Curriculum Vitae

Robert (Bob) Brehl has 25+ years experience as a journalist, professional communicator and best-selling author.  He was a reporter and editor at two of Canada’s largest newspapers, was a senior executive at both an online news portal and later at the Toronto office of an international public relations firm.  For a decade, Bob has owned and operated a consulting firm specializing in writing, research and media relations services.

Work Experience

2002-2015	Founder	ABC² Communications Inc.  Numerous clients inc. Rogers, Ontario Government, technology firms
2013-2014	Co-author	Hazel McCallion autobiography "Hurricane Hazel"
2007-2008	Co-author	Ted Rogers autobiography "Relentless"
2000-2002	Vice President eBusiness	Advanced Technology Group Fleishman Hillard Canada
1998-2000	Executive Producer	CANOE Money
1997-1998	Media & Communications	Report on Business
1997-1998	Reporter	Globe And Mail
1985-1997	Reporter & Editor	The Toronto Star (various beats)

 

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As proprietor of abc² communications inc., Bob has written many speeches and bylined media articles for business leaders and high-profile Ontario politicians, including work for Infrastructure Ontario during its start-up phase in 2006.  In addition to corporate client work, Bob is also currently a columnist for the Catholic Register newspaper writing about everyday issues.

In October 2015, Bob completed the manuscript of a business book aimed at small and mid-sized businesses entitled, "Thriving in Neverland: Embracing Change and Dousing Fears of the Terror of the Mid-Tier".  It is scheduled for publication in 2016.

Bob co-wrote the autobiography of Canada’s longest-serving mayor, Hazel McCallion of Mississauga, and the hardcover version was published in October 2014 just as she was stepping down after 36 years as the mayor of Canada’s sixth largest city.  Hurricane Hazel: A Life with Purpose, quickly became a Canadian best-seller.  In October 2015, it was released in paperback.

In September 2008, the book Relentless: The True Story of the Man Behind Rogers Communications was published.  It is the autobiography of Ted Rogers and co-authored by Robert Brehl.  Following the passing of Mr. Rogers, an updated paperback edition was published in 2009 with new material from Bob related to his personal reflections on working so closely with one of Canada’s greatest entrepreneurs.  Relentless is a Canadian best-seller and Bob has been featured in various Canadian media, including CBC Radio’s As It Happens, The Globe and Mail and National Post, for his work in telling Ted Rogers’ life story.

In addition, abc² communications inc. services range from corporate writing, media training and media relations.  Clients include Rogers Communications Inc., Rosenzweig & Company, Chase Card Services, T4G Limited, Iristel Inc., ICE Wireless, Mercatus Technologies, SuiteWorks Inc., Infrastructure Ontario and more.  At CANOE, Bob was in charge of the financial portal with a staff of nine and a budget in seven figures.  Responsibilities were overall editorial/content direction and new business alliances and partnerships.  At Fleishman-Hillard, Bob offered counsel to many e-business clients, including BCE Emergis, Nortel, J.D. Edwards and Proponix, on media relations, reputation and change management issues.

 

Education

A graduate journalism degree from Carleton University in Ottawa.  Radio & Television degree from Ryerson Polytechnic University in Toronto.  Graduate of the CSI’s Canadian Securities Course and of the media law course at the University of Western Ontario.

 

Other

Bob has been a member of the board of two charitable organizations: the Churchill Society for the Advancement of Parliamentary Democracy and the Canadian Journalism Foundation.  He remains a lifetime member of the Churchill Society.  Bob is also author of a third best-selling book about Canadian sports-writing legend Milt Dunnell.

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