Forty Under 40

Shawn Malhotra, chief operating officer, Claridge Homes

June 26, 2018

Editor's Note

Each year, OBJ and the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce choose 40 of the region’s top young entrepreneurs and business executives and recognize them for their professional achievements, expertise and community service.

In these profiles, OBJ highlights some of this year’s recipients – their impressive accomplishments, what drives them and how they like to spend their downtime away from the business world.

See the full list of recipient profiles here and be sure to check out OBJ’s coverage of the 2018 gala here.

Birthplace: Ottawa

Company: Claridge does real estate development and construction.

Education: Bachelor of commerce, McGill University (2002)

OBJ360 (Sponsored)

The Ottawa Hospital’s Campaign to Create Tomorrow enters important next phase

For Ginger Bertrand, some of her earliest childhood memories in Ottawa are centred around healthcare. “I grew up across the street from what was originally the General Hospital,” she explains,

Algonquin College business students converse during their studies

The value of an Algonquin College degree: Experiential learning, taught by industry experts

Zaahra Mehsen was three years into a biology degree at a local university when she realized she wanted to take a different path. “I realized that it’s not my thing,”

Charitable involvement: Malhotra Family Foundation

Biggest biz achievement: Overseeing the continued growth of the construction department at Claridge Homes.

Biggest biz obstacle: Earning my own credibility within a family-owned company.

Biggest influences: My parents, Bill and Romina Malhotra, and my wife, Louise Malhotra. My parents for the obvious reasons of raising me with proper values and work ethic in life. My wife Louise for supporting me and keeping me down to earth!

Biggest lesson learned: One must always keep an open mind and be willing to learn every single day. When I first started at Claridge, I felt like I knew it all. It did not take too long to see the actual domino effects of bad decision-making. I realized I was only scratching the surface, and it took me a long time to actually start to make wiser decisions, by listening and learning and, more importantly, understanding the deeper issues at hand.

First job: Sales assistant at one of our housing sites

Advice I’d give the younger me: Be more patient.

What’s left to do: Everything! I am enjoying the ride so far and can’t wait to see what is the next chapter in my life at work and at home with my beautiful young family.

Favourite pastime: Coaching my four young children in various sports.

I’m currently reading: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Stieg Larsson

Favourite movie: Coming to America

Favourite song: Run This Town by Jay-Z, feat. Rihanna and Kanye West

Favourite local pro sports team: Ottawa Senators

Favourite local summer event: Canada Day

Preferred social media platform: Facebook