Sam Weltman: Today’s Notable Young Professional

Today’s Notable Young Professional is Sam Weltman, business development pro and founder of custom Snapchat geofilter design company, snapyourfilter.com. We caught up with him to find out what inspires him and what advice he would share with other young professionals… 

WORK

1. Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
If you’re planning an event, we will design a beautiful, custom Snapchat filter for you! Whether it’s a wedding, brand activation, conference or birthday party, www.snapyourfilter.com has you covered.

2. What was the inspiration for your career route?
I’ve always had an interest in advertising and an appreciation for graphic design, so it was a natural choice for me to study digital communications in university and pursue public relations as my post grad. I spent two years working at a public relations agency as a digital account executive and I currently work doing business development for a viral news publisher. Without having the experience from these two roles, I would never have been able to launch snapyourfilter.com.

As an avid snapper, when Snapchat introduced the option to upload your own custom filters, I stayed up all night designing novelty filters for fun. Eventually, my friends started asking me to help design their birthday filters, and I quickly realized there was an opportunity to design filters on a larger scale.

3. What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
My most memorable moment was waking up to an email notifying me of five filters sales from London, England. Before then, I was selling filters in Toronto through word-of-mouth, but from that moment, a lightbulb switched on in my head and I realized the potential to sell outside of Canada with a targeted media spend.

4. Where do you see yourself in five years, 10 years, 20 years?
Besides continually growing my business, it’s hard to say! The digital landscape is always changing. It’s really important for me to work with like-minded people that constantly challenge me to learn more about my industry.

My end game plan is to operate a portfolio of e-commerce sites that manage themselves… that’s the dream!

5. Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
A lot of people have amazing business ideas but never execute. The first step is getting out of your comfort zone and starting the project. Before I launched www.snapyourfilter.com, I had the idea brewing for four months but was too afraid to begin. One night, I let go and put the wheels in motion. Now, my only regret is not starting sooner.

6. Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
I support The Movember Foundation – I believe they do a phenomenal job of addressing some of the biggest issues facing men’s health. When I was completing my post graduate studies in public relations, some classmates and I launched a fundraising party for Movember. Since then, I have actively participated each November by growing a moustache, raising money and spreading awareness about an amazing cause.

7. What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
One major challenge that I am still learning to overcome is managing my time. It’s not an easy feat to work a full-time job while operating a business on the side.

8. What does the word notable mean to you?
Being memorable and standing out.

PLAY

1. Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
I’m really into Mamakas on Ossington. It might be hard to get a table, but it’s definitely worth it. The house dips are seriously on point.

2. What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
I’m always on Facebook. All day, every day. I use it for work, finding news, shopping and staying in touch with friends. I thought it was a problem, but I recently accepted that it’s a way of life.

In terms of music, I love Kanye West. His albums are always on repeat for me. Banger after banger. My most played track is “Family Business.”

3. Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
It has to be Gary Vaynerchuk. He is a social media wizard with a wealth of knowledge. I suggest subscribing to his Hustler Digest newsletter.

4. What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
I just got back from travelling to Ecuador and I am already planning my return to South America. The landscapes are beautiful with legendary cities and countless adventures.

5. What gives you the greatest FOMO?
I experience the most traditional form of FOMO and it usually occurs when my friends go out on the weekend without me. It doesn’t help waking up to 50 Snapchats reminding you of what you missed.

6. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Shoes.

7. What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
I spend way too much money on Uber. I wish it wasn’t so easy and convenient to use! I could probably spend some more money on my RRSPs, and that’s how I know I’m getting old.

8. And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
Waking up and being excited to start the day, any day of the week.

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