ELO is delighted to announce that Dave Brereton, Executive Chairman of TECSYS and President of Youth for Christ International, has been selected as the recipient of the Entrepreneurial Leaders Award (ELA) at the ELO Forum Toronto 2025 on November 19th.

This distinguished award celebrates Christian leaders whose influence, impact, and integrity inspire entrepreneurs and marketplace leaders worldwide. Presented at ELO Forums globally, the ELA honours individuals who embody entrepreneurial excellence grounded in a Christian worldview.

Past recipients represent an international roster of exceptional difference-makers, including:

• Mark Burnett, #1 Hollywood TV & Film Producer
• John C. Maxwell, globally renowned leadership expert
• Pat Williams, Co-Founder, Orlando Magic
• Ron Blue, a leading Christian financial authority
• Rob Wilderboer, Co-Founder & Executive Chairman, Martinrea International
• John Lennox, Professor Emeritus, University of Oxford

A Life of Leadership, Vision & Purpose

Dave Brereton stands in this distinguished company with a legacy built on integrity, conviction, and vision. With more than 40 years in the technology sector, Dave founded and led TECSYS Inc. from a small Canadian startup into a global leader in supply chain execution software serving multinational corporations.

His leadership excellence was recognized early:

• Named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 at age 39
• Honoured as one of Canada’s 50 Best-Managed Private Companies before TECSYS went public

But Dave’s influence extends far beyond corporate success.

As President of Youth for Christ International, he helps shape the lives of young people worldwide, championing future leaders and investing in their potential. His commitment to youth also led him to found a fully accredited high school in Montréal in 1995, created to empower marginalized students and open doors to brighter futures.

Entrepreneur, Investor, Mentor & Servant Leader

Dave’s entrepreneurial instinct is matched by his heart for building others. His early investments in companies, including Silanis Inc., Inventure LLC, and AlayaCare, played strategic roles in the success of these ventures. His expertise has strengthened countless businesses and leaders.

At home, Dave and his wife Katy embody radical hospitality and compassion. Since 1983, they have welcomed more than twenty foster children into their family—ten joined their family long-term, and three were adopted. Today, surrounded by their many children, grandchildren, and even a great-grandchild, Dave and Katy continue to model a life of generosity, grace, and steadfast faith.

A Longstanding Friend of ELO

Dave’s relationship with ELO spans many years. He has spoken at ELO Forums, most recently at Toronto 2023, sharing insights on “Leadership Lessons from Entrepreneurial Startups to Running a 60,000-Person Global Organization.” He also holds the rare distinction of being an “Iron Man” participant of the ELO Oxford Leadership Program—attending five programs to date.

Honouring a Leader Worth Celebrating

Dave Brereton’s life is a testament to entrepreneurial courage, strategic wisdom, and Kingdom-centred leadership. His influence has shaped industries, strengthened ministries, and transformed countless lives. We are honoured to celebrate him at the ELO Forum Toronto 2025.

Please join us in congratulating Dave on receiving the 2025 Entrepreneurial Leaders Award—a recognition richly deserved.