Crystal Kaufman, 29, is a Canadian certified pedorthist and owner of BioPed. A graduate of Brock University, she is the winner of the Canadian Youth Business Foundation's Best Business in Ontario Award.

Q: What is your greatest accomplishment?
A: My greatest accomplishment is owning a successful business in my hometown. Few youth are granted the opportunity to return home and offer a valuable medical service. I am proud to say I am the owner of a reputable and ethical business.

Q: Who is your most valued mentor?
A: Robin White hired me as a pedorthic apprentice at his Sudbury clinic. His entrepreneurship and passion for helping others was contagious. I quickly grew to love the pedorthic profession and knew right away I wanted to open my own centre. Robin is now one of my business partners. I met Penny Tremblay through the Canadian Youth Business Foundation's mentoring program. There was an immediate bond between us.

Q: What do you love most about North Bay
      and area ?
A: North Bay has a welcoming, cozy feel that is complemented by its clean environment and diverse recreational opportunities. However, the high quality of life would not be possible without the residents of North Bay. The community is filled with people who care about their neighbour.

Q: What else would you like to accomplish?
A: My vision for BioPed is to be the premier provider of non-surgical lower limb abnormality treatments in the North Bay and surrounding area.