Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Leah Lipkowitz, Publisher of Montreal Home and Maison Montreal, as well as Toronto Home and soon-to-be Vancouver Home. What was the inspiration behind her idea? Read on to find out…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I am the chief bottle washer of the organization. Meaning that somehow, whatever doesn’t fall into someone’s lap, eventually falls into mine. My days are not typical, I oversee the hiring and firing, the overall production and creative direction of the firm. I oversee the expansion effort, I am the spokesperson on all media for the organization and, believe it or not, I lay out all magazines from page 1 to 200.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I was inspired to create the only local, high-end English-language home design magazine in Quebec. From there I saw a huge value proposition for a local, high-end design magazine in other cities, and we expanded to create Toronto Home. We are proudly gearing up to launch Vancouver Home
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The most challenging part by far is the HR factor, keeping my employees happy and growing the team. The best part of my day is that it is always different and I never know what is going to happen next.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully in continued expansion mode with some US city launches for the magazines. If not, I assume by then we will have been acquired by one of our key competitors.
What does success look like to you?
Success to me means being in control of your growth, having created a product or service of value and seeing some of the client appreciation down the food chain, and being able to begin to enjoy the fruits of your labour.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Each magazine launch is its own most memorable milestone. I have a soft spot for each of Montreal Home, Maison Montreal and Toronto Home, and look forward to the inaugural Vancouver Home.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals? Be true to who you are and if you wish to pursue an entrepreneurial venture, go all IN. Be prepared, plan well, roll up your sleeves and don’t be afraid of some old-fashioned hard work
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I have started my own charity called FEED to feed children in impoverished homes. 20% of our children go to bed hungry in Canada. We must obliterate hunger; this will be my life’s work.
Describe your ideal retirement: how old will you be and how do you plan on spending your retirement years?
I will never retire, I am having way too much fun and I always have an idea I want to pursue.
What are you looking forward to most about retiring?
I’m not, but I am looking forward to slowing down a little.
What to you is notable?
What is notable to me are people with a social conscience. Philanthropists who devote their lives to others – examples of such are all over our communities.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
I use the iPhone.