Jim Treliving grew up in the small town of Virden, MB. He joined the RCMP when he was 18 years old and served for 8 years in British Columbia and Alberta. When he walked into Boston Pizza and Spaghetti House in 1966 he knew what he wanted to do with his life. He found a partner and together they started the first franchise of Boston Pizza in Penticton, British Columbia. He had been taught from a young age good business morals from his father, never being in debt, always being ethical and honest, never buying anything you can't afford, but found himself suddenly having to let that go if he wanted to be successful. He loaned piles of money to get his franchise off the ground and had difficulty paying it off. When his dad found out, he stopped talking to Jim for years.
Jim has two children, Brad and Cheryl Treliving. He is on his third marriage, currently married to Sandi Treveling, a woman 20 years younger than himself. His son Brad is the General Manager of the Calgary Flames, and a previous professional hockey player. His daughter Cheryl is the president of Treliving Management Services in British Columbia. Jim is now 78 years old and showing no signs of slowing down, although he does enjoy playing golf in his downtime.
When Jim first imagined owning a Boston Pizza he had no prior business experience. He was enticed by the business after eating there as a RCMP officer. He found a business partner and together they started a franchise, the very first Boston Pizza franchise. Without prior education or business training Jim and his business partner hit some hurdles along the way. As detailed in his book "Decisions, How to make the right ones and right the wrong ones" Jim talks about how they weren't able to pay their suppliers and contractors, and held a meeting explaining their situation and how they would get paid. Miraculously Jim's people skills and clear honest communication took him very far, as the suppliers agreed to take a percentage of earnings until they were paid off. Jim has never forgotten the importance of honest and clear communication in business as it truly has gotten him where he is today.
Jim Treliving is the "Original Dragon" on the hit Canadian TV Show Dragon's Den. Wrapping up their 14th season in 2020, Jim is the only dragon to be on every show since it's conception. Jim was skeptical about becoming a TV star, but quickly warmed up to the idea and has embraced his TV personality. He offers sound advice to the entrepreneurs, not afraid to point out bad ideas or mistakes that were made, but makes fair deals, many of which have gone on to be very successful for Jim.
Jim's Total Net Worth is estimated to be over $700 Million dollars US. He attributes the majority of his success to Boston Pizza.