20 Under 40: Martha Huk

Meet Martha Huk, 36, founder and CEO of Hedgeford & Berkley and one of our 20 Under 40 Class of 2020 recipients

MERGING A PROFESSIONAL engineering background with the world of interior design, Martha Huk created boutique design firm Hedgeford & Berkley and in five short years turned the design industry on its ear. Bridging a gap between designers and the construction field, her client roster now stretches from Toronto to Miami to Dubai.

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What’s been your biggest business achievement?

Five years ago, I founded the company and was grateful to work with project budgets in the $20,000 range. Five years later, our team is in the double digits and this year we will put our stamp on a $65-million project. Growth has come at ­exponential speed and sustaining it has been a wild ride. I remember the day I was taking notes in an intro to business accounting class while getting a phone call to pitch Drake on his Pick 6ix restaurant. That moment has always stuck with me. Leaping to the top can be easy, staying there is another skill set. Achievements I hoped to be realized in 10 years had been surpassed in three.

Who or what has been your biggest influence?

Freedom is the driving force for everything I do in business. I want the freedom to choose who I work with, and what I do with my time so I can make sure I am living my life exactly how I choose. I build everything around me to create the ability to pivot when I believe I need to, and to propel forward when my gut says it’s the right direction.

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What has the Covid-19 pandemic taught you?

The pandemic has taught me that there are two elements at stake: the business impact and the human cost. It is easy to be grateful and thrive when you are on the path to success, but it is what you do in the lowest moments that dictates who you will become going forward. I have learned to stabilize my business and help others do the same. I think it’s easy to get caught up in the entrepreneurial whirlwind. A day flashes by in minutes and it’s rare to pause. This forced slow down has given me a chance to look around and think about the bigger picture.

If you weren’t working in your current field, what would you be doing?

It’s a tough question to answer. I think the thought of switching fields often crosses the minds of entrepreneurs. Sometimes for an exciting change, other times for an escape. So, I have no idea really. Ask me again next year. Interview by Kieran Delamont