YEP! Hamilton
Mandate:
YEP! Hamilton will focus Entrepreneurs and Professionals up to and including age 40 to assist the Chamber in fostering growth and encouraging creative innovation by:
- Acting as a prime resource for young, current, and next generation Entrepreneurs and Professionals in the City of Hamilton;
- Working collaboratively with community partners to build young professional networks in Hamilton;
- Focus on the renewal of Hamilton’s downtown core by ensuring young entrepreneur and professional activities occur there with greater frequency
- Ensure that YEP! Hamilton actions are designed to maximize positive media attention for the group, and the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
YEP! Hamilton will act also as a platform to:
- Utilize technology to link young Entrepreneurs & Professionals across the city to enact positive change;
- Focus on raising the profile of young Entrepreneurs & Professionals in Hamilton to assist in the overall communications goal of promoting “Hamilton – City of Entrepreneurs”; and
- Utilize the resources available though the Chamber. “
Member Profiles
Andy Burnside
Age: 40
Business: State Farm Insurance – Waterdown
Why YEP Hamilton?
This is a group that is very interested in making a difference. We are goal-oriented and try to be educated and active in issues that interest the whole community.
What I want to see in Hamilton:
I would love to see a better transportation solution in Hamilton! Improving pride felt in Hamilton would also be a huge asset!
I am a:
Transplant to Hamilton. I was born and raised in Burlington, but worked for my Dad’s business in Waterdown. I’m a second-generation State Farm Agent based in Waterdown. As a State Farm Agent, I offer general insurance services including life and business insurance and also offer investment solutions through State Farm Investor Services and Invesco.
Best feature of life in Hamilton:
The city has so much potential. At the edge of necessary change, the city has the opportunity to innovate and create the city we all want. All that kinetic energy, properly used, could craft a pretty amazing city!
What would make Hamilton a better city?
Having a governing body that’s fully responsible and transparent with its citizenry. Clear and simple processes to improve and vitalize the business and investment community.
Your favorite “hidden gem” in Hamilton:
I have to pick the hiking. There is some fantastic hiking in the area if you know where to look. I’m still finding new places all the time!
Contact info:
State Farm Insurance – Waterdown, 419 Dundas Street East, Unit 6 Waterdown, ON L0R 2H1 O: 905 689 8686
Joe Popkey
Age: 30
Business: Commercial Banking – RBC
Why YEP Hamilton: I wanted to be involved with other motivated entrepreneurial young professionals
What I want to see in Hamilton:
- Cleaner Streets
- Stronger civic pride
Services/Products I offer:
RBC Business Banking Advice regarding:
Credit Facilities:
Term loans/ leases – Equipment and building purchases ( non residential)
Operating lines – Cash flow management
Cash Management services:
Bank Accounts – Can /US, Foreign Exchange, Payroll, Wires, GIC’s, online services ect.
I am a:
Boomerang -Born and raised in Hamilton – moved to Waterloo in High school, Travelled Asia, worked in Burlington and Mississauga – recently accepted new position in Hamilton
Best feature of life in Hamilton:
This city has it all!
What would make Hamilton a better city?
Drug testing for recipients of Ontario Works
Your favorite “hidden gem” in Hamilton:
Sulphur Springs
Quote: Close only counts with Horseshoes and Hand Grenades
Networks: GenNext, YEP, Hamilton Hive
Contact info:
Joe Popkey
c. 905-741-3638
b. 905-521-2078
joe.popkey@rbc.com
Stephanie McLarty
Age: 31
Business: REfficient
Why YEP Hamilton? The young professionals in the city are walking the talk – and an integral part of creating a great future for Hamilton.
What I want!! (Pick 2)
- LRT
- Stronger civic pride
Services/Products I offer: REfficient is an online reuse marketplace for businesses – go shopping in other companies’ surplus inventory for business equipment you need
I am a:
- Transplant (Born & raised elsewhere then moved to Hamilton) -
- Boomerang (Born and raised in Hamilton left then came back)
I was born elsewhere, moved to Hamilton, moved away, then moved back to Hamilton.
Best feature of life in Hamilton: A mix of affordability, quality of life and an up-and-coming vibe
What would make Hamilton a better city? Hamilton is already a great city – we need to promote its great aspects to improve the external image.
Your favorite “hidden gem” in Hamilton: Locke St has a bunch of fair trade and sustainable shops
Quote: You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore. – Christopher Columbus
Networks: YEP Hamilton, Hamilton Hive, Sustainable Hamilton, Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
Contact info: Stephanie@REfficient.com 905-544-5000 x5001
Joe Accardi
Age: 27
Business: Red Brick Rentals/The Green Smoothie Bar/Platform 302
Why YEP Hamilton?
YEP is a united group of ambitious creative big thinkers helping each other and the City of Hamilton thrive. This is the environment to make your career, business and life a success.
What I want to see in Hamilton:
- 2 way streets
- Stronger civic pride
Services/Products I offer: I am really excited by The Green Smoothie Bar we created on James St N. It is the first of its kind in North America and the first 100% organic place in Hamilton. We think we provide the healthiest foods in the easiest way possible in Hamilton or anywhere else. You can get 8 servings of fruits and vegetables in one smoothie. You can also add the healthiest kickers which include all the fiber, healthy fats, protein, vitamins, minerals, anti oxidants and phytonutrients your body needs. With all the research on the health benefits, including your mind, body and energy and environmental and social benefits we believe we are the leaders of a new way of eating. I also own a high end residential rental company and I am opening up a shared space for the most ambitious individuals in the community.
