8 Questions and 2 Imperatives for Patrick Levesque

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Who are you?
I’m Patrick Levesque – an entrepreneur, and kid at heart. I am the co-founder of Masc, which is a skin care & grooming product store, as well as the co-founder of Homorazzi.com, a gay infotainment website.

Who is your role model?
I’d have to say my father. He works so hard and has made so many sacrifices for our family, and on top of that, still finds time to volunteer his time to help the community. Oh, also Ellen DeGeneres. It’s inspiring to see someone doing what they love, succeeding at it, and making the world a better place through what they’re doing.

Describe your management style.
I’d say I take the more “charismatic” approach than a super bossy and intimidating The Devil Wears Prada approach to management. I had a boss like her once and was often sick to my stomach with fear when heading to work in the morning. That being said, because I dislike confrontation so much, I could probably learn a thing or two from Miranda Priestly and be less of a pushover. As a leader, I take pride in my positivity, approachability, and empathy.

What is your biggest professional accomplishment?
My biggest professional accomplishment was going into business for myself.  No one ever feels completely ready before they do it (myself included), but you just have to believe in yourself and take the plunge. I’m proud of myself for having the courage to do just that.  I’ve officially retired my resume and cover letter for good.

What was your first job?
My first job was at McDonald’s, where I worked for four and a half years. The people I worked with were amazing and I had so much fun… until I couldn’t stand smelling like burgers anymore. On second thought, perhaps I should change my biggest professional accomplishment to winning “Employee of the Year” at McDonald’s in 1997. I think I still have the plaque somewhere. Jealous? I’m such a nerd.

What are you reading right now?
One of my goals this year is to read more books (not just the self-help ones) and so the first one I’m tackling is The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

Tell us one thing about yourself that might surprise people.
I tend to pace when talking on the phone. Seriously. Can’t. Sit. Still.

What is the last conference you attended?
Hmm, it was a while ago, but it was listening to Dragon’s Den’s Jim Treliving talk about his career and about business in general.

Blackberry or iPhone?
Definitely iPhone. It took some time, but I finally got my fiancé to get rid of his Blackberry and make the switch to iPhone… and we lived happily ever after.

What’s your Internet guilty pleasure?
Facebook and prank videos. Like I said, I’m a kid at heart.