Jim Treliving

Early life and career with the RCMP

Jim Treliving was born and raised in the small prairie town of Virden, Manitoba. At the age of eighteen, he began a career in law enforcement by joining the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Treliving served with the RCMP for eight years from 1959 to 1966, with postings in both Alberta and British Columbia. This period provided him with discipline and a strong work ethic but did not initially point toward a future in business. His life changed direction in 1966 while he was stationed in Edmonton, Alberta. One evening, a fellow officer took him to a local eatery called Boston Pizza and Spaghetti House, where Treliving tasted pizza for the very first time. He was impressed by the restaurant's activity and the novel food concept, and he saw a significant business opportunity. This single experience started what would become his life's work, leading him to leave the security of the RCMP and its pension to pursue entrepreneurship.

Building the Boston Pizza empire

In 1968, Jim Treliving purchased the rights to become the first franchisee of Boston Pizza, opening his inaugural restaurant in Penticton, British Columbia. He immersed himself in the day-to-day operations, often working 12 to 14 hour days. Despite his hard work, a review with his accountant at the end of the first year revealed he was barely turning a profit. This experience was a crucial lesson in understanding the financial fundamentals of running a business. Treliving eventually became a multi-unit franchisee, operating 18 locations in British Columbia. His important business relationship began with his accountant, George Melville, who provided strategic advice and later became his full partner. In 1983, Treliving and Melville purchased the entire Boston Pizza chain from founder Ron Coyle, forming Boston Pizza International Inc. (BPI). Under their leadership, the chain expanded aggressively across Western Canada, reaching 95 restaurants and sales over $110 million by 1995.

The partnership between Treliving and Melville, known as the T&M Group of Companies, proved to be exceptionally successful. They faced significant challenges during an initial, rushed expansion into Eastern Canada, which failed due to a lack of local market understanding and management presence. Learning from this, they later re-entered Ontario with a more strategic plan, including Treliving relocating to open an office and provide direct oversight. This hands-on approach became a defining feature of their management style. Today, Boston Pizza and its United States and Mexico division, Boston's The Gourmet Pizza, operate over 435 restaurants throughout North America. The company's operations extend beyond restaurants into retail, manufacturing, real estate, and service sectors, with the group's annual system-wide sales now surpassing $1 billion.

Key milestones in the growth of Boston Pizza:

• 1968: Jim Treliving opens the first Boston Pizza franchise in Penticton, British Columbia.
• 1983: Treliving and George Melville purchase the Boston Pizza chain from founder Ron Coyle.
• 1995: The chain grows to 95 restaurants in Western Canada with sales exceeding $110 million.
• Present: Over 435 restaurants across North America under the Boston Pizza and Boston's The Gourmet Pizza banners.

Role on Dragons' Den and public profile

Jim Treliving's public profile expanded dramatically in 2006 when he joined the original cast of the CBC television series Dragons' Den. As one of the investor 'Dragons', he evaluated business pitches from aspiring entrepreneurs, offering his capital and expertise in exchange for equity. Treliving became known for his encouraging yet pragmatic demeanour and his focus on investing in people and strong teams. He remained with the show for its first fifteen seasons, departing in 2020, with his final episodes airing in 2021. His tenure made him a familiar face to Canadian audiences and solidified his reputation as a savvy business mentor. Beyond television, Treliving authored a best-selling business book titled 'Decisions: Making the Right Ones, Righting the Wrong Ones', published by HarperCollins in 2012. All proceeds from the book were donated to Canadian charities, aligning with his philanthropic values. The book provides a behind-the-scenes look at his business journey and the lessons learned from both successes and failures.

Business philosophy and other investments

Treliving's business philosophy is deeply rooted in the principle of investing in people first, believing that behind every great business is a great team. His long-standing partnership with George Melville demonstrates this, as they built their empire through open debate and shared decision-making. They were able to communicate and discuss business decisions openly, even when they disagreed, and ultimately made decisions together. Beyond Boston Pizza, Treliving has diversified his investments through the T&M Group. His portfolio includes significant stakes in various sectors across North America. One of his notable investments is in the Canadian quick oil change retailer Mr. Lube. He also has interests in sports entertainment and substantial real estate development projects. Treliving maintains an active travel schedule, dividing his time between his home in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Dallas, Texas. He spends considerable time travelling between all five of the group's offices throughout North America to meet with franchisees, employees, and suppliers, believing in the importance of face-to-face interaction.

Core elements of Treliving's business approach:

• Invests in people and teams as the foundation of any business.
• Values hands-on management and direct oversight of operations.
• Maintains a diversified investment portfolio across multiple sectors.
• Prioritizes in-person meetings with franchisees and partners across North America.
• Emphasizes open communication and shared decision-making with partners.

Philanthropy and community involvement

Philanthropy is a central part of Jim Treliving's life and business ethos. He has been a director of the Boston Pizza Foundation since its creation in 1990. Under his guidance, the foundation has raised and donated over $33 million to support children's health and wellness charities across Canada. In 2012, Treliving and his wife, Sandi, personally donated $1 million to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Foundation, where he also serves as an advisor. His community involvement extends to several volunteer boards. Treliving has served as the chairman of the Hockey Canada Foundation and is a board member for the David Foster Foundation, which supports families with children in need of organ transplants. He has also contributed his time to the Richmond Hospital Foundation and the Hockey Canada Foundation, demonstrating a broad commitment to health, sports, and community welfare. These activities reflect his firm belief in giving back and supporting Canadian communities.

