Q&A with Troy Abromaitis, Forty Under 40 Winner 2020; Director of development, Bucci Developments, Age 37
Who or what is responsible for your work ethic?
My parents. As business owners they instilled grit and resilience in me. Also my grandmothers, who both came from small farming communities and found a way to go to university.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Takeout pizza. It got me through late-night study sessions at UBC, and not much has changed now that I’m running a business while pregnant.
What is the best book you would recommend?
It Didn’t Start With You by Mark Wolynn. As a mom-to-be, I found it really interesting when thinking about systems and patterns in my own life.
Now that you’re entering your 40s, what goals have you set for yourself?
Continue to grow my business while earning one of those World’s Greatest Mom coffee mugs.
Choose one of these five childhood career dreams: Rock star, star athlete, prime minister, astronaut, detective.
Prime minister. I wrote to Jean Chrétien when I was six, and it was such a thrill when he wrote back.
Name your happiest place.
Saltspring Island. Nature + swimming = bliss!
What was your toughest business or professional decision?
Letting a team member go in a very competitive and demanding business environment.
Advice you would give your 20-year-old self?
Be more laid back by focusing on the things you can control.
What is your best habit?
Not letting past baggage or future worries hold me back or slow me down.
Tell us one improbable fact about yourself.
I don’t drive due to a genetic eye disease.
Best piece of advice ever received?
Hire slow, fire fast.
What career highlight are you most proud of?
Being able to hand off Switchboard with complete confidence as I go on maternity leave.
