Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Mike Giles, who, together with business partner Jeremy Bresnen, co-founded Montreal athletics brand Ciele Athletics. We caught up with Mike to find out what inspired his career and where he sees himself in 5, 10, and 20 years…
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WORK
1. Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I am a partner in an athletics brand based in Montreal called Ciele Athletics. As it’s barely one year old, I have my hand in everything!
2. What was the inspiration for your career route?
I’ve been an entrepreneur for the past 15 years, and I truly feel that this project is the culmination of experience gained from the sum of those ventures. Both Jeremy and I come from an “extreme” sports backgrounds, which leads us to think differently about brands and tasks within a more traditional market (running is our current focus) The people we have met along the way only enforce our mantra: “Everybody run.”
3. What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with some great people in the past, and have some great projects in the pipeline for Ciele that I actually feel will be new milestones. I guess what makes them memorable is the people I get to work with, usually from all corners of the globe. It’s amazing to see that once you find something in common, it’s quite a small world.
4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
Doing what I love with people that I care for and about.
5. Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
I’ve always been a firm believer in a few philosophies when it comes to business, and one that’s stuck with me through to this day is the idea of not losing perspective. Sometimes no matter how caught up and stressed you are about a task at hand, an abrupt, short break is required to regain perspective. Stepping out from behind a desk, even for five minutes, is a life changer..
6. Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
Personally, I donate to the SPCA and Greenpeace. At work, we are working towards finding a partner such as One Percent for the Planet or similar to help us contribute our part effectively.
PLAY
1. Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
For a healthy break from work, “Mouton Vert” or “Vegan Rapide” in NDG are great and avoid the typical meat coma that usually slows down my afternoon from more traditional dining. If I have chance to dine with friends or family, Mikado Sushi on Monkland is always a go-to.
2. What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser?
Theworldsbestever.com. It offers me a daily glance into contemporary design, fashion, art, music, photography and lifestyle.
3. Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
I was recently introduced to Charlie Dark (@daddydarkrdc); he’s a very inspirational individual who’s the founder of London’s RunDemCrew and a real ambassador of the “everybody run” philosophy we endorse at the office.
4. What’s your favourite cocktail?
I’m more of a Rum and Coke kinda guy…
5. What gives you the greatest FOMO?
I’m obsessed with design, and sites such as Mocoloco, Core 77, Dezeen make me think that instead of sitting behind a desk I should be in the woods designing and building a modern cottage ( I have a woodworking background). I am also a skateboarder and snowboarder at heart, so seeing images or reading about great powder turns or nice lines always makes my mind wander.
6. What would be your last meal? And don’t hold back…
Fondue on the top of a mountain in the Alps.
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