Edward Kenneth Loyst

Edward Kenneth Loyst is Chairman and CEO of Franchise Bancorp Inc., a TSX-listed, multi-concept franchise company that owns Living Lighting, Rafters Home Stores, Panhandler Shoppes, Global Pet Food Stores and Ryan's Pet Foods.

Loyst is a director of several companies, including Aragorn Holding Ltd., Index Gift Imports Ltd. and Indian River Reptile Fund.

Following a career in the advertising agency business, where he worked with several brand-name franchisors, Loyst founded his first franchise chain – Living Lighting.

Loyst is a co-founder of the Canadian Franchise Association and served as chairman for five years. He has served as a director of the Retail Council of Canada and a chairman of their franchise steering committee.

Loyst has been a speaker at numerous franchise and small business events. He was honoured by the Canadian Franchise Association as Executive of the Year in 1990 and his company received the Hall of Fame Award the following year.

He enjoys building with stone and stone sculpting, but plays a lousy game of golf.

His recently published book – Portrait of an Entrepreneur: A Survival Guide for Small Business – is a must read for everyone in the franchise or retail business and a valuable guide for anyone thinking of starting a small business of their own.