Sep 15, 2020
Hello, Self Made Nation, and welcome to another edition of “I’m a Millionaire. So Now What?”
Are you making the most out of LinkedIn in these crazy Covid-19 times? I am. 💫💫💫
And I’ve met incredible entrepreneurs and business owners on the platform, people with fascinating stories to tell. 🗣🗣🗣
The best part? I get to share those stories with you! 🎉🎉🎉
Meet Fayez Thawer:
➡️ Originally dreamed of a life in biomedical engineering.
➡️ Landed a great gig at the Department of National Defence in nuclear radiation safety.
➡️ And is now a second-generation hotelier.
Wait. What?? Yup – he took a 50% pay cut to work for his father. For a “short while.” 😂
Families. They sure can suck you in. 💞😉💞
Have a listen!
Fayez Thawer bounced between Canada and Tanzania as a baby, before moving to Canada at the age of four when his family finally immigrated. As is often the case, his father left behind a successful life, in transport and milling, and essentially started over again upon landing in Toronto (and eventually settling in Ottawa). As Fayez says, “I finally got to the age when I could internalise that, it really led to a lot of just sheer respect for this risk that my parents have taken. You know, today we’re sitting here having a conversation about entrepreneurial endeavours and what’s next in life, but I think fundamentally family and making the right decisions for your family lead you down a road that doesn't necessarily have to take away from business pursuits or entrepreneurial pursuits.”
Fayez dreamed of a life in biomedical engineering, and eventually worked for the Department of National Defence in nuclear radiation safety. But family – and yes, risk – brought him back to the family business. Today, he’s the Managing Director for Tasico Hospitality, a family-owned hotel ownership and management company established in 1982. As a second-generation hotelier, he oversees the acquisition, development and management of hotel and convention properties in Canada and the United States. In addition, he is the Chairman and co-founder of Lyte Resources and Chief Executive Officer of Epic Inc., companies within the medical and wellness industries. Prior to joining the family business, he worked in the field of Nuclear and Radiation Safety at the Department of National Defence. In 2017 he was recognized as one of Canada’s Top Entrepreneurs by the Globe & Mail, TD Canada Trust and KPMG, and in 2016, he was named as one of Ottawa’s Top 40 Under 40.