“Being the Healthiest Version of Myself So I Can Be the Best Version of Myself”
James A. Ford is a dynamic and visionary entrepreneur with over three decades of experience across the technology, packaging, and professional services sectors. From founding multimillion-dollar enterprises to advising industry boards, James has built his career around the core principles of strategic foresight, resilience, and a relentless commitment to growth. His journey is marked not only by the businesses he has built and sold but by the impact he has made as a mentor, thought partner, and driver of sustainable innovation. Known as a strategic problem solver and forward thinker, James continues to evolve, driven by curiosity, adaptability, and a passion for supporting companies at pivotal growth moments.
James began his professional path grounded in business and computer systems technology, earning his diploma in Computer Systems Technology from the British Columbia Institute of Technology and pursuing business studies at Douglas College. His early roles in quality assurance and customer service management sharpened his technical and operational acumen, which would later serve as the foundation for his future entrepreneurial ventures. From 1993 to 1999, James worked in software development, quality assurance, project management, and software implementations across Europe and Asia. During this time, he collaborated closely with senior software development engineers throughout the software development lifecycle. He developed a unique skill set—translating client feedback and needs into actionable insights for technical engineers and software developers. These formative years taught him the value of process, efficiency, and above all, delivering value to customers through continuous improvement.
In 1999, James launched ActiveCo Technology Management, a bold move that marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial legacy. Without external funding, a product, or prior experience in the space, he built the company from his home into a highly respected IT services firm. Over the next 17 years, he led ActiveCo through organic growth, building a service platform that garnered international recognition. His leadership fostered a values-driven culture, instilled disciplined strategy execution, and enabled predictable financial performance. In 2017, James successfully exited the business, closing a significant chapter of his entrepreneurial journey.
After a brief sabbatical, James turned his attention to the manufacturing and distribution industry, acquiring Fishers Paperboard Ltd. in 2018. His approach was methodical and strategic—he spent a full year researching opportunities before acquiring the 50-year-old family-run business. Once at the helm, James modernized its operations, rebranded the company, implemented new ERP systems, and significantly expanded its U.S. customer base. This turnaround culminated in a successful sale of the company just three years later, demonstrating James’ ability to identify value, enact transformation, and execute exits with precision.
In 2021, James founded Knockout Sustainable Packaging Solutions, an enterprise born from the rising consumer demand for environmentally conscious packaging. With limited prior industry exposure, he immersed himself in research and market analysis to identify gaps and opportunities. Today, Knockout supports beauty, health, and lifestyle brands in North America with custom folding carton solutions rooted in sustainability and traceability. Under his leadership, the company champions environmental stewardship, leveraging FSC and SFI-certified materials and advocating for a circular economy. This venture underscores James’ commitment not just to business excellence but to societal impact.
Beyond the companies he’s founded, James is deeply involved in governance and advisory roles. He has served on the board of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce, participated as a strategic contributor to the Independent Beauty Association’s Supply Chain and Sustainability Committee, and held advisory positions in youth sports organizations. These experiences reflect his natural inclination toward leadership, community involvement, and fostering environments of collaboration and accountability. His board participation is consistently marked by a practical, thoughtful approach and a strong sense of fiduciary responsibility.
A hallmark of James’ leadership style is his ability to bridge strategy and execution. He thrives in environments where challenges need to be turned into opportunities, and he consistently brings clarity to complexity. His experience spans enterprise leadership, mergers and acquisitions, business development, and operational oversight—always underpinned by a strategic mindset. Known as a “strategic banker,” James is not only focused on solving problems today but on designing systems that are resilient, future-proof, and scalable for tomorrow.
James’ interpersonal style is characterized by authenticity, integrity, and an unshakable belief in human potential. Whether mentoring teams, guiding clients, or contributing to peer forums, he fosters a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous learning. His time with the Entrepreneurs’ Organization for over a decade speaks to his dedication to self-improvement and peer-based growth. Through global retreats and confidential forums, James has consistently challenged himself to evolve, drawing insights from diverse industries and leadership philosophies.
A lifelong learner and passionate communicator, James frequently leads strategic planning meetings and has delivered presentations at annual and quarterly organizational forums. His thought leadership is pragmatic and forward-thinking, often anchored in real-world experience and an acute awareness of market trends. Though not one for the spotlight, his voice carries weight in boardrooms, planning sessions, and advisory roles because it is grounded in both credibility and care.
At the heart of James’ professional ethos is a deep-rooted desire to help others succeed. Whether guiding emerging entrepreneurs, shaping sustainable supply chains, or designing systems for business scalability, he brings to the table a rare blend of entrepreneurial instinct, operational rigor, and human insight. Now, as he actively explores new board opportunities, James seeks to partner with organizations where he can offer strategic direction, governance support, and an unwavering commitment to value creation.
Character:
James demonstrates integrity, humility, and resilience in every aspect of his career. He values relationships deeply, building trust through consistency and a steadfast dedication to doing what is right—even when it’s difficult.
Knowledge:
With over 30 years of cross-industry experience, James possesses a rare blend of technical, operational, and strategic expertise. His ability to integrate insights from technology, manufacturing, and sustainability gives him a multidimensional perspective on business challenges.
Strategic:
A natural systems thinker, James excels in designing and executing long-term strategies that drive meaningful results. He is known for his future-focused mindset and his ability to see patterns, solve problems, and lead organizations through complex transitions.
Communication:
James is a clear and thoughtful communicator who listens deeply and speaks with purpose. Whether facilitating a board meeting or coaching a team, he brings clarity, confidence, and authenticity to every interaction.
