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Lou Serafini Jr.
Fengate Capital Management North York Lou Serafini Jr. dynamically leads the Fengate Capital Management team to growth and success, as a respected investment management firm, specializing in investments in the infrastructure and real estate sector. When did you know you wanted to be an entrepreneur? When I was a teenager and earning my own money, I watched my father running his own business. I realized that I had the same characteristics and ambition as he did. The ability to build relationships and understand how different people become motivated comes natural to me. Are entrepreneurs born or made? You are born with the ability to be an entrepreneur, but entrepreneurs are self-made – taking risks, investing in yourself and having the courage to lead others to follow your dreams. How important have good employees been to your success? Great employees have been the most important factor in the Fengate success. A company must have the right culture. Our team complements each other, trusts each other, is selfless every day and embraces growth. What motivates you? I am motivated by effort. I embrace the process of developing a plan, executing a strategy and the feeling I get when we achieve success. How do you define success? I define success by results, not money. At work, it’s about gaining the respect and earning trust. Personally, it’s about living a balanced life. It’s about setting personal goals. It’s about being a good father, a good mentor and giving back to the community. It’s about having fun and living life. Who has been your greatest inspiration? My father has been my greatest inspiration. At a very young age, he came to a new country with nothing. He didn’t speak the language. He instilled in me the importance of education, the necessity to work hard and the commitment to never compromise your integrity. I am inspired by his passion. I love him for everything he has done and taught me! Entrepreneurs must always dream big! And don’t let obstacles get in the way. Measure your successes by milestones. Set realistic goals or else you will never achieve them. Work smarter versus more. Be kind to yourself and do not let others drag you down. Recognize what you don’t know and eliminate energy suckers from your life. Embrace change and keep an open mind to new opportunities.
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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2014