Gary Gervais - Founder and President

Gary Gervais - Founder and President

After returning from 3 years teaching English on the JET Programme in Japan, Gary was looking to start a business using his international experience in his hometown of Winnipeg. The inspiration to start a language school came in December 1998. Recognizing the need for an English school exclusively for international students, he contacted fellow JET participant Rennie Zegalski. In January 1999 Gary and Rennie set out to create an English school catering to international students. Thus, Heartland International English School was born.

On June 1, 1999 Heartland opened its doors at 508 Portage Avenue with a modest 3 classrooms, but no students. The first student started on June 16th and, with an attitude of caring for students, Heartland has been growing ever since.

In May 2002, Heartland moved to 161 Portage Avenue at Winnipeg''s most famous corner -- Portage and Main. The school grew to 7 classrooms and had a peak summertime enrolment of 100 students. In 2003 Heartland was recognized by Profit Magazine as Canada''s 30th fastest emerging growth company.

In July 2005, Heartland acquired four more classes on the fifth floor at 161 Portage Avenue and expanded to 11 classrooms.

"Teaching English is about connecting with people. The caring and committed teachers and staff at Heartland make the school the excellent learning environment that it is. As the school grows, we have an obligation to our customers, the students, to continue to provide as much personal attention as when we started with one student."
Gary Gervais

After returning from 3 years teaching English on the JET Programme in Japan, Gary was looking to start a business using his international experience in his hometown of Winnipeg. The inspiration to start a language school came in December 1998. Recognizing the need for an English school exclusively for international students, he contacted fellow JET participant Rennie Zegalski. In January 1999 Gary and Rennie set out to create an English school catering to international students. Thus, Heartland International English School was born.

On June 1, 1999 Heartland opened its doors at 508 Portage Avenue with a modest 3 classrooms, but no students. The first student started on June 16th and, with an attitude of caring for students, Heartland has been growing ever since.

In May 2002, Heartland moved to 161 Portage Avenue at Winnipeg''s most famous corner -- Portage and Main. The school grew to 7 classrooms and had a peak summertime enrolment of 100 students. In 2003 Heartland was recognized by Profit Magazine as Canada''s 30th fastest emerging growth company.

In July 2005, Heartland acquired four more classes on the fifth floor at 161 Portage Avenue and expanded to 11 classrooms.

"Teaching English is about connecting with people. The caring and committed teachers and staff at Heartland make the school the excellent learning environment that it is. As the school grows, we have an obligation to our customers, the students, to continue to provide as much personal attention as when we started with one student."
Gary Gervais