Today’s Notable Young Professional is Derreck Martin, Owner of 507ANTIQUES.COM, the country’s largest digital resource for vintage finds and antiques. What was the inspiration for his career route? Find out in today’s profile…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I am the Owner of 507ANTIQUES.COM, the country’s largest digital resource for vintage finds and antiques. Our ever-expanding collection of furniture, fine art and decorations span from the past 500 years of design and architecture and represent a beacon of great quality and workmanship in a world of throw-away consumerism. I also own and operate two bricks and mortar locations in Toronto and New York.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
My father built the company back in the 80s, so I grew up being around the business. I particularly remember as a kid taking trips with my brother and sister to the Royal Winter Fair, where they used to have an event called the Winter Garden Show. My mother and father used to participate, because back then it was one of the few opportunities to showcase the business, and they used to put together the most elaborate booths. I remember the sights and smells of the event like yesterday – events like these and a sort of a stringing together of warm memories played a part in pulling me into the business.
In university, I studied architecture and design movements, and understood the theories and motives that give form to furniture, fine art and architecture. You begin to understand that it isn’t just arbitrary design, but a distillation of the particular time period. The pieces (and in effect the business) became much more interesting when they became a touchstone for a larger dialogue.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part of the job (hands down) is sourcing product – where I have the combined pleasure of travelling and hunting out interesting and unique objects. Day-to-day, I oversee the website operations (curating product, graphic design, photography, film) to make sure we stay current and up to date. I also oversee all sales in our Toronto location. The most challenging part is maintaining organization in all the chaos.
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
I found that my eating habits and lack of exercise brought on from my university days were catching up with me. When I made the decision to start eating healthy and exercising, my personal life as well as my work life was positively enhanced. It’s incredible what an hour every other day and proper eating will do for your energy and drive.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully just continuing to do what I’m doing now. I also get a lot of ideas bouncing into my head, so who knows! My brother, who has a keen interest in real estate, and I have an idea one day to start a company renting pre-designed apartments much like Montreal’s Creative Flats or the Soho House Berlin Lofts.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
The greatest challenge was building our current website – I went into it pretty heavy headed not realizing the complicated back end work, design, photography etc. that goes into its making. It took a lot of trial and error until I managed to put together a solid team. It’s been two years of late hours and hard work… let’s just say I’m glad we’re finally up.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
Success for me is the freedom to follow what inspires you. If you need money to do that, then yes money does equal happiness.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
The recent completion of our website as well as the opportunity to represent the business on television with CBC’s Four Rooms.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
If you find a career that stimulates and excites you, ride it till the bitter end.
Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
My favourite spot is the Comrade, a little bar down by my apartment in Leslieville. They always have great music, a very good bourbon selection as well as a really nice Kimchi rice and pork belly bowl for when you’ve been drinking all night.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
I usually read and watch a lot of film – I get a lot of my ideas and inspiration from both mediums.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
A couple of years ago I travelled to Berlin with a friend. The city has an incredible buzz of artistic activity, I think similar to what Paris was like in the 20s or New York in the 50s and 60s. You feel this everywhere from the museums and art galleries to the bars and clubs. Definitely one of my favourite locations to visit.
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
Satellite of Love – Lou Reed
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
Probably making films – it has always been an interest of mine since I was a kid.
BlackBerry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone.
#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)
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Photo by Brian So