Founder, president and CEO, Vizsla Silver Corp.
Age 36
What career highlight are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my persistence. Mining is cyclical—boom and bust. Not giving up during the tough times has allowed me to build my network and knowledge and, in turn, succeed with CobaltOne and later Vizsla Silver and Inventa. Vizsla Silver has been more successful than I initially imagined. We’ve grown from a tiny IPO in 2018 to a TSX- and NYSE-listed company, soon to be a top-five silver producer globally, with the lowest cost and highest net present value combination seen in the last decades, maybe ever. We have raised over $300 million and employ hundreds of people.
What has been your toughest business or professional decision to date?
The CEO role calls for constantly dealing with tough decisions, and there have been many. From raising money at the right—or wrong—time and from whom, to hiring and firing key people, it’s often tough. But that’s the responsibility, and I believe it’s important to make decisions and keep moving. Don’t overanalyze or overthink.
How do you lead?
I lead from the standpoint of the golden rule, which is to treat people the way you want to be treated.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?
Whether its success or failure, it’s all about people. People can destroy great businesses, or they can turn a failure into success. At Inventa, we’ve shifted our model from investing in projects and companies to finding excellent entrepreneurs and backing them by incubating their companies.
Best piece of advice ever received?
When I was facing public criticism for the first time from online commentators, my father said to me, “They don’t shoot at dead ducks,” meaning I had to be doing something important if I had critics.
What is your definition of success?
Balance is important to me. In order to be happy, I need to have a business that I am passionate about building, and I love the ability to include my family in this. I love to work hard for days and weeks on end building my business, and at the same time, it’s important for me to spend time out of the office with my family.
What are you most passionate about outside of work?
I have three sons, and my primary goal is to be a very involved father. So, I am passionate about my family and spending quality time with them. In addition, I try to surf as much as possible.
What’s left to accomplish?
This is just the beginning for me, there’s so much more to do. With Vizsla, we’re building the next great silver producer. I envision becoming a globally significant mining company from our silver-gold mine in Mexico. With Inventa Capital, we will continue to build businesses, back and support great entrepreneurs, and grow our profile.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or acknowledge?
I’d like to thank my wife, kids, mom and dad (rest in peace), and Craig, Simon, Mahesh, and the Vizsla and Inventa team.
A personal motto, favourite phrase or saying that resonates with you?
My grandfather used to say, “Present pain for future gain”
A philanthropic, charitable or community cause or organization you support?
Union Gospel Mission
What do you do to unwind, relax or de-stress?
Cold water and sauna
Favourite place in the province?
Tofino
Favourite restaurant(s)?
Elisa, Il Giardino Hello Nori and Miku
A book or podcast you would recommend?
The Tim Dillon Show
What is your best habit?
Persistence and continual forward momentum
A B.C. business leader you admire?
Jim Pattison, Peter Brown, John Robins and Cam Currie
Tell us one surprising or little-known fact about yourself.
My first business was a landscaping company called Mike’s Mowing. My slogan was, “If your lawn’s growing, call Mike’s Mowing”
