Opportunity knocks for young entrepreneurs. (FedNor Update).

At first glance, it appears that entrepreneurs Richard Guerin and Dan Schaffer have little in common. Guerin enjoys scanning the shelves at the local comic book store while Schaffer prefers challenging his pals to a friendly game of pool.

Different lifestyles. Same goal: to turn their individual passions into a successful career.

Guerin and Schaffer took a step closer to turning their dreams into reality last October when they joined 14 other young entrepreneurs as guests of FedNor at the 15th Annual Northern Ontario Business Awards Conference and Gala in Timmins.

After an orientation breakfast, the group of future northern business leaders participated in a series of workshops and seminars, leading up to the evening awards gala.

Owner and publisher of Doodle Me Sane Comics, Guerin is looking to break into the tough but potentially lucrative comic book market, along with partners and fellow enthusiasts Marc Froment and Randolph Lalonde.

"The day sessions were great," Guerin says. "We were able to establish new contacts and receive valuable business advice. We even made it into the press."

"The evening gala was absolutely fantastic -- we felt like we had won an award because everyone wanted to talk to 'the young guys doing the freaky stuff'," he adds, laughing.

Schaffer, who operates Corner Pockets, a billiard hall in Timmins, was also impressed by the event.

"It was definitely motivational," he says. "I met other young business people who have struggled during the early years but who are now very successful -- it was a real eye-opener."

As a direct result of Schaffer's participation at the conference, he is now preparing to launch a Corner Pockets Web Site.

Two young entrepreneurs -- two new careers.