Today’s Notable Young Professional is high performance sports car aficionado Chris Green, National Brand Manager of McLaren and Pagani Canada. We caught up with him to find out what inspired his career and where he sees himself in 5, 10, and 20 years…
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WORK
Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I am fortunate to wear many hats and be involved in various areas, but my main responsibility is building out our national business platform for the McLaren and Pagani brands in Canada acting as National Brand Manager. I am also the team race driver for Pfaff Motorsports, racing in the Porsche GT3 Cup. (We just won the 2015 driver’s championship).
What was the inspiration for your career route?
Since my earliest memories, I have been surrounded by high performance sports cars through the passion my father had for them. My aspiration to become a professional race driver and represent a high-profile manufacturer was my main inspiration. Working with brands like McLaren and Pagani was a natural fit for everything I dreamed of since my childhood.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
Definitely coming together with Pfaff Automotive Partners to create my role with McLaren and Pagani and realizing that my dream job and everything I had been working for was becoming my reality.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
This is a question I am frequently asked, and the reality is my career has no limits. I can continue to grow and expand my opportunities over the next 20-30 years in an industry that I am so passionate about. I love to see things expand and develop, and if I can continue challenging myself I will definitely be “the car guy” living his ultimate dream.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
I would suggest young professionals create their own personal brand. We are in such a competitive market, and having to deal with social media and information being so accessible it makes it difficult to stand out from the crowd. Another one I like is to under promise and over deliver.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
In my industry we are involved in many charities, all for great causes. Something McLaren Toronto has been involved in more recently is creating special moments for kids through the Starlight Foundation.
What does the word notable mean to you?
Determination; the ability to walk off the beaten path and to stand out.
PLAY
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
I am one of the more recent imports to Toronto from Montreal, so there are many amazing places here to still discover. In Montreal my go-to is Ristorante Lucca on rue Dante in Little Italy. Amazing food, top wines, and the best service in the city.
What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser?
Google has a healthy workout on a daily basis.
Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
I think @kevinhart4real is a riot, but I also like following travel Instagram accounts.
What’s your favourite cocktail?
I have recently been on an Old Fashioned fix.
What gives you the greatest FOMO?
For the moment, living in a different city than my wife is my FOMO.
What would be your last meal? And don’t hold back…
Oysters, all of the oysters. Kobe Beef steak, fresh from the Tokyo market sashimi, pasta alla vongole (clam pasta that my wife makes), mushroom and truffle risotto, Alaskan and stone crab. Pumpkin pie, key lime pie, sour patch kids… now I’m hungry.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Shopping for clothing and collecting too much wine.
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