It’s ironic that one of the hardest working people in Nova Scotia is also well known for helping others plan their vacation. Yet Rob Dexter is exactly that. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1951, Dexter would eventually own and operate an award-winning and nationally renowned travel agency.

Graduating with his Bachelor of Commerce from Dalhousie University in 1973, Dexter then went on to receive his LL.B. from Dalhousie University in 1976. His pursuit of the law didn’t hinder his business interests, however. While in law school, Dexter bought Halifax Harbour Tours and ran it part time while working at what is now known as Stewart McKelvey Stirling Scales as a corporate lawyer. In the late 1970’s, Dexter purchased shares in a small travel operation, Maritime Travel, which was suffering at the time.

While working at the law firm, his relationship with one client in particular would pave the way for his future entrepreneurial and business endeavors. In 1982, Dexter made such an impression on David Sobey, CEO of Sobeys Inc., that Mr. Sobey asked the Board to appoint him as Secretary of Sobeys. This would be the start of a longstanding relationship with the Sobey family, where he became a director of Sobeys Inc and Empire. In 2004, Dexter became Chair of the Board of Directors for Empire.

In 1986, Dexter affiliated Maritime Travel with Marlin Travel to achieve national reach, adopting Marlin into the company name. His company was now called Maritime Marlin Travel, a name that it was known as until 2002. In 1987, Dexter began spending the majority of his time at Maritime Marlin Travel, whose financial success was on the rise. Dexter’s ability to stay ahead of market demands and industry challenges allowed the company to continue to grow. In 1997, Maritime Travel Inc. acquired Newfoundland-based LeGrow's Travel and, in 2002, purchased the assets of The Bay Travel, further increasing the company’s reach, giving it 81 shops across Canada.

As an indication of Dexter’s leadership, keen business sense and passion, Maritime Travel Inc. was named one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies in 1998, and each of the six years thereafter. In 2005 and 2006, Maritime Travel became a member of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Prestigious Platinum Club, the first Atlantic Canadian based company to do so. In addition, Maritime Travel was recognized as one of Canada’s 50 Best Employers in 2004, 2005 and 2006 by the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business. It also made MacLean Magazine’s list of the Top 100 Companies to work for two consecutive years.

Dexter continues to apply his business savvy and legal skills to the business community through many past and current directorships, including: Aliant Inc., CorporaTel, Empire Company Ltd., High Liner Foods, Sobeys Inc., Wajax Limited, Connor Clark Limited, 1989-1999; Lawton’s Drugstores, 1990-1996; Maritime Life Assurance Company, 1993-2004; as well as being Vice-Chair of Marlin Travel (Group) Limited, 1998-1993. public.

In addition to his legal and entrepreneurial pursuits, Dexter has been equally dedicated to improving his community through his involvement with many charitable and educational institutions. He was Chairman of the Nova Scotia Small Business Development Corporation, 1988-1993; Vice Chairman of the Nova Scotia Business Development Corporation, 1992-1994; President of the Halifax Board of Trade, 1993-1994; Chairman of the United Way of Halifax Region Campaign, 1997; Member of Board of Governor’s Dalhousie University, 1998-2001; and Chairman of the NS Business Hall of Fame, 2002-2003. His memberships include the NS Barrister’s Society, Canadian Barrister’s Society, and the World President’s Association.

Dexter currently resides in Halifax with his wife, Deanna. His only child, Angela, recently qualified for her CA with Ernst & Young in Halifax. In addition to being the Chairman and CEO of Maritime Travel, Dexter also remains as partner at Stewart McKelvey Stirling Scales. In his free time, he sails, skis and travels the globe, passions that drew out his entrepreneurial spirit and set him on course for a long and successful career in law and business.

Rob Dexter is the first laureate to be inducted into this year’s Junior Achievement Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame at a dinner being held Thursday, June 1, 2006 at the World Trade and Convention Centre in Halifax.