Bill Ivany
President, Acosta Canada
Where did you grow up? Woodbridge.
First job in the biz? Retail sales rep with Wm. M. Dunne & Associates.
Who has inspired you? My mom; my dad died in an accident when I was two and my mom raised me and my siblings, very admirable!
Describe yourself. Hardworking, honest, transparent, optimistic and a collaborative team player that likes to win!
Best advice you’ve ever received? It never hurts to outwork the person that sits next to you.
Define success. Being happy personally and professionally.
Favourite meal? My wife’s homemade lasagna with Caesar salad and garlic bread. Favourite sports team? Toronto Maple Leafs.
Favourite business books?The One Minute Manager and Who Moved My Cheese?
Hobbies? Golfing, fishing, woodworking.
Most treasured possession? My family.
Greatest regret? Growing up without a father.
Ideal golf foursome (select 3): In their prime… Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Fred Couples.
Favourite vacation destination? Hawaii.
What’s on your music playlist? Wide variety…country, rock, top 40.
If you could join a musician on stage to sing with, who would it be? Even though I can’t sing…Garth Brooks.
Favourite TV show? Anything to do with wildlife.
Celebrities you have met? Met many, among them, Morris the Cat, Randy “Macho Man” Savage, Jason Momoa, Regis Philbin, George Klein (Elvis was his best man), Connor McDavid (At Boots & Hearts), Johnny Bower, Pinball Clemons.
If not the food industry, what occupation might you have pursued? Woodworking/cabinet maker. What’s on your bucket list? African Safari, attend all four golf majors live (two so far, The Masters and U.S. Open).
Car or SUV? SUV.
Pet peeve? People who litter.
Favourite saying? Never argue with an idiot, they’ll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.
Unusual thing that has happened to you: At the very last minute, while driving at night in Newfoundland, we saw a large moose running in the opposite direction while being followed by a transport truck…lucky to be here for this interview!
What would people be surprised to know about you? I’m an Elvis fan, have been to Graceland and done the VIP experience, including staying at The Heartbreak Hotel.
