Zack Lister: Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur

Like knowing things? And free stuff?

Thought so.

Well, thanks to Hubb Music, you can now receive convenient push notifications that give you the details on Calgary concerts and how you can win free tickets to them.

This sexy little app will also allow you to curate a music collection with an infinite number of songs.

We sat down with founding member and CEO Zack Lister to get the inside scoop on Calgary’s hottest new download.

What was the inspiration for your career route?
During the transfer from NY to Montreal, I lost about a year and a half worth of academic credits and found myself taking first year courses in my third year of university. I toughed it out for the first year and then during my second year in Montreal, I was presented an opportunity to start a business back in Calgary. My entrepreneurial instinct kicked in immediately as I was getting frustrated with the pressures and expectations associated with the entire academic system. I ended up taking a “leave of absence” from school to pursue that business opportunity. Seven years and six businesses later I haven’t looked back.

What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The excitement and anticipation of waking up every morning not knowing what roller coaster ride the day is going to bring. I am an opportunity seeker and love that I am not confined to working at a desk from 9-5, but rather get to work 24/7 on my own schedule. 

That said, there are numerous challenges associated with the entrepreneurial career path, as there are a lot of “unknowns.” It can be very stressful at times. Having to hunt and kill my own food can be tough as there a lot of dry spells and droughts; but patience, persistence, and perseverance are ultimately what gets me through them.

What is one sign you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
I love afternoon naps to catch up on sleep, but lately I have not been able to take those naps… so maybe that’s my first sign.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
Having a conglomerate of businesses with interests in many different countries.

What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
Success to me means many different things, none of which include money – being a contributing member of society, empowering people, helping to create jobs, stimulating the economy, innovating, disrupting, and when possible, giving back to those less fortunate. Also getting written up in Notable. That’s a successful feat.

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Take risks and don’t let others influence your decisions. If you are passionate about something, pursue it, and as a famous superhero venture capitalist once said, “fail and fail again until you succeed!”

Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
My mom’s kitchen. Great food, great people, wine is always flowing, and the best view in the city, hands down.

Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
Tel Aviv. I like to think of it as a hybrid between Miami, LA, and New York. It has an amazing nightlife, great food, and some of the nicest beaches in the world.

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
There are a number of local foundations/charities I am beginning to work with. A good friend of mine passed away a couple years ago and the community did a fantastic job putting together a foundation in his memory. Giving back to the community and those who are less fortunate should always be a priority when you are able to. When the timing is right I would like to start my own foundation. It’s going to encompass opportunities for underprivileged children in third world countries to learn about music, play sports, and be educated on health and wellness.

What to you is notable?
Turning failure into success.

Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone.

#NOTABLE

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