Jonathan Corbin says success is never forgetting where you came from and always paying it forward. Find out how the 28-year-old entrepreneur lives up to these words as the owner of two businesses in today’s YEDaily…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I am the owner at Corbin Visual, a leading digital media agency, and most recently, the founder of MyEventSuite.com: Toronto’s only online event planning solution.
My EventSuite allows users to source competitive quotes from an aggregate of Toronto’s most recommended event professionals. Additionally, users have access to a host of event planning tools like budget calculators to do lists and calendars to keep their event on track and organized. You can even create your very own event website to share videos, photos and event location maps with prospective guests.
Here’s a video that explains MyEventSuite.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
Having grown up working in the event industry for 10+ years, and considering myself quite “plugged in,” it seemed strange to me that there was no resource to allow someone to plan their entire event online. There are plenty of directories and blogs, but no sites that actually simplify and de-stress the event planning process. Through my research I was sure I would discover something….but I didn’t. I held surveys with brides, brides to be, mothers and event planners, only to discover they ALL wanted an online destination to connect with trusted vendors, discover new event trends/ideas and stay organized – but one didn’t exist.
Fast forward two years: through many sleepless nights, months upon months of planning, hundreds of interviews and hours of great advice, MyEventSuite.com was born. Toronto’s ‘one stop shop’ to plan your next wedding, bar mitzvah, social event or milestone celebration online, through a network of the city’s most recommended event professionals. Add to that collection of the most comprehensive event planning tools available anywhere, and we’ve really got an exciting service to share with the public!
These sentiments were echoed by over 1000 event professionals who came out to our industry and media launch party at Corus Quay, video here.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part of my day is the opportunity to move the industry forward with my experience, intuition and creativity. The event industry has been a bit slow to adopt mobile technology and to be part of the company who is successfully setting the trends for the industry is incredibly exciting and rewarding.
The most challenging part of my day is likely a similar challenge many startupreneurs face: keeping up with the fast-paced nature of online business and user behaviour. Industry leaders like Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram (to name a few) are training the general public to interact with websites and mobile apps a certain way. We are constantly challenging ourselves to incorporate the status quo into our site while at the same time creating our own culture and user experience.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
For Corbin Visual, I look forward to continued success as a leader in the media and video production industry.
For My EventSuite, I look forward leading an inspired, motivated and dedicated team that is shaping the future of the event industry in Canada (and beyond), with the most comprehensive and dynamic online/mobile event planning solution available anywhere.
What does success look like to you?
Besides jetskiiing to breakfast? Success to me is being a part of a strong team that prides itself on excellence. Success is the courage to take chances and follow hunches, even at the risk of disrupting the status quo. Success is never forgetting where you came from and always paying it forward.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Going live!
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Stay persistent; accept the fact that there will always be haters, know when to talk and when to listen, and ALWAYS take the high road.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
We support a number of different charities including: United Jewish Appeal, Joe’s Team, Princess Margaret, Bridle Bash, Sick Kids Foundation, Ve’Ahavta and the Jewish National fund (to name a few). I especially love working with charities that support youth and children’s initiatives; nothing is more fulfilling than seeing a child smile or hearing them laugh.
What to you is notable?
Julian Brass & Notable.ca
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
People who do not use iPhones are the same people who don’t cheer for the Miami Heat out of principle…get over it and get with the program.