Dieter Gerhard

As our President and CEO, Dieter is in charge of general oversight of every aspect of northStudio. He also considers it his responsibility to ensure that our office is a place of personal growth and development for staff. Dieter strives to shape a team of people who not only enjoy their work, but who are also at the top of their respective fields.

Known for both his bull dog tenacity and his generosity, Dieter is equal parts hard ass and softie. In the business sphere, his greatest strengths are his sharp, analytical mind, his capacity for deductive reasoning, and his eye for development potential. On a personal level, he cares deeply about his staff, and mentoring has become an important facet of his job, heading northStudio.

Dieter gets great pleasure out of watching staff members succeed and grow into their own. He also finds that the youthful energy in the office helps him keep in touch with today’s marketplace.

Outside of the office, Dieter and his partner Ashley run the popular Birds of a Feather Oceanfront Bed and Breakfast, and in the summer months, he can often be found out on the water in his zodiac conducting Marine Eco Tours. Boating and travel are his two biggest passions. Being out in the open ocean gives him the opportunity to connect with nature, especially here on the beautiful west coast, and travel is a chance to explore the world and experience other cultures. Dieter’s top spots include Germany, where his family origins are, and New Zealand because of the friendly and gracious people and diverse geography. In fact New Zealand reminds him of Vancouver Island. Dieter's favourite spot to unwind since 1980 is Negril Jamaica where he enjoys a special connection with the locals. Dieter and Ashley have "adopted" a Jamaican family ensuring among other things they receive an education.

Always the thrill seeker, Dieter enjoys activities like skydiving, para-sailing, horse-back riding, hot air ballooning, and touring in submarines while on his travels.

“Dieter is always looking out for me. In fact he has been taking care of my parking spot now for many years!” –Chris Boag

Quick Facts Questions

What lunchroom item is unmistakeably yours?

Fresh berries.

If you could be any movie or TV character, who would you be?

Sam Elliot. He’s very cool and down to earth, and the ladies love his sexy voice.

What three things could you not live without?

1. Ashley. 2. My toys … cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles. 3. Science fiction. I’m a Trekkie. My ultimate wish would be to experience space travel.

What was the eight year old version of you like?

Constantly exploring. I went everywhere on my bike. I would just ride 2-3 hours straight in either direction of my family house out in the country.

Growing up, what did you always get in trouble for?

Trading my healthy rye bread sandwiches and fruit for peanut butter and jelly white bread sandwiches and cookies.  I also once got in trouble for letting myself into the neighbour's house while they were away and eating all of their cookies … Cookies were my downfall!

What’s the best advice you were ever given?

I don’t solicit or take advice—sometimes to my detriment. :-)

Tell us a random fact about yourself.

I hiked the West Coast Trail in 2006. I was the first person in Ontario to skip grade 12 (and go straight to grade 13). Out of over 2,200 applicants I was one of the 197 who were accepted in to Royal Military College of Canada in 1975 but chose instead to go to the Univeristy of Waterloo. Something about 9 weeks of bootcamp without girls. My dad kicked me out of the house for that one!