Emerging Entrepreneur
James Bachynsky Calgary Shooting Centre Calgary
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s one of the most technologically advanced ranges in North America, Calgary Shooting Centre provides a great experience for individuals and groups, whether they want to try something new, hone existing skills or engage in team building. President James Bachynsky founded the company in 2010 following 21 years of military service and his 2001 retirement. When did you know you wanted to be an entrepreneur? I have always wanted to do things my own way, and I enjoy a sense of accomplishment in making the deal, finishing a project or building something of my own. Are entrepreneurs born or made? Every skill set can be learned, but some people have an advantage in being born with the required mindset. What would you say are the top skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur? Knowledge, willingness to take risks, confidence and determination. How important have good employees been to your success? Hard-working, enthusiastic employees are the core of success. How can Canada support a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem? Canada is a pretty good place to start a business. However, we have developed regulatory bureaucracies that require far too much of a business’ time. Eliminating or simplifying this bureaucracy would make entrepreneurship much easier. Looking back, what is one thing that you would do differently, professionally speaking? I wish I had started my own business earlier. I started late and therefore have less time to grow, less energy to direct and less time to enjoy success. However, starting late made me more capable of withstanding failure, learning from it and turning it into success. What motivates you? Fear of failure. I have failed enough to know that I don’t enjoy it. How do you define success? Success for me is completeness. I want everything done right, and the closer I get to perfect the more successful I feel. My advice for entrepreneurs is to jump in with both feet. It’s easy to sit on the sidelines watching and worrying. Don’t let failure get you down; learn from it, and use it to make you stronger. Persevere, overcome and conquer!
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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2014