People give many reasons for assisting others. Frustration isn’t usually among them, although that helps motivate New Brunswick entrepreneur Rivers Corbett.
Corbett, the co-founder of Relish Gourmet Burgers, spends a lot of time mentoring young entrepreneurs and speaking to high school students.
He strives to make youngsters realize that they can become entrepreneurs.
“I’m focused and passionate about mentoring because I’m frustrated,” he explained.
“I believe entrepreneurs will save the world, but the social value of innovation isn’t recognized.
“When I speak in schools, I ask the kids if doctors work for free. They say, ‘No.’ I say, ‘If not for entrepreneurs creating the tax base, doctors wouldn’t get paid.’
“Why are doctors held in high esteem but entrepreneurs are regarded as greedy? Entrepreneurs are just as important as doctors and one step below moms.”
Corbett is a member of Startup Canada’s National Advisory Council, and he helped found StartUP Fredericton. Most recently, he was the entrepreneur in residence at the University of New Brunswick.
He’s been named entrepreneur of the year and made Canada’s hottest startups list, as well as Canada’s fastest growing companies list.
Relish Gourmet Burgers began in Fredericton in 2009, when Corbett and chef Ray Henry opened their first store.
Relish now has franchises across Canada and one in the United States. The company also runs several corporate stores, with another soon to open in Halifax.
“For us, it’s all about the taste and being original,” Corbett said. “I’ve been successful when I’ve zagged when others zigged. We try to be different. We just got investment from a European group attracted by that philosophy.”
Corbett also runs the Chef Group, an agency that allows event organizers to hire Atlantic Canadian chefs.
“I’m a chef pimp,” he said with a laugh. “I hate to cook.”
Another of his ventures is The StartUP CEO, which allows him to work with emerging entrepreneurs.
He holds business degrees from several regional universities and initially worked in marketing. When he began to feel the urge to own his own venture, he bought the businesses started by his dad, Robert.
“My dad started various traditional ventures in the Fredericton area, including a construction company, a nursing home and a marina. I thought his businesses would be a way for me to do my own thing, but I soon realized that what really interests me is the ideas stage.
“I want to build businesses, not manage them. I’m not a good manager. I’m a cloud guy. The details drive me nuts.”
Corbett is the author of several books, including 13 Fears of Entrepreneurs, and is a lively and sought-after event host.
But he makes no secret of his struggle with depression, which hit him about seven years ago.
“It knocked me on my back. It’s ugly. It was brought on by a perfect storm of stressors, including work.
“I went to the doctor for something and he said, ‘How are you doing?’ I broke down. It was like a wave hit me.
“The doctor recommended medicine. Part of the journey back was exercise. Exercise remains part of staying well. And, in winter, when I feel worse, I sleep a ton.”
He said he considers his illness a blessing, as he now prioritizes health.
“Richard Branson said, ‘The biggest thing you can do for your business is look after your health.’”
Entrepreneurs are known for relishing the adrenaline rush of their high-stakes lifestyles, but Corbett said stress must be controlled.
“There’s a difference between the rush caused by the thrill and challenge of business and constant stress. But stress is part of the game and you have to learn how to handle it.”
Corbett is looking at starting a web-focused business.
“I’ll never be fully retired. I’ll always be looking to start stuff.”
Entrevestor receives financial support from government agencies that support start-up companies in Atlantic Canada. The sponsoring agencies play no role in determining which companies are featured in this column nor do they have the right to review columns before they are published.
