michael best

When not working as a full-time employee for life science entities, Michael provides mentoring, training, project management and business management services to researchers and their spin-off companies, mostly in the areas of technology commercialization and sustainability. Michael has always been at the forefront of implementing business improvements and has championed dozens of successful initiatives. Commercialization of technologies has been one of his primary job functions for more than 25 years, encompassing the entire product life cycle from product development and proof-of-process evaluations through to business planning and negotiating partnerships and alliances.

Business Unit Manager of a fee-for-service research, development and manufacturing fermentation facility (CFIA-CCVB Can. Vet. Est. Lic. #13) producing human, animal and agricultural products. Operating with a one-time high of 45 staff, gross revenue was approximately $7M per year. Responsible for converting a research-based, granted-funded department into a manufacturing-based, profit-centered business unit with multiple revenue sources (fee-for-service and licensing/royalty streams).

Business Unit Manager of a fee-for-service research, development and manufacturing fermentation facility (CFIA-CCVB Can. Vet. Est. Lic. #57) producing human and animal health products. Responsible for restructuring the unit to excel in core capabilities and function at a high state of operational readiness and quality. Restarted and completed failing projects and repaired client relationships. Increased profitability of the unit and developed a new strategic business plan, including a facility engineering design plan for upgrading the facility capabilities and quality compliance to GMP standards. Unfortunately, SRC made the strategic decision to exit the life sciences and the business unit was closed in December 2013. Michael continues to promote and assist local entrenpreneurs in an attempt to resurrect the business as a commercialization centre.

Manager of the Technical Services Group within the Biologics Business Unit, consisting of a group of eleven project managers, fermentation scientists and laboratory technologists. Responsible for the successful delivery of all contract services, technology development and product commercialization activities with an annual projects budget of ~$5M and an operating budget of ~$1M. Additional duties included assisting the sales manager with visits to potential clients, conferences, industry conventions, etc. and oversaw lead qualification, proposal preparation and contract negotiation & closure activities.