Awards and recognition

Jim Treliving's contributions to business and community have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. In 2019, he was inducted into the Canada Walk of Fame, celebrating his impact on Canadian culture and enterprise. He was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest civilian honours. The business he built with George Melville has consistently been honoured, including repeated designations as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies, earning a place in the Platinum Club for sustained excellence. Boston Pizza has also been named one of Canada's 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures. Treliving personally received the Canadian Franchise Association's Lifetime Achievement Award and the Henry Singer Award from the Canadian Institute of Retailing and Services. The Fraser Institute also presented the T&M Group with the T. Patrick Boyle Founder's Award. These accolades span corporate excellence, franchising leadership, and cultural contribution.

Selected honours and awards:

• Officer of the Order of Canada (O.C.)
• Inductee, Canada Walk of Fame (2019)
• Canadian Franchise Association Lifetime Achievement Award
• Henry Singer Award, Canadian Institute of Retailing and Services
• Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies Platinum Club (with Boston Pizza International)
• Canada's 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures (with Boston Pizza International)
• T. Patrick Boyle Founder's Award, Fraser Institute (with T&M Group)

Franchising insights and industry perspective

With over five decades in the industry, Jim Treliving has a seasoned perspective on the evolution of franchising. He notes that the increase in new franchise concepts has been positive for the industry, as more entrepreneurs understand that joining a franchise system is a great avenue to business ownership. Franchising provides the benefits of owning a business combined with the infrastructure, training, systems, processes, and marketing support needed to build a successful operation. A great franchise system, in his view, provides the franchisee with all the tools and resources required for success. Treliving is excited by the growing number of young people beginning careers in franchising, seeing it as a sign of a strong future for the industry. At Boston Pizza, which has been operating for over 50 years, he finds it inspiring to see youth contribute ideas on how to improve the business and build the brand, ensuring its continued relevance and growth.

Personal life and family

Jim Treliving maintains a private personal life while being a dedicated family man. He is married to his wife, Sandi, with whom he shares his philanthropic endeavours. One of his children, Brad Treliving, has forged his own notable career in Canadian sports as a hockey executive. Brad previously served as the general manager of the Calgary Flames in the National Hockey League and later assumed the role of general manager for the Toronto Maple Leafs. In his limited downtime, Jim Treliving enjoys playing golf and spending quality time with friends and family. Despite his success and busy schedule spanning restaurants, investments, television, and philanthropy, he remains connected to his humble beginnings, often citing the lessons learned from his early days as an RCMP officer and a first-time franchisee. His story continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs across Canada.

Questions about Jim Treliving

How did Jim Treliving start Boston Pizza?

Jim Treliving started with Boston Pizza in 1968 after leaving the RCMP. His first encounter with pizza was at the original Boston Pizza and Spaghetti House in Edmonton in 1966. Impressed by the concept, he approached the owners and secured the rights to become their first franchisee. He opened his inaugural restaurant in Penticton, British Columbia, that same year, marking the beginning of his journey from a single franchise owner to the co-owner of the entire international chain.

What philanthropic work is Jim Treliving known for?

Jim Treliving is deeply involved in philanthropy, primarily through the Boston Pizza Foundation, which he helped found in 1990. The foundation has raised and donated over $33 million to Canadian children's charities. He and his wife also donated $1 million to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). He serves on the boards of the David Foster Foundation and the Hockey Canada Foundation, dedicating significant time and resources to community causes.

Who is Jim Treliving's business partner?

Jim Treliving's business partner is George Melville, a chartered accountant. Melville initially served as Treliving's business consultant. In 1983, they jointly purchased the Boston Pizza chain. Together, they are chairmen and owners of Boston Pizza International Inc.

What awards has Jim Treliving received?

Jim Treliving has received many high-profile awards. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada and inducted into the Canada Walk of Fame in 2019. His business achievements have been recognized with the Canadian Franchise Association's Lifetime Achievement Award and the Henry Singer Award. The company he co-owns has repeatedly been named one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies and one of Canada's 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures.

How long was Jim Treliving on Dragons' Den?

Jim Treliving was on Dragons' Den for fifteen seasons. He joined the cast as an original dragon when the CBC Television program first aired in 2006. Treliving remained one of the investor dragons for the first fifteen seasons of the show. His tenure concluded when he left the program in 2020, with his final episodes broadcasting into 2021. This made him a central figure on the popular Canadian reality series for a significant portion of its run.

What is Jim Treliving's net worth?

Some sources estimate Jim Treliving's net worth to be as much as $700 million. This substantial wealth originates from his role as Chairman and owner of Boston Pizza International Inc. and his co-ownership of the broader T&M Group of Companies. Starting from a single franchise in 1968, his businesses now have operations throughout North America in retail, manufacturing, real estate and service sectors. The annual system-wide sales for his group of companies exceed $1 billion, reflecting the scale of his entrepreneurial success.

Sources and further reading

• Jim Treliving (Wikipedia)
• Jim Treliving (canadaswalkoffame.com)
• Jim Treliving (jimtreliving.net)
• Jim Treliving Talks Franchising (innovatingcanada.ca)
• W. James Treliving, O.C. - Business Laureates of BC (businesslaureatesbc.jabc.ca)

Checked by the Yadude Books desk. Last updated 2026-10-29.