Today’s YPDaily features the hosts of the new business and culture series “Sky’s the Limit,” both of whom are also successful young professionals in their careers off camera. Find out what keeps Levi and Suzanne busy during their rare time off and what advice they have for other young professionals in today’s feature…
Levi:
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I am President and part-owner of Nanaimo’s largest employer, Harmac Pacific, which employs over 300 people. I am also part-owner of CHEK Television and I sit as Chairman of the Board.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I was inspired to start working at Harmac Pacific because it is an employee-owned company with a great team environment.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part of my job is that I get to travel a lot, and I get to meet so many interesting people. Even though traveling is one of the best parts of my job, it can also be the most challenging part as well. Traveling for work means I am away from home many days of the year.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I imagine myself still participating in activities that I enjoy, but activities that also challenge me.
What does success look like to you?
Success for me is being able to make a positive difference in peoples’ lives.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Being able to help save two companies, which are both over 50 years old, from permanently shutting down, is definitely my most memorable milestone.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Never give up. The days that you find the hardest will only make you stronger.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I am on the board of the David Foster Foundation. The foundation is important to me because they have been providing financial support for non-medical expenses to Canadian families with children in need of life-saving organ transplants for 25 years.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
BlackBerry
Suzanne:
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I am a commercial and editorial portrait photographer and a TV show host of Sky’s the Limit (STL).
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I opened my company in 2001 and grew the client base while going to university. By the time I graduated, I had built up numerous relationships and was working full-time in photography. My inspiration is simple, I love to take pictures, and once I realized I could have a career in this field, it just seemed obvious to follow my passion.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part of what I do is that no two days are the same, I am constantly challenged by new ideas, clients and photoshoots. The flip side is the most challenging aspect of my work; due to the lack of routine, planning ahead can be difficult as I often don’t know where I’ll be working and for how long.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself shooting editorials, celebrities and national campaigns and still traveling the globe seeking new adventures.
What does success look like to you?
Success to me is doing a job you enjoy because you love what you do and that fulfills me…It doesn’t have to be any more complicated than that.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
The most memorable milestone of my career has been the launch of our first season of STL airing across Canada. By showing our experiences in different countries, cultures and customs, I’ve heard from people that this is encouraging them to travel and empowering them to go after their dreams.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Follow the career you desire with hard work and determination and surround yourself with people that are positive and encouraging in all aspects of your life.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I believe it’s important to help those who can’t help themselves. I mostly support charities that focus on children, such as BC Children’s Hospital. An illness to a child is devastating to the whole family, and if the family needs to take extended time off to be with them through a treatment process, that can be financially devastating.
What is Notable to you?
One thing I’ve noticed is when people are living off the land, they seem happier than just about anyone. Keeping life simple and being an active member of the community seems to be what life is about.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone all the way…I’ve had one since the first model was for sale only in the States.
