Heymann was born in Calgary and his family moved to B.C. when he was a toddler. He grew up in East Vancouver, attending Vancouver Technical High School and followed graduation with the Marketing/Management program at BCIT in Burnaby.
Heymann has always been an entrepreneurial businessman. He began working at Shopper’s Drug Mart as a teenager and was a manager by the time he finished high school. As he moved from store to store, he was recognized for his marketing skills and creativity in turning problem locations into flagship stores. His innovations in adding non-traditional products remain an important part of Shopper’s success.
In 1986, Heymann decided to strike out on his own and formed Pro Mark Marketing Inc. He spent the next 35 years immersed in B.C. grocery wholesale and distribution. His communication skills built trusted relationships throughout the industry and his company became very successful in an extremely competitive environment.
Heymann retired in December 2021, when he made the decision to be a full time caregiver for his elderly parents. Family comes first for Heymann.
Heymann and his wife, Dianne, have raised three daughters in Burnaby. They have always been engaged supporters of Vanessa, Courtney and Madison in education, sports and dance, developing a very deep respect for Burnaby facilities and parks.
Despite his demanding business and busy family, Heymann has consistently donated his time to local organizations. He has been a member of the Burnaby Community Policing Advisory Committee (district 4) since 2017 and spent 5 years on the Burnaby Community Safety Committee. He has also served on the executive of his strata council, with 5 years as President. Footer 1 He has been the fund-raising Chair for Loretta Leung Dance Troupe and for the Burnaby Chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society. He also was an executive member of the Burnaby Wildcats Hockey Tournament and volunteered for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
Heymann consistently gives back to his community.
Over the past few years, Heymann’s passion for Burnaby has drawn him into politics. He ran for Council in 2021 and 2022, primarily on environmental issues and public safety. Since then he has been an organizer for the “Save the Foreshore” group and has founded the “Save Burnaby Parks and Green Spaces” organization.
Heymann is running for Mayor because he believes the present Mayor and Council have failed Burnaby. They have failed to protect our environment, with continued incursions on parks and green space. They have failed to add needed police officers for a growing community, so Burnaby is less safe every day. They have failed to listen to the public on local planning. Instead of creating “middle” housing, they have authorized “monster” houses that ruin neighbourhoods. And this Council has failed to protect our finances, with massive tax increases and dwindling reserves. Our past strengths have become weaknesses.
Heymann is determined to turn things around and go back to good local government. He is determined to PUT BURNABY FIRST…. FOR A CHANGE!