It’s no secret that exceptional work stems from the power of collaboration. So in addition to featuring notable young professionals and entrepreneurs every single day, we’ll be chatting with some of Canada’s best teams every Thursday to get an inside look at how they combine talents to stand out in their industry. Today we’re talking to the guys behind Permanent Vacation in Toronto…
WORK
1. Describe what you do in less than 140 Characters. Go.
We founded a lifestyle brand, Permanent Vacation. We started making caps with humble designs and a vision to create other travel essentials.
2. What was the inspiration for your career route?
We wanted to reach for something higher than our past careers offered. We decided to try and create a brand that inspired others to think this way as well. That’s how Permanent Vacation was born.
3. What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
We dropped off an order of 70 hats to a friends store, we had no idea what to expect. Two weeks later they called us up saying, “we sold out!” That was dope, we will always remember that moment.
4. Where do you see yourself in five years, 10 years, 20 years?
In five years, we are looking to have an extended line of travel essentials geared towards the paradise state of mind. We are aiming to be sold in at least 10 different countries. In 10 years, we aspire to be working closely with numerous global charities that keep our paradise pristine. In 20 years, we’ll be on permanent vacation.
5. Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Have mentors. Identify someone that you admire and reach out to them. You would be surprised how willing people are to offer guidance. We have found that you can save yourself a lot of time from others’ experiences.
6. Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
When we first started the brand, we were crazy about a charity called Charity: Water. This organization has angel investors which covers their overhead which allows 100% of the money donated to the charity to go towards building clean water wells in undeveloped countries.
7. What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career?How did you overcome it?
Learning to say “No”. Along the way, there have been people who have unintentionally tried to steer us in different directions. We’ve overcome it by being more diplomatic. Finding ways to respectfully say ‘no’ and still maintain healthy relationships. (e.g. not all collabs will align with your vision/brand.)
8. What does the word notable mean to you?
To us, the word notable is being recognized for setting a standard of quality that others admire.
PLAY
1. Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
We have a lot of favourites but Locals Only is our regular. If they had hammocks we’d never leave. They have the best staff and our boy “Fitz” will take care of you.
2. What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
**Clears browser history** Without a doubt, YouTube – it has everything. We are all also big music lovers. Most played song: “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke… no, Otis Redding… no, Sam Cooke! We can’t decide.
3. Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
@elonmusk on Twitter. Perhaps one of the greatest minds of our time.
4. What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
Collectively we’ve been to every continent. However, Vegas holds a special place in our hearts. What other place caters to any/all of your needs and wants? We are currently planning a trip back to South East Asia to escape a bit of the winter.
5. What gives you the greatest FOMO?
A Friday night when you’re on the go and your phone is dying.
6. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
**clears browser history** For real though, Dial a Bottle at 2 a.m. always sounds like a great idea at the time.
7. What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
Shoes, we all love sneakers a little too much. Travel, you can never spend too much money on travel. There’s no better way to find inspiration than to leave your comfort zone.
8. And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
Our vision of success is when your work becomes your play. Finding the financial freedom to invest in the things you are passionate about.
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