If you’re looking for entertainment, Mike Chalut’s your guy. His extensive experience in entertainment – musical theatre, hosting international events, producing major industry shows, as well as staring in his own hit television and radio shows – has made him a modern renaissance man with lofty ambitions for the future…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell.
Chalut Entertainment is an interactive and educational events, marketing, and branding company. We bring the best people together to make things happen! As a TV and radio personality, my passion is putting together wicked activations – to learn, taste, give back, explore, dance and have fun. We have worked with Toronto’s top entertainment companies – Shaw Media, Corus Entertainment, INK Entertainment, Evanov Radio Group, Informa Canada and several independent brands.?? We conceptualize large and small-scale events; we take them to the next level and then we activate them. We have worked with The Interior Design Show, The Toronto Artist Project and, most recently, The Food Network Delicious Food Show starring Martha Stewart.?? We make brands shine and do all the thinking for you. We connect you to who and what you need. We are a networking resource.
Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
I started in this city as a VIP host – taking care of others and giving them what they need in the nightlife scene. People need people, you can’t do things on your own. I wanted to connect the right people. From brands to celebrities, everyone needs to connect to make things happen.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
Every day is different. Every brand has a different want and a different need. The best part of my day is meeting with different people with different needs. The most difficult part is that there aren’t enough hours in the day.
Where do you see your business going in five years?
TV production is next on our list. Producing events, hosting charities, and activating brands is our specialty, but we want to give Ryan Seacrest Productions a run for their money!
What does success look like to you?
Success is all about developing positive relationships. We aren’t saving lives, we are making people smile. If people are smiling, we have done our job.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
To date, hosting the World Pride Stage in London, England was beyond magic; seeing the world come together to celebrate all walks of life. I am so thrilled that Toronto will be hosting World Pride in 2014. Everyone is welcome!
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Be mindful and pound the pavement! Believe in yourself and always take time for number one. That is you! Remember you are the prize… without you, things can’t happen.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I support all charities, hosting every charity event possible. Anti-bullying charities are near and dear to my heart, growing up and being afraid of who I was. I know and understand that being who you are – gay, straight, white, black – it is one of the hardest things in this world. Everybody is a somebody and bullying is the most disgusting thing in the world.
What is Notable to you?
My father and best friend Mike Senior drilled into my head that the most notable things in life are the Three Rs: RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY and RELATIONSHIPS. Respect everyone you come in contact with, be responsible for all your actions, and develop positive lasting relationships.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
I am stuck in a time warp; I love my Blackberry Bold! I do everything on it. I get made fun of all the time but I love the keyboard and Snapchat scares me!
How do you keep active, energetic, and vibrant?
Sweating my guts out at the gym every morning before I start my day. Surround yourself with positive people – there are so many influential people out there. I learn from others every day. My new addiction is drinking aloe vera. It is full of antioxidants and gives me tons of energy. FYI, it tastes horrible, but it is so good for your mind, skin, and guts!