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Montreal is a hub of commerce, creativity, and culture. Not only do we have a booming arts scene, but with any city that is experiencing growth and development, there are also plenty of entrepreneurial opportunities popping up right and left.Â
That said, Montreal has now become a big pond and this global city a great place to plant and cultivate a career. Some ambitious Montreal guys truly stand out and are occupying and building some serious goal-worthy careers for themselves.Â
Over the next few pages, we will look at some guys who have made a mark in their respective industries. This city is high-competitive, especially in dominating creative industries and the restaurant business, so if you're looking for some career inspo, read on!
33. Andy Manaras // @andymanaras
Entrepreneur
Why he's badass: Andy's IG feed will take you along all his many adventures bouncing back and forth between Montreal and LA. Follow this Montreal-based entrepreneur if traveling is your thing.
32. Karel Chladek // @karelchladek
Nightlife Photographer
Why he's badass: Nightlife in Montreal is full of special hidden moments. In the blur of the night, only a photographer like Karel can capture. His IG feel is a compilation of some of his best shots.
31. Albert Nguyen // @thenewyen
30. Karl Gendron // @kgtones
Lifestyle Photographer
@kgtonesWhy he's badass: Karl captures stunning cityscapes and everything from the absolute stillness of early morning city life to the chaotic rush hour - and everything in between.
29. Nate Woods // @_natewoods_
Co-Founder Saintwoods
@_natewoods_Why he's badass: If you've ever been to Suwu or Apt 200 on St-Laurent and had a really good time, you can thank the good people behind Saint Woods, a Montreal-based event curation and artist management company - and so much more. Follow Nate on IG for a lil taste of MTL nightlife.
28. High Klassified // @highklassified
Music Producer
Why he's badass: Hailing from no other than Laval Island itself, High Klassfied is a music producer signed to A-Trak's Fools Golds Records. Follow him on IG for a glimpse at his life as a producer, and yes - fresh outfits.
27. Colin Meredith // @colin_meredith
Designer
Why he's badass: All clothing design is visual art, but not all visual art is clothing design. Colin Meredith plays with this idea in his designs. Peep his IG page to see all of his unique creations.
26. Tommy Kruise // @tommykruise
DJ/Producer
Why he's badass: Chances are, if you've been out in Montreal in a minute, you've seen or at least heard of Montreal-based producer Tommy Kruise. If you're wondering where to go out next Friday night, Follow his IG page for all the insider tips.
25. Zach Joss // @forrest
Music Producer / Entrepreneur
Why he's badass: House music fans unite. Riverside Montreal brought a breath of extra-fresh air into Montreal this summer. Giving some Berlin-Vibes to lower St-Henri. Follow Zach Joss on IG if this is the type of place you see yourself kicking back at on a Friday night.
24. Ryan Williams // @williamswashere
Menswear buyer (SSENSE)
Why he's badass: You can Follow Ryans Milan Fashion Weeks trips and day-to-day as a menswear buyer at Montreal-based Luxury e-comm company SSENSE. Get a little taste of fashion life and some insight into new and emerging brands you probably never heard of.
23. Dave Lee // @daveleeofficial
Why he's badass: It takes a certain type of creative and open mind to dare to put macaroni on a poutine. We've all thought about it - but to actually execute it IRL, those are true outliers. Follow co-founder Dave Lee on IG for a peek into the creator's mind.
22. Jeremy Karl // @jeremykarl
Art Director (WANT Les Essentiel)
Why he's badass: Are you inspired by seemingly simple and functional objects like the clean line of a chair or unique window pane? Well, so is Jeremy - art director at Montreal-based luxury company Want Les Essentiel. Follow his IG page to catch a glimpse of his inspirations and day-to-day.
21. Nikolaos Lerakis // @niko514
Managing Director (La Maison W)
@niko514Why he's badass: Nikolaos is a managing director at La Maison W - a Montreal-based multi-disciplinary creative agency that caters to high-end luxury brands. Catch his day-to-day and follow him on IG.
20. Phil Black // @PJblackout
Owner (Blackout MTL)
@pjblackoutWhy he's badass: You may have already been to or heard of Blackout gym in St-Henri. Phil Black is the owner and fitness enthusiast behind the concept. Follow him on IG for a day-to-day look at the life of a gym owner.
