Frank O'Dea


Francis O’Dea, OC is a Canadian entrepreneur, humanitarian and author. He left a lifestyle of homeless panhandling and in 1975 co-founded the Second Cup chain of coffee stores with Tom Culligan. He is currently the Chair of the Bauen Group of Companies and is Chair of the board of CUSO International CUSO International. He regularly speaks professionally on the subjects of his personal and business life.
He was involved with the founding of Proshred Holdings Ltd,. an international document destruction service, and Samaritan Air Service, a regional air ambulance service.
O'Dea became founding President of Renascent Treatment Foundation,, founded Street Kids International, and the Canadian Landmine Foundation., he initiated the international charity, Night of a Thousand Dinners, with Colin Powell, Sir Paul McCartney, and Kofi Annan, which resulted in 11,000 people sitting down to fundraising dinners in 29 countries all on the same night.
O'Dea has been Chief Executive Officer of Arxx Corporation, the once largest manufacturer and installer of Insulated Concrete Forms in North America. Mr. O'Dea served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Arxx Corporation positions he held for more than 20 years. He currently is Chairman of the Board of Bauen Capital S.A. a Canadian/Brazilian asset management firm which acquired the Latin American asset division of Arxx Corporation technologies. Frank currently serves as Chairman of Arxx Brasil S.A. the Brazilian corporation that produces and commercializes Arxx ICF.

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