Fred Dawkins is a successful entrepreneur having owned and operated businesses in manufacturing, retail, land development, small business consulting and import/export. His most recognizable business role came as co-founder of The Olde Hide House, Canada’s largest leather store, well known for the slogan "it’s worth the drive to Acton". He holds a Bachelor's degree in commerce and finance, for which he won the W.E. Rundle gold medal and a Master’s degree in economics. He lives in Guelph, Ontario.