8 Questions and 2 Imperatives for Dave Shortt

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Who are you?
My name is Dave Shortt and I’m an artist, idealist, and entrepreneur. I try to celebrate life. I’ve recently launched Shortt and Epic Productions, a Vancouver-based video production company that specializes in creative online videos. Oh, and despite what my family name might suggest, I’m actually quite tall.

Who is your role model?
My honest answer is terribly cliché, but true – my mom.  I can’t even start the list of why… I’d be writing a very long list and bore readers! I cannot think of another particular person to admire, but I admire many artists and others who  dare to be different. I’m not particularly brave that way, but really admire those who are.

Describe your management style.
Democratic. I think everyone has something to contribute and I believe it’s important to focus on people’s  strengths rather than weaknesses.  Of course, these are ideals and are easier said than done.

What is your biggest professional accomplishment?
Without a doubt, my latest endeavor, starting Shortt and Epic Productions. That and the video I made recently called TAHOE which went viral and was selected as a Staff Pick on Vimeo.

What was your first job?
I worked at Chuck E Cheese’s in Scarborough Ontario when I was 14. I’ve tried to block it out of my mind and have done so successfully until you asked me this question!

What are you reading right now?
I’m reading a book called Zilch: The Power of Zero in Business. It offers advice to businesses on how they can learn from non-profits to do more with less, which is useful in these challenging economic times.  The last non-business-y book I read was Patti Smith’s Just Kids which was absolutely phenomenal. I made the mistake of finishing it while on the BC Ferries. I suggest to anyone that they finish the book in a private place.

Tell us one thing about yourself that might surprise people.
I’m gay. Okay that’s not surprising (but it was when I came out at 19). People seem to be surprised when I tell them I know how to do renovations. I’ve put in a couple ceilings, tile floors, and also designed and built a gazebo at my mom’s place.

What is the last conference you attended?
It’s not really a conference, but I recently completed a business program at the YMCA. It was great and has helped launch my new company.

Blackberry or iPhone?
I have an iPhone knock off. I have to admit, I miss my iPhone.

What’s your Internet guilty pleasure?
Ridiculous 80′s videos on YouTube.

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Dave Shortt is the founder of Shortt and Epic Productions. You can Like them on Facebook here, and follow them on Twitter here.