20 Under 40: Calvin McCallum

Meet Calvin McCallum, 36, president of CLC Tree Services and one of our 20 Under 40 Class of 2020 recipients

THE RECIPIENT OF multiple business awards and accolades, Calvin McCallum has led CLC Tree Services to an earned reputation for not only quality of work and attention to detail and safety protocols, but also dedication of service to numerous London organization and non-profits.

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Who do you count as your biggest influence?

My father taught me work ethic, community involvement and good morals from a young age. I was regularly brought to work sites from as young as eight years old. I watched my dad work a full-time job while operating the business on the side for the better part of 15 years and watched him build the business and provide a better life for our family. It meant long days and limited time with our family, but also provided better living conditions, house improvements, family trips and the ability for us to participate in our favourite activities. He has always been happy to volunteer his time to the community and has always been very charitable. This has directly impacted how I run the business and led to a commitment of giving back to our community.

Knowing what you know now what would you tell your younger self?

Life is tough, be thankful! As a younger businessperson, I would often get worked up or be hard on myself when a job didn’t go as planned or if I had a dissatisfied customer. In those tough times, I learned how to deal with similar situations that would happen in the future.

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What’s next for you, personally or professionally?

There is always room to grow and I hope that never stops. Personally, I am focused on creating more quality time with family and friends. The time and effort required to run and manage the ­company often takes time away from family, and as I watch my son grow it reminds me that it is time that I cannot get back.

If you weren’t in your current line of work, what would you be doing?

I don’t know exactly, but it would have to be something outdoors and would likely involve heavy machinery.

Guilty pleasure?

Food Network game shows. Guy Fieri gets me every time! Interview by Kieran Delamont