Home: New York, NY; Caledon, Ontario, Canada. Birthplace: Caledon, Ontario, Canada. Profession: Construction engineering. Organization: Caledon Engineering Solutions. Pronouns: He/Him/His. Languages spoken: English and French.
Current project: Designing an eco-friendly and energy-efficient upgrade for my home in Caledon. Latest accomplishment: Successfully leading the renovation of an old farmhouse in Caledon while maintaining the structure's historical integrity. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Retiring early from the corporate to pursue my passion for engineering and property management. Hobbies: Gardening, reading, restoring vintage cars. Recent travel or adventure: Seeing majestic animals in their natural habitat in a wildlife reserve in Africa. Last book read: The Hidden Life of Trees, by Peter Wohlleben. Recent unique acquisition: A 1968 Ford Mustang, which I'm excited to restore.
Personality profile: Analytical, patient, creative; ISTP. How do you define an ideal business relationship? One founded on transparency, mutual benefit and integrity. What is your greatest joy? Quality time with my family at our house in Caledon. What is your greatest fear? Seeing the environmental damage caused by human activities continue to go unchecked. What natural talent have you neglected? Landscape painting. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? On home improvement projects, especially those that make my home more sustainable. What is at the top of your bucket list? Antarctica, in order to witness the effects of climate change firsthand. What is your go-to workout? A long bike ride through local trails.
What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Lego, which sparked my interest in engineering. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? A blueprint of my first successful engineering project. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Always stay curious. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Don't be afraid to take calculated risks. What is your favorite app? Evernote, a great tool for organizing thoughts and ideas. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? The Paris Agreement on climate change.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
Promoting sustainability, particularly in residential construction.
What change would you like to see in the world? Increased commitment to combating climate change around the world. What message do you want to send out into the world? Every individual can make a difference in protecting our planet, but we can make the greatest impact together. What widely held belief do you reject? That economic growth for the sake of growth and sustainability cannot coexist. What mega-trend most excites you? The younger generations taking climate change seriously.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Engineering Change. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Kumail Nanjiani. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Albert Einstein. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A train driver. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my family at our Caledon house, sharing stories of our most lasting memories. What advice would you give your younger self? Don't rush. Take your time to discover your true passion. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? The day I first became a father.
Personal mission: To use my skills and resources to promote sustainable living for all. Personal motto: "Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value" (Albert Einstein). Favorite quote: "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work" (Thomas Edison). Desired epitaph: He used his time and talent to make the world a greener place.
