Mr. Hiebert graduated with a degree in Computer Science from the University of Winnipeg in Canada. After working as a consulting specialist on emerging technologies for several years Patrick co-founded an Energy Management Software firm, TransEnergy Management, which quickly grew from the founders to over 300 employees with offices and clients in the US, Canada, Central, and South America, Europe, and Australia. After the company was acquired Patrick founded a second software company, Epikos Solutions, which was also later privately acquired. Finding himself with more time on his hands, Patrick took the opportunity to travel with his family. One of these travel adventures took him to Nicaragua. Looking for a change and to make a difference in people’s lives, Patrick found Nicaragua to be the perfect blend of the safest country in Central America, friendly people, beautiful landscape, and the perfect climate. Patrick is now in his 11th year working, volunteering, and now living full time in Nicaragua. Applying his business experience and knowledge to Gran Pacifica Beach and Golf Resort as owner of the hotel rental, tours, and restaurant businesses, Patrick grew these businesses substantially in a few short years. As Chief Operating Officer for ECI Development, Patrick oversees all departments of the company’s efforts in Belize, Costa Rica, Panama, and Nicaragua and its expansion into other Central and South American countries. As the founder of the Help Them Help Themselves charitable foundation, Patrick is also very committed to improving the lives of the local people through leading many projects that focus on healthcare, education, and shelter. He can be contacted at phiebert@ecidevelopment.com.