Heather Reisman

Born: 1948
Place of Birth: Montreal, Quebec

• Heather Reisman is a director of Onex Corporation, and the founder of Indigo Books.

• As a young child, Reisman had acquired an interest for reading all types of books.

• She came from a supportive family and was educated at McGill University.

• Following university, she became a social worker but took an interest in the world of business.

• She then opened a business known as Paradigm Consulting Inc. to help business firms reach specific goals.

• For two years, Reisman served as President of Cott Corporation, a soft drink supply company.

• She began Indigo Books & Music Inc. in 1996 and later merged the company with the Chapters chain of bookstores.

• With the merger, many felt at the time Reisman was saving the bookstore industry in Canada.

• She is an active leader and visits each of her stores as often as possible.

• Reisman's regular reviews of selected books are appreciated by her customers.

• In addition, she seeks good relations with the book publishers in an effort to bring quality books and sales into Indigo.

• She and her husband, Gerry Schwartz, have also built Onex into one of the largest employers in Canada.

• Indigo works with Canadian schools to help the schools obtain books on an "at cost" basis.

• Heather Reisman has received many honours including a Doctorate degree from Ryerson University.

Last Updated: April 23, 2006
© Canada-Heros/Don Jones 2003