Where did you grow up and what was your childhood like? Did you have any particular experiences/stories that shaped your adult life?

As a kid, I often looked up to my uncle who, despite not having a business degree, became a very successful automobile dealer. He was well-known for taking risks in life and in business. I vividly remember him taking me out for a drive in his brand-new convertible and explaining to me that working smart was better than working hard. He inspired me to want to be an entrepreneur.

What is something you wish you would’ve realized earlier in your life?

If I could go back and do it all over, there are only a few things that I’d change.

• I‘d cherish the time I spent with friends and family who are no longer on this earth.
• I’d have begun saving and investing at an earlier age.

What are bad recommendations you hear in your profession or area of expertise?

Most folks in the passive investing community will tell you that all you need to do to build wealth is to follow the Canadian Couch Potato model portfolio. It features a variety of ETFs that track board market indexes suited for passive investors. While this is true, it is also not complete advice.

People giving this advice fail to stress the importance of discipline and not giving in to your emotions/fears when the market moves. If you cannot stick to your investment plan and have a hard time seeing downturns in the market as discounts, then you might be more likely to panic sell. Locking in your losses, when all you have to do is stay the course and do nothing (if anything, buy more!).

Tell me about one of the darker periods you’ve experienced in life. How you came out of it and what you learned from it?

It has to be the day I found out that my father had died. I called his cellphone but he did not pick up, someone else did. The person told me that he had passed and my heart sank to the floor, I was devastated. That experience taught me the importance of not taking people and relationships for granted. The time we have on this earth is precious and it should be shared and cherished with the people we love.

What is one thing that you do that you feel has been the biggest contributor to your success so far?

Before I answer this question, I think it’s important to mention that success is subjective, and for me, it means happiness. That said, I don’t think there’s one single thing that has contributed to my success.

From my experience, success has come from making many small decisions. For example, moving to Canada, asking my wife out on a date, accepting a job at a tech company, and attending a house party where I met my current business partner. All of these small decisions would have great and long-lasting consequences on my life.

What is your morning routine?

Generally, I wake up at 6:30 am. I quietly sneak out of bed so that I can give my wife some extra time to sleep. I’d check my phone to read messages from family members and friends. After replying, I’d put a pot of coffee on and read the news as well as articles on the blogs I follow. By 8 am, breakfast is ready and by 8:45 am we are out the door. Fortunately, the office is nearby so I’m in by 9 am. Quite boring as you can see ☺.

What habit or behavior that you have pursued for a few years has most improved your life?

Ensuring that I have a work-life balance is super important and so I do my best to not work on the weekends. Of course, sometimes I have to but that’s usually the exception and not the norm.

What are your strategies for being productive and using your time most efficiently?

At the beginning of every week, I list the things that I’d like to accomplish. I’d review that list and prioritize the things that I think would have the most impact on the business. I do those things first and everything else after. At the end of the week, I reflect and think about the things that I’d like to get done in the coming week.

What book(s) have influenced your life the most? Why?

The Little Book of Common Sense Investing by John C. Bogle inspired me to take my financial future into my own hands by becoming a DIY investor and investing in low-low index funds. I also learned to be skeptical of financial media news and new investing trends. Since reading the book, I’ve helped many friends and family members switch away from actively managed funds that charge high fees with very few returns to show for it.

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less. Prior to reading this book, I’d always be afraid to say no to a request. This book taught me the importance of my time and how to prioritize. It’s a great read and I’d recommend it because what’s covered is broadly applicable in life.

Do you have any quotes you live by or think of often?

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky

“If you keep doing what you always do, you’ll always have what you got.” – Gardiner MacDougall

Both quotes inspired me heavily in life and business. It’s very easy for someone to stay within their comfort zone and not try new things. I believe to get something new, you should try something different.