Key People
Jim Gragtmans, Principal
With more than 30 years of experience in building corporate and entrepreneurial organizations, Jim has a proven track record in developing rapid growth, customer-service based strategies. In previous engagements, Jim has held positions as COO at the software development company Armor Technologies, Vice-President of The Biodiesel Company – a renewable fuels producer and Vice President of Sales for Compugen Services. He has also served as an independent consultant and business coach.
He is actively involved in his industry and community as a member of the Dealer Advisory Council for the USAV association, Past Chair of the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce, current Vice-Chair of the Newmarket Economic Development Advisory Committee (NEDAC) and is a partner in the Newmarket Shared Digital Infrastructure Executive committee.
Paul Gragtmans, Principal
Paul has more than 30 years of experience in the IT and AV technology industries and brings a practical and insightful approach to today’s technology environment. He is working with some of the largest Canadian companies in a consultative role, helping them sort through the collaborative technologies available to them. He has developed a Corporate Collaborative EcoSystem model which allows organizations to:
- Understand the dynamics of the collaborative technologies
- Determine their current position in the use of the technologies
- Draw up a plan which meets their goals for increased collaboration
- Assists them with the integration and management of the technologies
Paul has held leadership positions at both large corporate companies, e.g. IBM Canada – General Manager positions, and at several technology start ups. His results-oriented drive, real world insight and innovative leadership have spawned successful strategies, coupled with practical planning and implementation.
His focus at ET Group is to bring ongoing value to the customer.
Dirk Propfe, Principal
Dirk is a results oriented entrepreneur with a deep commitment to sustainable business.
Dirk’s key strengths include a team building, democratic leadership approach, exemplary people management skills, and a determination to nurture win-win partnerships between key stakeholders. He has been in the AV/IT industry for the past 5 years, holding leadership positions in sales, operations, and finance.
Dirk is a graduate with distinction of the HBA program at the Richard Ivey School of Business and is currently pursuing a Masters in Environment and Business from the University of Waterloo. He is fluent in German and Spanish and is an active member of the YCEC (Young Construction Executive Club) and the CaGBC (Canada Green Building Council).
At ET Group, Dirk oversees the sales and design teams, and he is currently developing the long-term sustainability strategy for the company.
