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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