What is your “why” and does it still apply?
Capital Ideas members reflect on what got them started and where they are now
“My why has always been to provide clients with great promotional images to further their brand. As long as my clients are satisfied with the results and their brand is thriving and gaining attention with help from my photos, then I hope to carry on doing what I love to do.” Crystal Puim, owner of Crystal Puim Photography, crystalphotos.ca “Our why is to help those who don’t have a verified credit history get credit and at decent terms. We want to help ensure new immigrants don’t get penalized just because they don’t have a Canadian credit history. It’s easy to do what we do, because our why helps give everyone a fair chance to succeed in life.” Ashif Mawji, co-founder at Trust Science, trustscience.com
“I love seeing people succeed in reaching their goals and fulfilling their dreams. I still see it happen every day and gives me a shot of adrenaline.” Kevin MacDonald, business consultant at L6S Business Consulting Inc., l6sbc.ca
“Our why was that we take a luxury industry that was going in the dumps and keep it at a level that benefited our beautiful city. By keeping our fleet current and our customer service on the top, we have succeeded in serving Edmonton first class. After 15 years in the business, our name is on the lips of repeat and new customers as having excellent service with well-maintained vehicles.” Suzan Burtic, president of Legends Limousine, legendslimousine.ca
“My why is all about helping others figure out what their ideal life is and how they can get their companies better set up to support this. The deeper why comes from me being the guy who did not focus enough on this in previous businesses and paid the price because of it. Now I can see it does not have to be this way, and I am here to help others find their ideal life, and ideal business. Take the time, make the plan, take action, live your life.” Dave Sinclair, president of Business Transition Plus, businesstransitionsplus.ca
“Seventeen years ago when I formed Prime Capital Group, the why was more reactive and focused on delivering excellent service to a portfolio of clients and acting as a consultant in the market. But a team-sustaining vision encompasses more than the now, and it’s organic and evolves. Every year at our annual retreat, we define and refine our why. Now we ease entrepreneurs’ minds and workloads when it comes to solving growth problems. Angela Armstrong, president and founder of Prime Capital Group, pcclease.com
“My why for opening a personal training studio was simple. I wanted to help as many people as I could find the best versions of themselves through health and fitness. Owning and running a business is far more enjoyable when it is based on your passion. Eleven years later I can say with confidence that my why is still the same and applies every day to everything we do with the business.” Stacey Hogbin, owner of Wevive Fitness, wevivefitness.com
“If I ask you what is the best vodka available, I have yet to hear someone name a Canadian brand. For that reason alone, my why certainly still applies. It’s not that we don’t make great spirits, but the market is mature (and) saturated, and established businesses make it very difficult to break out of the local district. Here’s hoping with a little luck and some hard work we’ll be able to show that there is indeed a Canadian option in the premium vodka segment.” Illarion Shulakewych, founder of High Stick Vodka, highstickvodka.com
“Everyone should be able to make the positive impact they want to make in the world. That ‘why’ has not changed for me in decades, although the ‘how’ has morphed significantly. Today, it consists of helping people build their social connections so they can be healthier, happier, more successful members of society.” Nadine Riopel, owner of Nadine Riopel Professional Services, nadineriopel.com
“My why is to inspire business owners so that they can create continued success. It will always apply to my professional and personal life because it is who I am to the core. More business owners and people need to learn their why. It clarifies your marketing direction and gives you laser-like focus on how to achieve goals.” Dennis Michael, visual problem solver at Wake Creative, wakecreative.ca
“There is not a more simple reason other than because I love what I do and I get to do whatever I want on a daily basis. And that is my why. Why not?” Evelina Mannarino, CEO of Evelina Developments, evelinadevelopments.com
“It’s what makes an entrepreneur get up in the morning and handle the grueling hours and challenges of owning and operating a business. I think everyone has a different why. Mine is being able to chart your own course, and that there is no limit on your ideas and income if you set your energy towards your goals. Edward Langer, managing partner at Think Tank Ads, thinktankads.com