| David Chalk | |
|---|---|
| Born | David Ian Chalk September 9, 1958 London, England, U.K. |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Education | University Fraser Valley Doctorate in Technology, 2006 (most recent) |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Business Broker, Technology Futurist, Educator, Media Personality, Keynote Speaker, Venture Capitalist, CEO of Decision-Zone Inc. |
| Notable works | Founder, Chalk Media (Sold to Research in Motion), 1997–2007 Founder, Doppler Computer Superstores, 1985–1997 |
| Spouse | Keely Chalk |
| Children | 2 |
| Website | |
| www.davidchalkinc.com www.decision-zone.com |
|
David Ian "Dave" Chalk (born September 9, 1958) is a Canadian technology entrepreneur and media personality best known as the host of the syndicated Dave Chalk's Computer Show.[1] Chalk first entered the technology business by launching his own computer store, Doppler Computer Superstores.[2] He subsequently launched a technology consulting firm, Chalk Media,.[3] Chalk subsequently hosted programming on computers and technology for radio, television and in-flight broadcasting systems on Air Canada [19], as well as contributing to The Globe and Mail[4]
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Chalk was born in London, England, and relocated with his family to British Columbia, Canada as a youth. Chalk has said that it was very difficult to grow up in South Burnaby, BC in the 1960s and recalls that having severe dyslexia and other afflictions he acquired from brain damage at birth meant being dealt with like a pariah.[5]
Chalk never finished his university degree and barely graduated from high school. Chalk was born with an undiagnosed learning disability, a severe form of dyslexia,[6] which made it difficult to learn in the traditional academic setting. Chalk thinks in pictures rather than words, and reading and remembering are major challenges for him.[7]
Despite a challenging childhood and adolescence with the public school system, Chalk was rewarded many years later with an Honorary Doctorate of Technology for his years of accomplishments in the tech field. The University of Fraser Valley’s Alumni Association board nominated Chalk for the honorary doctorate and noted in its nomination document that, “David’s perseverance and determination to excel and achieve success, regardless of adversity, is an inspiration and motivation to all..."[8]
Chalk started video streaming on the early days of the Internet and developed the first video engine for Yahoo! in 1999, raising $60 million in capital.[9] In 1983, Chalk created the first Canadian Technology Magazine, Computer Buyer Magazine.[10] In 1984, Chalk created what would become the chain of Computer Superstores, Doppler. Chalk designed and developed a retail sales management system, built in house, to facilitate Doppler's operations by barcode and multi-location communications. Ernst & Young certified its functionality and assisted in selling it to other industries.[11] By the mid-90s, Chalk turned around a $150 million US Retailer (Ballard Computer) from Chapter 11.[12] Chalk acquired Ballard from Fred Paulsell, the original venture capitalist who founded Costco.[13] Chalk has also appeared on speaking tours for Microsoft on behalf of Bill Gates.[14]
Chalk established the longest-running technology show in Canada ("Dave Chalk's Computer Show"),[15] created the first open-line national radio show on the Corus Radio Network for computer education, and created a training software company, Chalk Media,[16] which he later sold to RIM (Research in Motion).[17]
Chalk has been asked to consult with industry leaders such as Bill Gates on retail store design for Microsoft, Martha Stewart on technology implementation for Omnimedia, Charles Lippincott (franchiser of Star Wars & Industrial Light & Magic), and Charles Wang on retail product positioning for Computer Associates.[18]
Chalk has spent 20 years educating and sharing his lessons through keynote speaking engagements and has given in excess of 300 talks over the years including Stanford Aerospace,[19] MIT on Corporate Culture, the Learning Disabilities Association of Alberta, Educational Computing Network of Ontario, the Saskatchewan Institute of Technology and Applied Science.[20] Chalk has spoken to Fortune 1000 companies and Government organizations including 3M, Best Buy, Bekins Transport, Canada Post, China Government Department of Planning, J.D. Edwards, Ford, Princess Cruises, RBC Financial Group, Sunlife and Xerox.[21]
Chalk has created many award winning marketing campaigns including: Verizon, Royal Bank, Sony, Samsung, HSBC Bank, Research in Motion - BlackBerry, FutureShop, SaskTel,[22] Microsoft, TELUS, UnderArmour, Business Objects, and Air Canada.[23]
Chalk has been recognized by his peers for his work including the Retail Council of Canada: Most Outstanding Marketer;,[24] YEO: Entrepreneur of the Year;,[25] 3 Telly awards for TV programming;[26] and a Freddie Award for Best International Educational Documentary: “An insight into life with Dyslexia & learning disabilities.”[27] In addition, Chalk’s media production company that produced his technology show, Connected Life, won numerous awards over a 12-year period, aired in 9 countries (including in-flight on Air Canada)[28] and was rated by TV Guide as 'One of the 50 Best Shows on TV'.[29]
Chalk’s most significant fund raising success came during the dot-com era in 1999 when he negotiated with Silicon Valley’s Michael Moritz of Sequoia Capital.[30] Moritz also green-lighted Chalk’s web company to raise $480 million for online video content pre-YouTube.[31]
Chalk is a licensed commercial airline pilot and is part owner of Sky Helicopters, a helicopter courier and commuter company in Vancouver, BC.[32]