Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Ben&Boule Trading Inc. Founder Ben Schubert, whose company is an international distributor of men’s and women’s fashion and accessory brands to retailers throughout the country. Don’t be surprised when ‘country’ turns to ‘globally’ in the near future…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I run the day-to-day operations of Ben&Boule Trading Inc. BBT is a Canadian-based international distribution company offering exclusive men’s and women’s fashion and accessory brands to retailers throughout the country.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I founded the company six and a half years ago having no clue about anything fashion-related. I just knew I wasn’t passionate about my current company at the time and sometimes you just have to seize the opportunity and hope for the best.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
Best: Travelling to what I consider the best places on the planet and meeting what I can only describe as the most interesting people out there.
Most challenging: Making sure to eat breakfast.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
As far as BBT goes, doing exactly the same thing with more brands in my portfolio. On another note, running my own brand globally… based out of the same offices here in Montreal. This is already in the works.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
Being unable to finance our production costs and fulfilling orders. I fortunately overcame this by teaming up with one of the most reputable and successful players in the industry and taking BBT to the next level.
What does success look like to you?
Does Money = Happiness? Does a bear shit in the woods? 😉
On a more serious note, my success will come when I control a powerful brand that can help shape the global fashion industry as well as another industry I won’t yet mention. To me success means the ability to reach millions and positively influence their lives.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
As soon as I hit seven figures in sales for the first time. Seven figures look good on paper.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
DEAL WITH IT. If something is a problem, don’t run away. Face it head on and make sure it’s so scared of you after your first confrontation that it never shows up again.
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
I would have to say this changes weekly, but currently I love Bremner. Bremner is often at the top of that list.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
I would love to say working out, but I forget what a gym even looks like. This summer has been one of little relaxation and sleep.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
Europe; great friends and business partners and, simply put, where I belong in the years to come.
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
Depends on my mood and what I’m trying to accomplish in that current state. It ranges from Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd all the way to All me by Drake.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
I think I would most likely have become a manager in the music industry.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I support several charities all based on who finds my email address and whether or not I believe the issue is severe and pressing. I tend to support emergency relief efforts frequently, as well as animal rights movements.
What to you is notable?
Like-minded entrepreneurs not afraid to succeed, who want to help each other and share experiences. People that don’t hate success and those achieving it, but rather want to align with them and make their communities even stronger and more economically and socially ahead of the curve.
BlackBerry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
Android.
#NOTABLE
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