Lina
Jakobs
WHAT
GOT YOU STARTED?
by
Burke Campbell
Published in the
Financial Post
December 10, 2007
Lina Jakobs is President and CEO of Whistler
Home Holidays (www.homeholidays.com),
located in Whistler, British Columbia. Whistler Home Holidays offers luxury vacation homes
and chalets; catered golf and ski packages. Lina
Jakobs tells Burke Campbell
what motivated her to become an entrepreneur.
EARLY VENTURES: “I was raised in
Swan River, Manitoba, and when I was just fourteen, I started working at
the local Dairy Queen. Even then, I began to see what money could do for
you. After college, I taught Physical Education in Winnipeg. That’s when I bought my first home, renting out
rooms to my brother’s team mates, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.”
THE BIG MOVE: “During a visit to British Columbia, I decided to make it my home. I’d always wanted to
be in the hospitality business so I acquired properties in Whistler. I
also acted as an agent for others, offering luxury holiday accommodations
and services.”
THE UNIDENTIFIED GUESTS: “I’d
been in business three years when I was approached to provide
accommodations for a visiting group. Their identity was shrouded in
secrecy. I worked as their agent to find accommodations, as well as
coordinate all aspects of their stay. The mystery guests turned out to be
Prince Charles and his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. ”
A JOLT OF SELF-CONFIDENCE: “Once
you handle something big, like a royal visit, you realize you can handle
just about anything.”
SHARED PHILOSOPHY: “Have a sense
of humor, keep an eye on the big picture, and enjoy life’s journey.”
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