BIV is proud to recognize Josh Plamondon, CEO of Aqua-Pak Industries Ltd., and 39 exceptional business leaders with 2022 Forty under 40 Awards.
Each recipient is featured in BIV's annual Forty under 40 Magazine, and will be celebrated at an awards gala Feb. 22. Profiles of each award recipient – originally published in the magazine – will be available at biv.com in the days ahead.
Who or what is responsible for your work ethic?
My parents instilled in me the importance of working hard and setting ambitious goals.
What drives you?
Several factors: Being a provider for my family and creating opportunities for my kids; I’m competitive and want to be the best I can be at everything I do; creating a positive impact on everyone around me. Those are things that drive me.
A favourite book you would recommend?
Start with Why by Simon Sinek changed my view on everything I’m doing in my career and gave me perspective on leading with a purpose. The Go-Giver by Bob Burg helped me understand the importance of working to serve others.
Now that you are (or are close to) entering your 40s, what goals have you set for yourself?
A few fun ones that I can share: I want to drop my golf handicap to 10 and I want to exercise a minimum of 10,000 minutes annually.
What was your childhood career dream?
Growing up I was a huge Top Gun fan, and my dad worked in the airline industry, so I wanted to be a pilot. Then a professional football player as I got older. Somehow I ended up as an accountant.
What was your toughest business or professional decision?
My toughest decisions are always people related. Building a high-performing team requires an uncompromising approach. I care deeply about our people so these types of decisions are always hard.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
Don’t be afraid to set what might seem like unattainable goals, put your head down and stick with it. The road to get where you want is never a straight line, but if you stick with it, you will get there. Never be afraid to shoot your shot!
What is your best habit?
How I plan out my day, week, month and quarter. This habit has become a strength for me and it helps me stay organized and get more done.
Best piece of advice ever received?
When I first started my career, my mentor at the time took me aside and told me that if I wanted to climb the ladder, I needed to walk the walk from day one. She told me that how I carried myself and how I interacted with my colleagues mattered.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?
Be humble and treat people with respect: You will attract and do business with people who share these same values.
What career highlight are you most proud of?
We’ve gone through two acquisitions in the past six years – leading us through those is a career highlight. On a personal note, achieving my career goal of becoming CEO was a huge highlight for me.
What’s left to accomplish?
We’re only getting started. We want to revolutionize our insulated packaging vertical and grow the North American presence of our construction verticals.
Read the profiles of all 40 award recipients in BIV's annual Forty under 40 Magazine. Register to recognize this year's winner at the Forty under 40 Awards gala on Feb. 22.
