Toronto First Aid Certification

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marty Wickham, founder, and CEO of Toronto First Aid Certification, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Hello, We are a first aid training company providing first aid certification courses for companies and the general public. We provide courses seven days a week in our two training studios in Kensington Market and Vaughan. We also have a sister company (Life Preservers First Aid Inc) in Vancouver providing courses with three training students in the Lower Mainland.

Tell us about yourself

I was a tennis professional for 25 years in Toronto and was on the court when a member had a heart attack on the court beside me. I was untrained in first aid, but we were able to bring the fellow back to life using the Defibrillator. From there, we moved to BC, and I got way more certified in First Aid and opened up Life Preservers in 2013. It started out slowly but grew into an award-winning company.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

The biggest accomplishment is that we have had several customers follow-up after taking the course and have saved people who were choking or doing CPR. That is awesome!!

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The toughest thing is finding good quality, reliable staff. Also, having businesses in both cities, the hours are very long but enjoyable.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Choose a business that you truly love and are good at.
Choose a business that people need even in a recession or COVID. We have deemed it an essential service and have been able to run during COVID.
Choose staff that are high energy and passionate. You can always train skills but can't change your personality.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://torontofirstaid.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torontofirstaid/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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