Services
Edward Kholodenko
Questrade Financial Group Inc. North York Since starting operations in 1999, Edward Kholodenko had a defined and clear focus: to help Canadians achieve financial independence by providing the uncompromised best investment products, the latest and most effective trading technology and client service excellence. Questrade Financial is a remarkable Canadian success story, earning the prestigious Investor Economics rank as fastest-growing and fourth largest online brokerage. When did you know you wanted to be an entrepreneur? Even when I was in high school, I wanted to go into business. I eventually started my own company right after graduating from university. Are entrepreneurs born or made? A combination of both – you learn a lot on the way and you have to have grit. The risks the entrepreneur takes are invariably big. How important have good employees been to your success? The right people in the right place at the right time is paramount. The world is a really big place. We do business in a truly global market and you can no longer (if you ever could) execute on your own. Good and reliable employees are the most important factors for an entrepreneur and a successful business. How can Canada support a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem? Provide incentives and supportive tax legislation that’s not punitive for investment. What is your passion other than entrepreneurship? Family and helping in the community. If you weren’t in your current leadership position, what would you be doing? Some kind of volunteer or charity work; perhaps running a school. What is your dream vacation? Somewhere quiet and warm. How many hours do you work a day on average? Between 9-10 hours. What motivates you? I love innovation and doing whatever it takes to find effective solutions to problems. And giving back to the community. Successful entrepreneurs must have a vision and an unwavering belief. Find something you have a passion for and don’t get discouraged by the naysayers, the people who tell you it won’t work. Don’t rely too much on research. Hesitation gets noticed by others.
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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2014