Marnie Walker

Dream Big

“If you stay focused on your dream, regardless of what comes your way, you can find a way to make it happen” shares Marnie Walker who endured eight years of walking with cranes and crutches, but still managed to graduate on the deans honour list with her MBA from the Schulich School of Business.

Marnie had big dreams and was determined to live them. After ten years in the business world, she decided to start her own business. “It took three years of searching, but I discovered school boards were looking for someone to transport special needs children. They gave me a small contract to transport eight buses of children.”

There was just one small problem, she had no money.

She was divorced, had a huge mortgage and less than $500 in the bank. Undeterred, she bought furniture and opened an office, putting everything on her VISA. Armed with her business plan and the school board contract, she went in search of financing. She hired a manager, and kept her corporate job for five years, investing everything she had in the business. Everyone thought she was crazy, but childhood lessons of independence gave her courage to do what she loved to do.

Fourteen years later, Student Express had become a multi-million dollar school bus company with a fleet of 250 buses. Marnie was named Canadian Women Entrepreneur of the year and ranked 37th in the ranking of top Women Business Owners in Canada.

After receiving an offer that was too good to refuse, she sold Student Express. This was one of the most difficult decisions of her life. As Marnie struggled with the decision of selling the company, she was aware that she was trading in the stability that Student Express provided for the opportunity to pursue another dream.

After the sale, she searched for a small office where she could share facilities and have administrative support. She searched for such an office, but came to realize that she would have to create it, so she created 401 Bay Centre.

When asked about this new business venture, Marnie said “401 Bay Centre, is my office dream, it provides affordable, professionally furnished and fully equipped offices as well as shared facilities which include Reception, Meeting rooms, Cafe and a Business Centre. It is in a great location at 401 Bay Street in the heart of downtown Toronto with direct access to the P-A-T-H, subway and parking.”

Marnie teaches entrepreneurship at the Schulich School of Business and is founder and on the Board of Maple Leaf Angels investment group. She lives part of the year in Australia where she is a partner in an on-line pet supply company Petitude.

Marnie is always saying that we need to do what we love, love what we do. Clearly she lives her own mantra.