We had the good fortune of connecting with Matt Carter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matt, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe that risk-taking is a MUST when you are starting a company. Don’t take stupid risks, take calculated ones. In my experience, there is always a chance that an idea fails, but if it is important enough to you, you do it anyways.

Quitting my full-time job to start a home-service company at 18 was a massive risk for me. I was leaving an incredible finance job in downtown Toronto that I jumped through hoops to get. I created a business plan, researched competitors, and had a full-proof plan to start this thing. I was so motivated to run my own company that the thought of failing was not an option. After a lot of hard work, I was enlightened by the benefits that taking calculated risks can yield. Your company will grow extremely slow, if at all, if risks are not taken.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I own and operate two companies, so I will dive into both.

MasterShine Window & Eaves Cleaning

The #1 reason for our success is due to the fact that we obsess over customer service. From the initial contact to the follow-up the day after the job, we make sure every single customer is 100% happy, 100% of the time. We have been able to give our customers a new view of contractors in a world where contractors typically don’t get the best rep. Focusing on bringing a smile to someone’s face through our customer service, paired with our top-notch quality, we have become the go-to home service company in the GTA after just 5 years. This success didn’t come overnight, though. There were a lot of mistakes made in the beginning, but learning from these, and improving is what led to our eventual success.

Toques From The Heart

Toques From The Heart is a social enterprise dedicated to keeping every Canadian warm throughout our harsh Canadian winters. When studying at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, two of my friends, Matt Milne & Casey Rogan, noticed the problem of homelessness in our community firsthand, and we wanted to do our best to help those in need. We started Toques From The Heart, where we sell high-quality toques, and for every toque sold we donate one to a Canadian experiencing homelessness. I think that the ability to give back to one’s community, while also purchasing something for yourself is what our customers love about the brand. You feel a sense of pride when you wear our toques because you know you directly helped someone in need. A lesson that I’ve learned can be applied to business, but also to life in general, and that is – to help people. Seeing the smile on someone’s face when we are able to provide them with a clean, warm winter toque is the reason that I work so hard. My number one passion in this world is business, but being able to give back while also following my passion is where I find my happiness.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Burlington, ON, Canada. I would have to take my friend to the tourist attractions that are close (Niagara Falls, CN Tower), but after that, I would show them some cool spots in Burlington. Our waterfront is immaculate, providing excellent views, a path to bike/walk/rollerblade on, great restaurants and an overall fun time.

Depending on the season, I’d have to take them to a Raptors/Leafs/Jays game. I have been a massive Toronto sports fan since the day I was born, and sharing my passion with my friend is a must.

Lastly, I’d show them the offices for my companies and where I am each day. I love being able to show people our workspace and see the behind-the-scenes of the two companies.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents are the prime reason for my success as an entrepreneur. When deciding to start a company, there is a lot of external criticism that heads your way. “Why take the chance?’ or “what happens if it doesn’t work?” were two questions that I got a lot, but not from my parents. From the second I told them about starting a company, they were my #1 fans. It is a tough journey as an entrepreneur, but having the proper support system makes it much more manageable.

Coming from a business background, my dad would help me with new marketing ideas, teach me sales strategies, and help me navigate the challenges that a start-up throws at you day in and day out. My mom was always ready to listen, share ideas, and support me online. I think that she has more posts on social media about my companies than she does about herself. I owe everything to my parents.

Website: mastershine.ca toquesfromtheheart.ca

Instagram: Mattcarter14 MasterShine.Inc Toquesfromtheheart

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwg92e4NUks8TiHzuHl7ioQ

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