Get To Know Gil Gerretsen

INTRODUCTION

When you first meet (or even just observe) Gil Gerretsen, you are instantly aware that he is distinctly different. He doesn't fit the traditional business mold, and he likes it that way! His energy and confident style attest to his growing popularity as a business writer and speaker. 

Gil is Founder and President of BizTrek International Inc. a network of marketing Boot Camps and Think Tanks for "“Average Joes” who are making it BIG. BizTrek was formed in 1994 and is headquartered in Greenville, SC (USA).

CREDENTIALS

Gil discovered the allure of marketing and sales at an early age. At the age of 16, he led a group of high-school students in personal sales and to recognition as Canada's top Junior Achievement business. His reward? A trip to anywhere in the world he wanted to go (he chose 6 weeks in Europe).

Gil is the author of many articles in the field of marketing and small business growth. His works have been published in numerous magazines and newspapers. He has published two limited-edition books: The Giraffe Principles (1999) and Susan’s Song (2007).  Several more projets are currently underway.  With over three decades of experience in the field of marketing and sales, Gil has been recognized with multiple awards and recognitions, including appearances in the Who's Who directories every year since 1997.

EDUCATION

Gil graduated from the University of Calgary (Canada), where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree, with a specialty in Organizational Management. Gil proved early that he is a go-getter because he earned his four-year degree in just 33 months ... while also working a 20-hour per week job! Upon graduation, his first action was to take a well-deserved two-month vacation camping up and down the American west coast.

CAREER

Gil spent his early career working for various national and international organizations as a marketing and fund raising trouble-shooter, developing a reputation as an effective "turn-around" guy. With a career that took him and his wife to 10 locations within 12 years, he finally decided to settle in Greenville, South Carolina in 1992, having enjoyed the community during an earlier stint in the area.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Gil has been very active in his community. He has been past Chairman of the Greenville Work Training Center, and a Board member for several organizations including the Greater Greenville (SC) Chamber of Commerce, the Clemson University Small Business Development Center, Greenville's Junior Achievement program, the Greenville Humane Society, Exercise Democracy and Greenville’s Christian Businessmen’s Committee.  He has been a volunteer with Meals On Wheels.  Working with (then) Congressman Jim DeMint, Gil was instrumental in bringing the SBA Business Information Center to the Upstate of South Carolina.

PERSONAL

Gil was born in Rotterdam (Holland) and raised in Calgary (Canada).  Following the loss of his first wife to breast cancer, Gil married his new sweetheart Vicki. They has two step-children and three grandchildren. Gil lives in Tigerville, SC, a small community just off the scenic Cherokee Highway in the northern foothills of South Carolina. He also enjoys travel and, so far, has visited 14 nations, 48 states and 6 Canadian provinces. As time permits, Gil also enjoys Biblical studies, travel hiking, rails-to-trails biking, model railroading, and acrylic painting.