Today’s Notable Young Professional is Town Hall (not the municipal building) Communications Director Sujinder Juneja, whose profession allows him to combine his love for food and wine and to be surrounded by it daily…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I’m the Communications Director at Town Hall in Vancouver, where we focus on clients in the wine, food and hospitality sector. I’m the guy that gets the media excited about their stories. We are lucky to work with amazing people who have great ideas and products to share. Plus, I get to talk about (and enjoy the odd glass of) wine while I’m at it.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I used to work full-time as a sales manager for a wine agency but had two very young children and was spending too much time out of the house. I had to make a change for the sake of my family and myself. But I love wine and food. I also enjoy sharing people’s passions. Plus, I needed a job where I could work from my home office at least 2-3 days a week, wearing just my jeans and a t-shirt.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part of my job is working with my extended family at Town Hall. Leeann and Andrew (the co-owners) are some of the most creative, supportive and lovely people in the business. The most challenging part? When I’m not in the city for Taco Tuesday. Because tacos.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I can’t imagine being anywhere else, really. I’m dedicated to Town Hall for the foreseeable future, although I do have dreams of creating our own ‘product’. I don’t know what it will be yet, though. A wine or a spirit would be a natural fit, but I’m also thinking of pickles, mustard or socks. I do love socks.
What does success look like to you?
Success is finding balance. Life is too short. There is so much love to give, so many experiences to enjoy, and a lot of fulfilling and exciting work to do. A successful person is one that gets to do it all. Calmly. With a smile.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
I don’t mean to sound facetious, but I don’t think I’ve had it yet. I’m just getting started.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Yes, thanks for asking. I have two things to say. One: Do what makes you happy. Enjoy your work time. Enjoy your play time. And give your all to each one. Two: I sometimes can’t stand it when I realize that to make a buck, I have to be “awake” and “doing something.” The smartest people in the world are those that make money in their sleep, like investors, or anyone that’s developed a product that can be sold online. And if you happen to be happy while you’re doing it, I’ll invite you over for a glass of wine to celebrate your good fortune. You bring the wine.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I will always support three. I’ve been an advocate of the BC Hospitality Foundation since even before I started working with them. The board is made up of some of the most passionate people in our industry and I can’t help but be inspired by all that they’ve done for others. My family and I donate money annually to breast cancer research and give year-round to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Everybody should.
What to you is notable?
The Beatles famously sang, “The love you take is equal to the love you make.” Listen. Laugh. Love. Do that every day. That’s notable, in my books.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone.
#NOTABLE
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