As he sailed into port (Port Colborne) in 1952, Jack Berkhout had a vision for a prosperous future and his new Canadian homeland. Working at Union Carbide, Jack met his first angel investor, a fellow worker who believed in his vision. That investment of $3000 led to a lifetime of successful entrepreneurial ventures.
Beginning with his first business, Wainfleet Plumbing LTD, Jack Berkhout created over a dozen enterprises in Niagara. His true passion and monumental achievement is in land development of the landscape of Niagara with over 20 subdivisions, industrial malls, and community projects. These developments include notable projects such as such as Birchwood, Burkwood 1, 2 and 3 and Daimler Group in purchasing 375 acres along the Welland Canal for the development of an active adult lifestyle community with an on-site 18 holes golf course now under construction.
Jack Berkhout played an integral part in establishing Wainfleet Credit Union and was a member of the Wainfleet Lions Club for 15 years. His accomplishments and promoting sports in the community are unparalleled thanks to his outstanding efforts with the South Niagara Rowing Club the Ridley Boat Club and local area committees.