Joel Ostrov
Where were you born? In Montreal.
How long have you been in the business? Since 1971.
How many people work for you? Just under 600.
What’s the best part of the job? The relationships we build with clients and suppliers.
What did you want to be as a kid? A lawyer.
What was your 1st job? Cashier at a children’s clothing store in Montreal.
What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done? I went on a tour excursion in Tunisia before it became a tourist destination and we were kidnapped by the bus driver. Very scary.
Any guilty pleasures? Clothes shopping. And roulette on cruise ships and in Vegas.
What’s your favourite airline? Air Canada. I feel at home and am fortunate enough to sit in front of the curtain where the service is second to none. I love seeing that maple leaf!
What’s on your iPad? Apps including the Montreal Gazette and my favourite travel app Flight Tracker, and lots of music.
What do people not know about you? How passionate I am about airlines and the industry as a whole. I truly care about people and value my employees above all else.
Any hobbies or interests? Golf. And I collect model aircraft.
When were you happiest? The day my son Sean arrived.
What skill or talent do you admire in someone? Loyalty.
Is there anything you won’t eat? Anything slimy - oysters, snails.
What’s your favourite place for a business lunch? Le Gourmand in Pointe Claire.
Ever had a brush with fame? Lots! Madonna, Larry King, Telly Savalas, and I once sat next to Patrick Duffy on a plane.
How do you spend your frequent flyer points? On merchandise.
What is your greatest extravagance? Sports cars.
How do you stay fit when you travel? I swim, I go to the spa.
If you could change 1 thing about the industry what would it be? Bring back commissions at source!
If you could sit next to anyone on a long-haul flight, who would it be? Bill Clinton.
Do you have a favourite charity? Any cancer research charity.
What do you hope to be doing in 10 years? Working, doing exactly what I’m doing today but presiding over a bigger business.
