very first day, I managed to slice my arm on some metal roofing - earning myself 15 stitches and literally putting my blood and sweat into the project! Today, I continue to volunteer there in much safer roles, happily flipping pancakes, serving meals, and helping with cleaning.

Most recently, I joined the volunteer team at the Cramadog Snowriders. While I am still relatively new to the group, it has been incredibly rewarding to be involved, especially during our recent epic winter season.