[ BUSINESS ]
Expo City will provide the City of Vaughan and its history, it’s that it
continues to build a beautiful city that has control of the architecture
and air space which is lacking in other cities. “I hope that Vaughan
will be a city that everyone in the future will build according to basic
principles that we at Cortel Group have established,” says Cortellucci.
With nothing but sheer passion and dedication for his work and
each project he takes on, being involved in his business in every
aspect is pivotal for Mario Cortellucci. Takin g a step back has never
been a consideration. “I like what I do, to me it’s not work. I still feel
good, I still want to have that human touch with people. I want to
say good morning to my employees or good afternoon if they’re a
little bit late,” he jokes. “God has given me the energy and the will
to keep me going.”
In addition to being a successful entrepreneur, Mario Cortellucci
is a philanthropist known for his charitable contributions and endeavours. Some of the many charities he has supported over the
years include the United Way, York Central Hospital, MukiBaum
Association, and many more. Giving back to the community has always been important to Mario Cortellucci and his entire family. His
parents always taught him and his siblings to share and give whenever possible, which is something he’s been blessed to continue to do
throughout the years. “It’s something that’s inside of you, you either
have it in your heart or you don’t,” he says. A charity that is very
(Left to Right): Peter Cortellucci, Mario Cortellucci,
Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, David Braley, Mel Hawkrigg
important to him is the Universal Youth Foundation, which Mario
Cortellucci is both Founder and Chairman. The charity is known
for providing educational assistance to youth in need around the
world with the goal of creating future leaders. Investing in today’s
youth is vital for the future of our country, our community and
the world, which is what inspired Cortellucci to launch the charity.
“When you see these children and the looks in their eyes, the energy,
and where the money goes, it gives you satisfaction and a feeling you
can’t replace with anything,” he says.
This year, Mario Cortellucci was the recipient of the Philanthropic
Business Person of the Year award from the City of Vaughan at the
Vaughan Chamber of Commerce 2016 Business Achievement Awards.
The honour was something that made him realize how lucky he is to be
surrounded by great people. “When I receive awards such as this one,
I think of others who should receive it because there are many other
people who do what I do and even better than me. So as much as it’s an
honour, awards like this one are not because of me, but because of the
people who surround me,” shares Cortellucci.
Mario Cortellucci has also been fortunate enough to incorporate
some of his hobbies and interests with his charitable initiatives. His
passion for recreation and hunting has enabled him to assist in the
building of the Innisfil Recreation Complex and YMCA, and he
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Celebrate Vaughan / 2016
also assisted the Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters by sponsoring the construction of the OFAH Mario Cortellucci Hunting
and Fishing Heritage Centre in Peterborough. The cultural centre
and wildlife museum offers an interactive educational experience
for both children and adults alike. “People forget that this country
was built totally on wildlife. Our pioneers never would have survived
in this country if they didn’t learn from our natives that the skin
of a deer protects you in the winter so you don’t freeze,” explains
Cortellucci. The centre attracts thousands of school children and
families each year and is a great educational experience. “It was a
must for me to have a place where kids of the City of Toronto and
beyond who have never seen the inside of a forest, never seen any
wildlife, and who are only surrounded by a jungle of concrete, to go
to Peterborough and learn about all the animals that exist in North
America and the history of our pioneers that made this country.
That is very important to me,” he continues.
Mario Cortellucci is proud to call Vaughan home and a safe place
where he’s been able to raise his family. Vaughan continues to be a
sought-after city to live in for many reasons, and Cortellucci knows
firsthand why the city is such a great place to both live and do business in. “What makes Vaughan is the people. It’s hard working
people, people that sacrifice, people that built themselves in business
or built a family by working hard,” he says. Reflecting on his own
IF YOU WANT TO CREATE A
COMMUNITY, YOU NEED A CENTRE
WHERE EVERYTHING FUNCTIONS.
BEING THE FIRST TO DO THAT FEELS
GOOD BECAUSE YOU CAN NOW SEE
THAT IT’S THE BEGINNING OF THE
BIRTH OF A CITY.”- Mario Cortellucci
success, Mario Cortellucci can confidently say that his accomplishments are something he envisioned when he first landed in Canada.
“When I landed in Halifax, I could already picture these towers. It’s
always been in me to build. This came natural to me.” This very
vision has now manifested itself as Expo City. A project that began
as a dream, became a vision, and was put into action. “Even now,
with Expo, I already picture what the whole project will look like
once complete. First you envision and build it and then you envision people. When you see people in it then you have realized the
project,” he explains.
Yet, Cortellucci is well aware that nothing is possible without dedication and years of sacrifice. With an appreciation for the life he’s
built for himself and his family, the greatest lesson life has taught
him he says, came from the birth of his four children.“You can’t
replace that with anything, it’s a miracle. God is beautiful, nature
is beautiful,” says Cortellucci. With years of experience in both life
and career behind him, Mario Cortellucci believes that learning
never ends regardless of age. “Every minute is a learning experience,” he says. As any accomplished individual and entrepreneur
aspires, Cortellucci hopes to leave a legacy for his family and community that they can be proud of. “I want to leave a place to live, a
place to play, a place to work, and a good community. The rest will
follow. We can’t think locally anymore; we need to think globally.”