17. Hatchy Morein // @morrismendel
Owner at Morris Mendel
Why he's badass: Matt is the man behind the mouth-watering smoked salmon of Morris Mendel. You can find his creations at select restaurants and pop-up events across town. Because what Montrealer doesn't love a good bagel, schmear, and smoked fish topping.
16. Eli Horn // @always___arriving
Artist / illustrator
Why he's badass: Some artist only need a pen and paper to create something special. Peep Montreal-based illustrator Eli Horns IG page for a sample of his work and everyday inspiration.
15. Alexandre Faulkner // @monthlypayment
Model Manager + Creative entrepreneur
@monthly_paymentWhy he's badass: Alexandre is a Montreal-based model manager at top agency Folio Montreal. Like many who work in creative industries, he also has a side hustle - running and directing his own creative studio Monthly Payment.
14. Graham Crowston // @mrouestcoast
Tattoo Artist (Tattoo Box)
@mrouestcoastWhy he's badass: Graham (the guy on the left in the above picture) is a Montreal-based tattoo artist and one of the few tattoo artists I would trust to put a needle to my skin. Personally, he's the man responsible for my one tiny inoffensive snowflake tattoo, but his talent is most apparent when you see his the rest of his work on his IG page.
13. Adlai Salcedo // @adlai_s
Freelance Social Media Manager
Why he's badass: Social Media is a volatile industry. The trends are changing as fast on the actual features on these apps, you have to thrive in a fast-paced industry to keep up in this profession. Follow Adlai's IG page to catch a glimpse of his day-to-day as a freelancer in the industry.
12. Olivier // @0lllllli
Product Merchandiser (Vans Canada)
Why he's badass: If you love sneakers, skate, or both - consider following Oliver on IG for a little taste of the behind the scenes of the sneaker life.
10. Samuel Fournier // @samuelfournier
Stylist
Why he's badass: Samuel is an independent Montreal-based stylist who brings some seriously inspirational and elevated styling to the Montreal fashion world. Follow his IG page for a sample of his best work.
9. Andrew Ly // @andrewly
Creative Consultant
Why he's badass: Andrew Lee is a Montreal-based independent creative working in fashion and beauty. Follow his IG page to peep some of his best work and clients.
8. Jesse Flynn // @jesseflynnfitness
Private Trainer
@jesseflynnfitnessembedded via
Why he's badass: Jesse Flynn is a private trainer and athlete based out of Montreal. Are you looking for some live-stream fitness inspo to flip through on the way to work, follow him on IG for all of that?
7. Sufian // @sufs
Owner of Barley Bar A Cereal + Eat Agency
Why he's badass: Barley Bar, a new breakfast concept that popped into town just a few short months ago, is the creation of Sufian, who is also the owner of Creative Agency E.A.T, also based out of Montreal. Follow him on IG for a glimpse into this entrepreneurs life.
6. Youri Hollier // @yourihollier
Senior Content Strategist (Cosette Montreal)
Why he's badass: With offices scattered across Canada and almost 1,000 employees Cosette is one of Canada's leading ad agencies. You can follow Youri's day-to-day, in and out of work as a Senior Content Strategist, on his fun and playful IG feed.
5. Alex Kamino // @alexkamino
Tattoo Artist (Tattoo Lounge)
Why he's badass: Alex is a tattoo artist at Tattoo Lounge on St-Laurent. Follow his IG to see all of his best creations in up-close detail.
4. Andy Long Hoang // @aaaandy
Photographer + Director
@aaaandyWhy he's badass: Andy Long Huang works with some high-level clients such as Vogue and Harpers Bazaare. See some of his best work on his very visually appealing IG feed.
3. Ryan Gray // @ryangraymtl
Owner at Restaurant Nora Grey + Elena
Why he's badass: Ryan is the owner of not one highly successful Montreal-based restaurant, but TWO - now with the opening of Elena in St-Henri. Follow his culinary inspiration adventures and wine tastings by following him on IG.
2. Adam Hummel // @whoisarock
Independent Creative Director
Why he's badass: Adam lives the freelancer dream, traveling to exotic destinations working as a creative director for some high-profile clients such as Cirque Du Soleil. Follow his adventures on IG!
1. Zebulon Perron // @Zebulonperron
Designer + Entrepreneur
@zebulonperronWhy he's badass: If you've eaten out in Montreal, chances are, you have sat in one of Zebulon's stunning interiors. He has built himself quite an impressive list of projects, from the very new Iberica on Peel to Cafe Parvis - Zebulon is now one of Montreal most sought-after interior designer.