NHL’s Nick Suzuki on how hockey players & small business owners share a winning mentality

There are two things that hold up Montreal: hockey and small businesses.

Looking at both hockey and small-business ownership, it’s all about tenacity — because anyone who decides to put that much work into something they’re passionate about is clearly built different.

At least Intuit Quickbooks thinks so, as they’ve recently partnered with the National Hockey League (NHL) and NHL Players Association (NHLPA) to showcase inspiring stories of small businesses in Canada.

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To help showcase small businesses in Canada, we spoke with Captain of the Montreal Canadiens, Nick Suzuki, about his favourite businesses in Montreal, his fondest hockey memories, and his advice for small business owners.

Montreal small businesses have the best vibes

Mandy’s/Intuit Quickbooks

“Montreal is well-known for having a bunch of small businesses,” Suzuki tells Daily Hive, when asked about his go-to spots in the city. “Ones I [frequent] all the time is Mandy’s, a salad shop that started here in Montreal. Cote Cuisine is also a favourite.”

Suzuki also says he hits up a lot of coffee shops, notably Mile-End staple Café Olympico, a cafe known for over 50 years for its Italian hospitality and genuine sense of connection. “I love the vibe there … they have really great coffee and are loved by the community.”

Hometown memories 

One small business Suzuki is fond of is Herm’s Sport Exchange in his hometown of London, Ontario. 

“They did my skate sharpening for years. We would give back my old equipment as I grew out of it and they would resell it, and then I’d get new equipment there, too… [That’s] one of my favourite hockey stores from growing up [and a small business] that’s been in my life for a long time.”

These formative hockey memories are why Intuit Quickbooks is partnering with the NHL and NHLPA to showcase inspiring stories of small businesses in Canada. No matter your beginnings or origin story, there’s always a small business there to support you as you chase your dreams.

Good things take time and determination

Café Olympico/Intuit Quickbooks

Intuit Quickbooks is the smarter tool for helping your small business shine, allowing you to see all your financials in one spot — saving you time, and getting you paid faster.

Through Intuit Quickbooks, you can streamline all your accounting, automate tasks to take them off your plate, and help you prep for the big game (aka, tax time).

Success, whether that’s in business or on the ice, doesn’t come easily — and Intuit Quickbooks can help you along your journey. But, as Suzuki says, good things take time.

“I think there’s a lot of similarities between small businesses just starting out and players/athletes. There’s a lot of ups and downs for both of us – and eventually, if you keep working at it, good things will come. Putting in the love, work, and hours into a business or on the ice can result in a great career if you stick at it.”

Learn more about how Intuit Quickbooks can support you through your business journey and help contribute to your success.