One of Calgary's fastest- growing advertising and communications firms has filed for bankruptcy.
Kanga's website no longer functions and calls to the office have gone unanswered. But a sign on the company's office in Kipling Square on the 10th Avenue S.W. door dated Oct. 3 states that Alger & Associates has been appointed bankruptcy trustee.
Kanga owner and CEO Quentin Collier did not respond to requests for an interview. John Partridge, the company's CFO, also remained tight-lipped. Alger & Associates also said they could not comment.
Collier took over sole ownership of Kanga Communications earlier this year following an unfriendly buyout of the firm's other partners.
The company counted among its clients the Calgary Health Region and Calgary Technologies Inc.
Peter Knapp, president and owner of competitor Iradesso Communications - which last week took on projects from some of Kanga's clients - said it is understandable that even Calgary's booming economy provides no guarantee of success.
"I'm sympathetic to (Kanga)," Knapp said. "We happen to be doing quite well right now, but you can easily understand how things could get off track. Even with the best of intentions and good people, it's challenging building a company."
Knapp thinks that part of Kanga's downfall could be the result of rapid growth - from two original partners five years ago to about 35 employees before its demise.
Iradesso has also grown during that same period, from one person to 14 today. Knapp said he tries to be careful to manage that growth.
"We're in a fortunate position, but one of our mottos is becoming: 'We're in a good spot now, don't screw it up.' We have to keep performing and it'll continue to grow."
