Age: 40
Birthplace: Ottawa
Company: We optimize the physical and mental performance of competitive athletes and recreational fitness clients.
OBJ360 (Sponsored)
World Junior Championships set to boost Ottawa’s economy and global reputation
The World Junior Championships will kick off in Ottawa in December, bringing tens of millions of dollars of economic activity to the city, as well as a chance for local
How the uOttawa faculty of engineering instills an ‘entrepreneurial mindset’ in students
A decade ago, Terrafixing chief operating officer Vida Gabriel was a chemistry-loving student in high school with little to no interest in business or entrepreneurship. “I didn’t like the sales
Education: Bachelor of science in marketing, Syracuse University (2000)
Charitable involvement: The Caring and Sharing Exchange
Biggest biz achievement: Seeing some of our longtime athletes, who started as young teenagers, come up through our program and achieve high-level scholarships and professional opportunities.
Biggest obstacle: Trying to provide the most for our clients while still growing as a business.
Biggest influence: There have been several, and each has provided a different type of influence. Some have impacted me as a coach, some as a businessman and others simply in how to deal with people. Each has been extremely valuable in their own way.
Biggest lesson learned: As with anything else, it’s all in the details! This is something we stress often for our athletes and their performance on the field, and as the years have gone on we’ve certainly found it to be just as true in regard to business.
First job: Delivering newspapers
Advice I’d give the younger me: Start now! Even though I had a notion that I wanted to pursue this business while I was still playing football, I waited until after my playing career was over before I got started. If I had started sooner, I believe I could have learned at an easier pace and avoided some of the missteps I took when I tried to jump in all at once after I finished playing.
What’s left to do: My personal life is always evolving! My wife Melanie and I have four beautiful children – Kaiya, Payton, Lilah, and Easton – all under the age of 10. So we are extremely busy with all that comes with trying to be the very best parents we can be. From a business perspective, I believe the same is true. We are always evolving and reviewing how we can both better serve our clients and our business.
Favourite pastime: Spending time with my family
I’m currently reading: Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss
Favourite movie: Pulp Fiction
Favourite local pro sports team: Ottawa RedBlacks
Favourite local summer event: Canada Day
Preferred social media platforms: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram
Twitter handle: @EliteCoach16
