Today’s Notable Young Professional is Vancouver-based marketing pro Ben Smith, who saw an opportunity at the company that is the absolute best at what they do and worked hard to apply his passion. Here’s where he sees himself in five years and what advice he would offer other young professionals…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I market and sell multifamily residential communities.
Why did you start working at your company?
They are the best at what they do. I saw an opportunity.
What was the inspiration for this career route?
Marketing has always been the thing I just knew how to do, even before I knew it was called marketing. In Vancouver, real estate and mining are the two biggest sandboxes you could play in… and mining was not really my bag.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis?
It is always changing.
The most challenging part?
Creating the influence to be the master of that change.
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
When my need to relax and rejuvenate bumps up against family time.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully more present than I am today.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career?
Patience. As a creative and driven type, I live in the tension of being present while managing an insatiable desire to move forward.
How did you overcome it?
I live in the tension daily.
What does success look like to you?
Being a good human.
Does Money = Happiness?
No, but I certainly appreciate knowing we are able to pay our bills.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
I don’t think I’ve had it yet.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Work hard. Do good work. Be a good person and surround yourself with other good people. Care passionately, but don’t sweat it.
Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
I’m not that fussy.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
Skateboarding or snowboarding with my kids and wife in Whistler. I love to ride my motorcycle, too.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
I have four kids, so our travel has been fairly mundane the last few years. Right now I split my time evenly between Whistler and Vancouver, so my favourite place to be is at home in Whistler. My wife and I spent a lot of time in central Europe before we had kids, so that is an area I would really like to go back to. As my kids get older, I have plans to take more motorcycle trips exploring some of the amazing roads we have along the West Coast.
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
Can’t think of one.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
Driving around in a VW camper van, letting life take us where it leads.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Yes, but I don’t have one cause in particular I’m devoted to at this time.
What to you is notable?
Humility. Vulnerability. Honesty.
iPhone, Blackberry, Android or Other?
iPhone.
#NOTABLE
Want more updates on the most Notable things happening so you know before your colleagues do? Get our exclusive newsletter here and follow us on Twitter for all the latest.