Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Workplace One Founder Andrew Hay, whose company enables teams to collaborate, clients to congregate, and creative people to do great work by offering office rentals in prime downtown locations…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
My job is really all encompassing. It spans from construction to marketing to strategically planning for growth. Officially, I’m the Founder and CEO of Workplace One, though when you’re running a young company I find it kind of awkward to give big titles and job descriptions. Everyone in our company is expected to wear many hats. That goes for me as well.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I’ve been working in real estate for almost 10 years. I started my own company a little over two years ago. My family has always encouraged having an entrepreneurial spirit. Having that support is huge! I would have to say that they are my inspiration.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The variety that my work provides keeps every day fresh and exciting. However, organizing and prioritizing everything on the flip side can be a struggle.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
Working with my father in a family business, I had the opportunity to be actively involved from a young age. It can be hard to garner much respect when you’re the boss’ son. I found my father’s advice helped me overcome that:
1. Always be on time.
2. Always do what you say you’re going to do.
3. Finish what you start.
4. Always say please and thank you.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
I don’t think money always equals happiness. I believe that freedom equals happiness, and financial freedom in a lot of ways equals freedom. Hmm… I guess money can equal happiness.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Workplace One’s first centre was the result of hard work from so many people. Watching your own vision take shape and succeed was definitely memorable and personally a big milestone.
We started out with one location in 2011, but will expand to five locations by the end of this year. I suppose this year will also be a memorable one, too!
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Make sure you’re doing what you love to do. When you’re young, you have lots of time to screw up and try again.
Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
I usually crave simple food. I like any place that has a good Bolognese.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
I get a little stir crazy when I have too much “Me” time, but I do love to cook.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
I love Harbour Island. It’s only a four-hour flight but you feel worlds away. The water and boating are unbelievable!
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
I have lots of ideas that I’d like to pursue some day. If I wasn’t doing what I am now, I have no doubt I’d be busy going after some of my other goals.
What to you is notable?
I think anyone who makes a decision to try to turn their idea into a business has a lot of guts. I think that is Notable.
BlackBerry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone.
#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)
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