
William
Walczak
Chief Executive Officer
William is the CEO of Hiilite (hiilite.com), CEO of RepairExpress (repairexpress.com), and is currently pursuing his PhD in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies (IGS) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) Okanagan campus. He believes that maximum potential is only achieved when the most inquisitive minds play in concert with the right technology, in a fun environment. He knows that collaborating with ambitious and persevering individuals and organizations leads to the best results. However, this can only happen when everyone gives a shit, has ownership of the outcome, and has clear and measurable goals. William works well with those who get excited and passionate about the process, product, and potential.
Professionally William’s focus is on delivering strategic marketing services with a higher return on investment, and differentiated business guidance, leveraging over two decades of personal, academic, and industry experience. He loves to work closely with entrepreneurs and academics to overcome any challenges. William utilizes Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO), Analytics, management consulting and solid business fundamentals to find business and growth opportunities.
His academic focus and research interests are consumer behavior, machine learning, predictive analytics, consumer experience, and marketing. His goal is to help move his industry forward and help make marketing, and marketing technology more accessible and effective for more
He holds an Engineering degree from Simon Fraser University, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of British Columbia (UBC), and intends to complete his doctorate from UBC by 2026.
Background:
- 2020-Present – PhD in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies (IGS) at the University of British Columbia (UBC)
- 2020 – Adjunct Professor of Consumer Behaviour at The University of British Columbia MGMT442-1, MGMT442-2
- 2017 – Master of Business Administrator (MBA)
- 2007 – Computer Engineering Degree
- 2000 – Network Engineering Diploma
- Owned and sold Kelowna based IT and Web firm
- Worked as a research engineer for the Fraunhofer Institute, Nuvation, Blue Cross
- Worked in tech since 1999
Awards:
- 2024 Best Marketing Agency in Kelowna – Canadian Choice Award
- CEO Monthly – Marketing Strategy CEO of the Year 2023 – British Columbia
- Canadian Business Excellence Award for Private Business – 2021
- Best of Small Business Awards – Best SEO Company – 2021
- Canadian Business Excellence Award for Private Business – 2020
- BC American Marketing Association – 2020 Marketer of the Year – Social Storytelling or Influencer Marketing Award Finalist
- Canadian Business Excellence – 2020 Award for Private Businesses
- Chamber of Commerce – 2017/2018 Top 40 Under 40
- Chamber of Commerce – 2016 Marketer of the Year Award Finalist
- Chamber of Commerce – 2016 Entrepreneur of the Year Award Finalist
- Chamber of Commerce – 2011 Business Excellence Awards – Rising Star Award Finalist – ITS Kelowna
- Canadian Engineering Competition – 2nd Place Nationally in Engineering Communications
- Western Engineering Competition – 1st Place in Engineering Communications
Academic Publications (APA) :
- Walczak, W., Li, E. P. H., and Nelson, S. (2024). Logarithm: A Cinematic Exploration of Time (with videography). Journal of Customer Behaviour (Accepted November 19, 2024).
Projects I’m Famous For:
Notable Work:
- Adjunct Professor, University of British Columbia (Marketing Courses: Consumer Behaviour: MGMT442-1, MGMT442-2)
- CEO, Hiilite Creative Group Inc.; Kelowna, BC — April 1, 2014 – Present
- CEO, RepairExpress Enterprises Canada Inc.; Kelowna, BC — February 2015 – Present
- CEO, ITS Kelowna/ITS media; Kelowna, BC — Sept 2009 – April 2014
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Measuring Value w/ William Walczak Hiilite: Futur Pro Call ep12
Volunteer:
- Opera Kelowna Board of Directors (2016-2017)
- Ski2Sea.ca Board of Directors (2010-2014)