Jan G Cerato: Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur

For many professions, branding is everything in this day in age – and that’s exactly Jan Cerato’s expertise. Running Stylewerx Communications, this is the man to see if you’re trying to build a successful website, execute a solid marketing plan, and build up your brand…

Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I do a bit of everything in a way. I help to build products to meet digital business needs. What my job really entails is working in the digital world and bridging that world to our business clients.

I also love being known for helping students, such as Myke Macapinlac, who was also featured on Notable. I get to teach these young people about personal branding and how to use it to their advantage in every part of their lives.

Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I have always been powered by creativity and it is at the core of all my businesses. All of my team members are hired to work within creativity with intelligence. At the DNA level of it all, everything we do is creativity generation. What makes my team and I different is that we are truly outside-the-box and believe in an extremely personalized approach.

I started Stylewerx Communications because I wanted to work on the Internet creatively. The company was originally called Kronical and our main job was putting fliers up all over town. At that point it was a big deal to have something on the Internet as a hub for young people. I started building connections with others and built a website for ourselves, but never had the intention of building websites as a service. We were very unique in Calgary at the time, but it was a natural progression. Although I have never been one for paperwork, I always wanted to be a magazine publisher. I did have the chance to be a magazine editor for a while and that business transformed into Stylewerx. I realized that companies will always need websites, so I got a diploma in the topic to broaden my knowledge. Everything we do spawns off the hub of the website.

What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
My favourite part is having the freedom to do things that make me happy and dealing with people every day. All of the different characters I get to talk to make each week unique and exciting.

The most challenging part is defining what we’re going to do for each client in a way that makes them, and my team, happy and successful.

What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
Around 2008, my business partner at the time moved away to Victoria. I tried to handle the business on my own for a while but it was extremely challenging, especially with the recession coming on. I decided to take a break for six months, moved to Las Vegas where one of my friends lived, and took some time to figure out my passion, which turned out to be communications.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I see myself in the Bahamas, spending half the year on a boat, docking at different beaches and checking out exotic locations while maintaining the business online. The other half of the year I would spend working in Calgary.

What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
My major challenges have been self-discipline and having separation between myself and the business. For years I wore the business, and it took a long time to shift my mindset. I took a few unique courses on money management to change my perspective and learn, which helped me discover the best business practices. Since then, I have become much more relaxed and don’t sweat the small stuff. I feel like I have much more control over the business than before while still maintaining a casual collective atmosphere and accomplishing great things. I’ve come to appreciate personalization over commercialization on a whole new level.

What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
I used to think that success meant having two or three houses, parties with friends, new clothes, and fast cars. I went through a phase that was centred on ego and it wasn’t successful.

Today in itself was successful. It was a team member’s birthday today, he’s happy, and he’s producing amazing work. We got the first online lead for a new client today and we got a new print order in for one of our existing clients. Our customers are our success. We have focused for a long time on building a great relationship with our clients and it has been successful as they are always referring new clients to us. I also think we’ve been successful in helping students by giving them a truly meaningful experience. Success is about empowering people for future greatness.

No, money does not equal happiness. Money is the ability to help create happiness and help people grow.

What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
There have been a couple big moments in my career. The first was when I published my first issue of Kronical magazine, in which I was the publisher and editor-in-chief. The second was when I transformed Kronical into Stylewerx because it completely shifted the focus of the business.

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
First, for students, I think that your marks really matter and they should be a guide to one’s self in terms of your value. Think of your marks as a paycheque, as it shows dedication.

In terms of the business world, people need to give everyone more time and go slower. It’s more important to create a really good base and deeply explore an idea before going all in. You need to listen to everyone around you and read between the lines. To be good in business you have to understand where your client is coming from. It’s also important to work with people older than you to learn their tactics and how to create a balanced work life for yourself.

For everyone, stay focused on the digital because that’s where the game is. Most importantly, follow your dreams and set yourself up for happiness. Make choices that are true to you, because ultimately that’s what really matters

Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
I love Maruju Sushi in the Northeast as it’s always consistently delicious. I’m also a big fan of 500 Cucina in Inglewood as it’s very convenient, comfortable, and the homemade food is fantastic!

When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
My downtime needs to be positive and active, and I find that more and more people are very negative and stressed. I like going to events and socializing, but I also really enjoy being outdoors and challenging myself physically. Every day I swim at the pool and during the sunny months I try to go out for a bike or longboard. I love spending time with my daughter and friends, travelling all over Western Canada and going on mountaineering treks out in Canmore.

Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
The Bahamas. Out of everywhere I’ve been, the Bahamas has the nicest beaches, air, water, sunshine, and freedom. I find that the islands have the right quotient of happiness, weather, and attitude. It’s also a melting pot for meeting and networking with amazing people from around the globe.

If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
“Started from the Bottom” by Drake

If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
I would be working with kids to help them learn and understand successful principles as a mentor.

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Yes, I support the Children’s Wish Foundation and the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Kids have always been important to me, and I also have my own daughter. My family has had a history with heart problems and strokes, so I like to support those initiatives.

What to you is notable?
Mayor Nenshi and the way he’s running things in Calgary right now. He has helped make us an even more popular destination, very clean, and an economic hub. It’s amazing.

Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone

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