Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Heron Group Marketing and PR Manager Eva Naumovski, who’s living out her dream of working in the builder-developer industry. We caught up with Eva to find out what inspired her career path and what advice she would share with other young professionals…
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WORK
1. Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I look after the Marketing and PR for all of our companies at The Heron Group. My position keeps me on my toes daily since our companies vary tremendously from home builder and developer Heathwood Homes, to our Two Men and a Truck Master Franchise, to our new Heron Stone Division that opened in Florida this year. I joke in the office that I’m also the HR department.
2. What was the inspiration for your career route?
Since I was in high school I always told my parents I would work for a builder-developer. It was a hunch, I guess, since I did not know anyone in the industry, or what I would do. When I was in university my mom saw an ad in the local paper for part-time work at a builder’s sales office and the rest is history.
3. What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
Becoming a partner at The Heron Group of Companies was a very big deal. I will never forget the day our CEO gave me the news … I cried!
4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
Hard question to answer but in 66 years I am planning a big bash for my 100th Birthday… and you’re all invited!
5. Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Be ready to work hard if you want to be successful. Never fear the unknown as those are the best lessons you will have. Learn to work with all sorts of characters and keep your pride in check. But most importantly, make decisions as if you were the owner.
6. Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
Naturally, our corporate charity, The Mikey Network, is dear to my heart. The charity is named in memory of our partner Michael Salem, who died of heart issues. I was the last person Mike hired and have since become the President of the charity. I am so proud to say we have placed over 1800 Mikey AEDs and saved 26 people. We are now expanding our MIKEY YOUNG AT HEART program by offering high school students the opportunity to earn the volunteer hours they need to graduate by learning CPR/ AED online through our free mobile app. These students are volunteering to save a life.
7. What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
Early in my career I had to grow some thick skin and learn very quickly not to take everything so personally. Today I take challenging situations head on and always try to have class and self-control.
8. What does the word notable mean to you?
Someone who can inspire others.
PLAY
1. Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
My favourie place in the city is any patio at the Distillery District. There are no cars, an amazing ambiance, and lots of fabulous restaurants to choose from. Ladies, be careful with your shoe selection as the streets are cobblestone.
2. What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
Google is my BFF.
I listen to internet radio most of the time as I don’t have patience to download music.
3. Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
I find Jimmy Kimmel hilarious, and since I don’t watch much TV I get the highlights of his show daily.
4. What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
My favourite country to visit has to be Poland as all of my family lives there, including my amazing 88-year-old grandmother.
The next travels are set for a long weekend to Vegas.
5. What gives you the greatest FOMO?
As life gets packed with responsibilities, losing the close friendships that I treasure. Thinking of this answer I am reminded that I need to plan a girls trip really soon.
6. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Of course it’s food and wine.
7. What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
Taxes… sales tax, property tax, income tax – I’m all taxed out!
Random acts of kindness, like buying a coffee for the car behind me at the drive through.
8. And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
BALANCE. There is a really smart lady in my life who masters this.
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