Bobby Genovese is an entrepreneur and business executive who holds by the principal that success in business means connecting enthusiastic people with winning opportunities. To the executive, success also means giving back to one’s community. As a result, over the years, Bobby Genovese has been an active supporter of a number of organizations, perhaps most prominently Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children.
Although you are known as a business executive and entrepreneur, you place great importance on giving back to the community. Can you tell us why charitable involvement is a key part of your life?
Bobby Genovese: I think giving to others is a responsibility and a privilege, especially to those organizations that serve children. Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children leads the list of organizations that stole my heart many years ago. It’s Canada’s largest and most sophisticated centre for pediatric cancer research, treatment and care, and through supporting this organization, we’re in turn able to help provide critical resources and support for their pediatric cancer initiatives, from research and treatment to practical advancements like chemotherapy backpacks that free young patients from confining hospital stays.
You have been involved with the annual Car and Boat Rally for Kids with Cancer since it began in 2007. Tell us why these events are so special to you.
Bobby Genovese: The Boat Rally for Kids with Cancer has raised more than $16 million over the years for Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children. It has turned into the event of the summer in Muskoka, Ontario. Not only does this demonstrate how successful we can be in coming together for a common cause — it shows how necessary it is for each of us to be involved. I’ve been honored to chair these rallies and join forces with an amazing team of people behind this effort.
BG Parks was established to help conserve the environment and protect important parcels of land by partnering with several state parks in Florida. In 2015, you secured a partnership with Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection to oversee recreation and hospitality concessions at three of south Florida’s most popular parks. Can you give us more details of this initiative?
Bobby Genovese: We were thrilled and honored to be a major force in bringing to life and making accessible these incredibly beautiful parks for a whole new generation of visitors to enjoy. Not only are we privileged to help preserve and cultivate these extraordinary natural resources but we are especially honored to play a role in restoring the popularity of these south Florida treasures. In addition, the partnership gives us the ability to touch more than 4 million people. Now it’s our responsibility to give them activities to do and create special events. We can also connect people to some of our other complementary businesses to promote the entire BG experience.
As an executive with more than two decades of business leadership experience, do you have any tips for budding entrepreneurs and business leaders?
Bobby Genovese: I believe that if you are passionate about what you do, success will follow. There is a big difference between working hard and working smart. What I encourage even with my own children is to look at the big picture. I always tell people who come to me for advice that you’ve got to love what you do because then it is not work.
