Ariel Goldstein is the co-owner/operator of Old Montreal’s Philemon Bar with an interest in having a large impact on the overall development of the neighbourhood. What was the inspiration for this career route? Find out in today’s YPDaily…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
My job as a co-owner/operator is to assure the general success of the bar. Assure a unique experience for the clientele, assure an extraordinary team to project our desired positioning within the city, and assure to remain culturally relevant as a brand.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
Old Montreal has been growing residentially at a high rate over the last years. The community has embraced the development in a real estate fashion but has not yet developed to reflect the residential everyday needs of its inhabitants. It’s very hard to come across places to do groceries, buy some fresh bread, find butchers, places to dry clean your clothes, cheap take out food…etc. I met my current partner/designer, Zebulon Perron, and we saw eye to eye to build this project in old Montreal that would serve as a neighbourhood bar, enabling an easygoing spot for neighbours and neighbouring workers to get together for drink, chat, and dance.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The greatest part of my job is walking in every day to find a team of people that I respect and work together with me. It’s a huge accomplishment in my book to be consistently proud of people you spend your life with. The most challenging part I would say is the hours and everything it takes to stay ahead in a very competitive industry.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I’d like to have a larger impact on the development of the Old Montreal community. My personal interests lie with small businesses whose honest trades are the foundation of every cultural mecca, like butchers, bakers, barbers, etc.
What does success look like to you?
Getting what you want, and wanting what is right.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
I’ve worked hard in so many domains at this point; years in graphic design, advertising, PR and now hospitality make it not only hard to pinpoint a specific milestone, but a specific career to identify with.
I’m in the business of being happy and creative, and every opportunity I get to feel accomplished in that domain is a memorable milestone.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Keep on truckin’ and listen closely to your heart. A man who doesn’t change his mind, doesn’t grow. Don’t be afraid to throw it all away if it’s not what you want.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I’ll take this opportunity to raise awareness to the Open Pier Foundation, a non-profit geared towards ocean sustainability. The Open Pier Foundation is the beneficiary of Montreal Oysterfest, an annual community festival in Old Montreal.
What to you is notable?
Current issues of wealth disparity and conscious capitalism.
Describe your ideal retirement: how old will you be and how do you plan on spending your retirement years? (Sponsored by the TD Redefine Retirement Contest)
I refuse to think about that. I will bop till I drop.
What are you looking forward to most about retiring? (Sponsored by the TD Redefine Retirement Contest)
The whole thing just sounds horrible to me.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone.
Photography by Riccardo Cellere