I am a:
- Transplant
Best feature of life in Hamilton: It is the perfectly sized city in an amazing location geographically and strategically. We have so many trees and natural beautiful features that a larger city would have to turn into pavement cement and steel.
What would make Hamilton a better city? We need to unite more on issues and work together as the world changes so fast. We can’t allow haters to gain a voice. We can’t allow small quibbles get in the way of making our city great. We have to understand change is the new normal. We have to make sure all the important decisions in the city are the best for the city as a whole.
Your favorite “hidden gem” in Hamilton: The trees. They are not really hidden but have you ever looked at how many trees are in Hamilton… including the escarpment and lower city? Its a wonderful and unique mix of urban and greenery.
Rami Reda
Age: 28
Business: CanGlobal Traders and Big Bee Convenience
Why YEP Hamilton? To be surrounded by like minded and progressive thinking individuals.
What I want to see in Hamilton:
- 2 way streets
- Cleaner Streets
I am a:
- Boomerang (Born and raised in Hamilton left then came back)
What would make Hamilton a better city? Cleaner Streets
Your favorite “hidden gem” in Hamilton: Waterfront
Quote: Dream. Plan. Achieve.™
Networks: YEP, Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, BIA
Contact info:
Rami Reda
Big Bee Corporation
784 Concession St
Hamilton, ON L8V 1C9
Email: rami@bigbee.ca
Office 905.385.2924
Fax 905.385.6644
Cell 905.577.3436
Mike Macaluso
Age: 29
Business: CARSTAR Automotive Canada – (Collision Franchising). I am the AVP of Operations for CARSTAR Automotive Canada, a network of 170 franchised collision repair centres in Canada.
Why YEP Hamilton? To help shape the future of the City of Hamilton. We used to coin ourselves as the “Ambitious City”, and I feel we need to return to that aggressive pursuit of greatness.
What I want to see in Hamilton:
- Access to business leaders
- Stronger civic pride
I am a:
- Homegrown (Born, raised, reside and work)
Best feature of life in Hamilton: The people
What would make Hamilton a better city? An ability to adapt to and implement change much quicker.
Your favorite “hidden gem” in Hamilton: Little Italy on James North
Quote: You cannot give what you don’t possess.
Networks: Festitalia, Charity of Hope, The Leadership Group, Chamber of Commerce, YEP, CIBPA
Contact info: mmacaluso@carstar.ca
Ryan Spillas
Age: 29
Business: Fulcrum Direct
Why YEP Hamilton? Great to become part of a group that helps and encourages one another through sophisticated discussions and innovative topics
What I want to see in Hamilton:
- LRT
- Stronger civic pride
I am a:
- Transplant (Born & raised elsewhere then moved to Hamilton)
What would make Hamilton a better city?
More vision and urgency from civil leaders
Your favorite “hidden gem” in Hamilton:
The Waterfalls, Hess Village, the Bay front
Quote: Success comes from good judgement. Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement!
Networks: YEP, REIN, CPSA
Contact info:
Derek Doyle
Age: 26
Business: Real Estate www.derekdoyle.ca
Construction management/Consulting
Why Hamilton? Born and raised! I love everything this City has to offer. Unlimited potential to grow, the waterfront, trails, waterfalls, the history and what the future has to offer. Hamilton defines quality of life.
Why YEP? I was frustrated with how the City was handling certain issues and was looking to connect with like-minded people. I decided to impact the change instead of complaining about it. With the network of YP’s I’ve connected, it seems anything is possible!
What I want to see in Hamilton:
- 2 way streets
- Stronger civic pride
Services/Products: Real Estate: Provide professional and knowledgeable representation to buyers and sellers of real estate. Assisting people to achieve their buying and selling goals with the best results possible is my fundamental role.
Construction Management/Consulting: Overall planning, coordination and control of a project from inception to completion. I aim at exceeding a client’s expectations in order to produce a functionally and financially viable project. From touch up paint to getting your home ready for the market, to creating your dream, there is no project to big or too small.
Are you a:
- Homegrown
Best feature of life in Hamilton: Within 10 minutes you have access to the waterfront, great restaurants, trails, parks, waterfalls, shopping, hospitals, colleges and universities all while being surrounded by strong supportive community.
What would make Hamilton a better city: This question was brought up at a YEP Hamilton Executive Round Table Meeting with Larry Di Lanni and Jason Farr. The answer was very similar amongst the room; stronger civic pride and greater awareness of Hamilton’s many hidden gems. We must all make an effort to promote and explore what Hamilton has to offer. Many people do not do this.
Quote: “I will persist until I succeed”
Networks: Hamilton Hive, YEP Hamilton, CLiC, Canadian Real Estate Association, Ontario Real Estate Association, Realtor Association of Hamilton/Burlington, Hamilton Lacrosse Association.
Contact info:
Derek Doyle
Sales Representative
Royal LePage State Realty Brokerage
987 Rymal Rd E Ham, ON L8M-3W2
905-574-4600
How to Join!
Chair,
Joe Accardi
Phone: 905-297-2188
Email: jaccardi.apm@gmail.com
