Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneurs are Somen and Shaun of Ideal Candidate, two natural born problem solvers who have the entrepreneurial spirit ingrained in them and were rewarded for their work in 2012 by receiving the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in Ontario…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
We’re technology entrepreneurs. Our job is to build and grow great software companies. Currently, Somen is the CEO and Shaun is the COO of Ideal Candidate. Ideal Candidate matches talented salespeople with their perfect sales job, maximizing the earning potential of both candidates and employers.
Prior to Ideal Candidate, we served as CEO and COO of Field ID until it was successfully acquired by Master Lock LLC (a subsidiary of NYSE:FBHS) in December 2012.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
We’re both natural problem solvers. After our first successful exit, we saw that entrepreneurship is ingrained in us. We’re constantly thinking of ways to improve processes – day and night, on the clock and off – so it was very natural for us to start a new company.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
Managing all the moving pieces of a business day-to-day is the best part of our jobs. We’re true believers that the difference between a scrapped startup and a successful startup is execution.
The most challenging part is being patient with a new business, especially when we’re bursting with ideas. We’ve learned that it takes time to build something valuable.
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
We essentially don’t have any hobbies. When people ask what we do besides work we have blank stares.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Either still growing Ideal Candidate or working on our next adventure.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge we had was learning how to sell. Having technical backgrounds, we never learned or had experience selling anything. We overcame this problem not by choice, but because we had to sell our software. When you have no options and all your eggs are in one basket, it helps you focus and do things you didn’t think you could.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
Success to us is being happy and excited to go to work every day, working with intelligent people and growing a company.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
In 2012 we won the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in Ontario.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
It’s going to sound cliché, but “Do what you enjoy and don’t give up.” The only thing that will get you through the stressful times is doing something you love.
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
We are both big fans of the classics like Scaramouche, Canoe, and Splendido but we’re always looking to try new things. The Black Hoof is one of our new favourites.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
Somen: I love experiencing new restaurants.
Shaun: Hanging out with my family and enjoying good food.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
Somen: Recently it’s been a place called Body Holiday in St. Lucia. It really helps me unwind.
Shaun: Las Vegas, it’s got something for everybody and is non-stop fun. Somen and I have had some pretty memorable times there.
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
Somen: Headlines by Drake.
Shaun: Anything by TOOL. I share a birthday with the lead singer.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
See the “work/life balance” question above. Blank stare.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Somen: I donate and am involved with University of Toronto. I’m a member of their Young Alumni Board.
What to you is notable?
Somen: Doing something I love to do every day.
Shaun: Never complaining about my job.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
Somen: Android
Shaun: Android
#NOTABLE
Want more updates on the most Notable things happening so you know before your colleagues do? Get our exclusive newsletter here and follow us on Twitter for all the latest.