Manufacturing
Peter Snucins Polycorp Ltd. Toronto
Peter Snucins has created and managed a number of both publicly listed and privately held companies in the technology, resource, media and manufacturing sectors. He is currently the CEO, sole owner and founder of Polycorp Ltd. – a privately owned Canadian company that specializes in the design and manufacture of engineered elastomeric parts (primarily rubber). They provide their customers with cost-effective solutions to their corrosion, abrasion, impact, noise and vibration challenges within the mining, protective linings and transportation industries. Are entrepreneurs born or made? I believe entrepreneurs are born, with their traits enhanced and refined by access to examples and relevant mentors. I experienced, and have seen many examples, of very early-stage entrepreneurship that haven’t been yet developed or advanced. What would you say are the top skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur? A relentless focus, a predisposition to risk taking and an ability to overcome adversity and setbacks; the ability to access, attract and retain key people to offset personal weaknesses and skill sets; delegating without abdicating; and a constant paranoia regarding competitive threats. How important have good employees been to your success? It would have been impossible to achieve success without the people who have the knowledge and ability to execute strategies and offset weaknesses. There is a tendency for entrepreneurs wanting to do everything. What sets Canadian entrepreneurs apart on the world stage? The world perceives Canadian entrepreneurs as generally more easy to deal with than Americans – as conciliators, striving for win-win solutions. Canadians are viewed to be more measured, steady, logical and less insular in their thinking. What is your dream vacation? Heli-skiing in the Canadian Rockies, windsurfing in Cabarete or mountain biking in Moab. How many hours do you work a day on average? Approximately eight hours in the office, but I am online always. In addition, I do extensive reading – approximately three hours a day. It takes twice as long as your worst estimate; it’s never as bad as it seems, nor as good as it appears. Do your homework. It’s always all about the people. Keep a steady hand on the tiller. Negotiate thoroughly and hard but at the very end – lighten up and leave something on the table for the other side. They will be your partners for a long time and you want them entering into the relationship in a positive frame of mind.
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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2014