Gareth Davies, founder and CEO, Maker House Co.

Gareth Davies
Gareth Davies
Editor's Note

Each year, OBJ and the Ottawa Board of Trade honour 40 of the region’s top young entrepreneurs, business executives and civic leaders and recognize them for their professional achievements, expertise and community service.
Click here to see the full list of the 2021 recipients and click here to watch the special broadcast honouring the year’s recipients.

2021-06-09

Business: Retailer selling a curated collection of furniture, homewares and gifts from Canadian makers.

Born: Brampton, Ont.

Biggest business achievement: Founded a retail startup and social enterprise that’s grown to $1.5 million in annual revenue, employs 10 people, sources products within Canada and has donated more than $100,000 to Ottawa community organizations through the #CraftChange Fund.

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Biggest obstacle overcome: Pivoted from an immersive, tangible in-store shopping experience to an e-commerce model during the pandemic while maintaining overall sales growth of 28 per cent.

Biggest influences: My mother, who was always passionate about shopping local and supporting artists before it was trendy.

Biggest lesson learned during COVID-19: That what we do as a business is essential to people’s lives.

Charitable involvement: Parkdale Food Centre

First job: Hockey referee

Advice I’d give the younger me: Share your ideas, foster partnerships, keep dreaming and be patient.

Favourite pastime: Playing guitar for my two kids.

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