Stephanie Appotive, director of operations, owner, Howard Fine Jewellers & Custom Designers

Get Our Email Newsletter
Local news about the companies, people and issues that impact business in Ottawa and beyond delivered to your email inbox.

Each year, OBJ and the Ottawa Board of Trade 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 photos of the 2019 gala here.

2019-06-21

Education: Bachelor of arts, McGill University (2003)

Biggest business achievement: Developing and retaining our world-class team.

Biggest obstacle overcome: Achieving an equitable and successful family business succession plan.

Biggest influences: My father is a feminist and comes from a long line of strong women. He has always encouraged me to work hard and to go for it. My mom is an artist and has taught me so much. She has encouraged me to create and to think outside of the box. I am very grateful for both of them and their influence.

Most important lesson I’ve learned in business: Excellence is not a destination, it is a journey that has to be travelled every day. Maintaining a level of excellence requires a team of experts who have passion, empathy, vision, communication skills, respect, strong work ethic, grit and resilience.

Advertisement

First job: Hostess at the Ritz Clarence Street.

Favourite pastimes: Being with my family. I love sunny days outside in the garden watching the kids play and having a glass of wine with my husband.

I’m currently reading: Educated by Tara Westover

Favourite song: Fire and Rain by James Taylor

 

See more videos ...