Inuvik (Feb 2o/06) - Overlooking the Town of Inuvik is the headquarters for New North Networks, a communications firm owned and operated by Tom Zubko - a Northern entrepreneur with a flair for innovation.

At first glance, the giant bubble of a building, described by Zubko as a ray dome - a radar detection facility used by the Canadian military at one time - seems an appropriate fit for the businessman. That's because in a way, the building housing Zubko's cable, internet and cellphone business symbolizes the kind of man he is - a passionate thinker who relishes change.

"Change is opportunity and the building is a perfect example of this," Zubko said.

"The ray dome makes for an efficient building and is unique in its architecture."

Zubko sees a lot of opportunity in the North as well, and feels change isn't all that bad.

"The potential of the North hasn't been taken advantage of for a long time," he said.

"There is no reason the North cannot, by far, be the most vibrant and rich part of Canada."

Zubko says it's hard to follow in the footsteps of his father, Mike Zubko, who was a pioneering pilot who helped found the Northern Air Transport Association. Zubko's childhood was spent travelling in his father's plane all across the North. During these flights, the youngster met people from all over the world.

"Our house was like an international bed and breakfast. There were scientists, oil people and government people," Zubko said.

In those years, he tempered a respect and appreciation for the world. Today, Zubko puts the lessons of his youth to good use by offering up communications solutions to all sorts of customers - like oil and gas companies, who rely on Zubko's expertise in opening up lines of communication in such a fragile and hostile landscape.

"I relish change. It provides the environment to be innovative and it opens the doors for all sorts of possibilities," he said.