Joseph Majeesh is a seasoned entrepreneur and recruitment expert with a strong background in oil and gas staffing, franchise development, and business management. Born and raised in Kerala, India, Joseph overcame financial challenges to complete his education, earning a BBA and an MBA in Human Resources Management. His career began in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he worked as a banking officer before transitioning into human resources roles in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
In 2012, Joseph moved to Canada, where his recruitment expertise quickly made him a recognized leader in the oil and gas staffing industry. His work with top firms such as PTW Energy and TRS Staffing helped him solidify his reputation for excellence in staffing major oil and gas projects across Canada.
In addition to his success in recruitment, Joseph has also ventured into franchise development, launching well-known food franchises such as Dairy Queen and McDonald’s across Western Canada. His business acumen, combined with a deep commitment to community involvement, has earned him respect both in the business world and within his local community. Joseph remains actively engaged in charitable efforts and his church, demonstrating his dedication to giving back and supporting those around him.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
A typical day for me starts early, often at 5 AM, with a strong cup of coffee and some quiet time to plan my day. I prioritize my tasks based on urgency and importance, whether it’s staffing decisions, recruitment strategies, or franchise development. I focus on clearing my most demanding work in the morning when I’m most energetic. I also make time for my family and ensure I dedicate a portion of the day to physical activities like biking or chess to keep my mind sharp. Productivity is about balance and being intentional with your time.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I’ve always believed that hard work and perseverance are the driving forces behind making ideas a reality. I start by analyzing the practicality of the idea, especially in the current market. From there, I outline a clear plan of action and break it down into manageable steps. For example, when I first thought about expanding into food franchises, I took the time to research what worked in other regions, then applied my findings to launch successful outlets like Dairy Queen and McDonalds in Calgary. Execution is key, but you also need a vision and the patience to see it through.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The automation of staffing solutions and AI in recruitment excites me. It’s fascinating how technology can streamline the hiring process, allowing companies to match the right talent with the right opportunities in a fraction of the time. This kind of innovation will reshape the future of industries, especially sectors like oil and gas where specialized skills are always in demand.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Consistency. I stick to a disciplined schedule every day. I’ve realized that small, consistent actions lead to big results over time. Whether it’s daily planning, setting aside time for reading industry reports, or regular meetings with my team, sticking to this routine has helped me stay on track and make steady progress in my businesses.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to take risks earlier. Coming from a poor family, I always played it safe in my early career. While that gave me stability, I think I could have started my entrepreneurial journey even sooner. Take the leap, trust your instincts, and remember that failure is part of the learning process.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I strongly believe that long-term success is more about people than numbers. A lot of business leaders I meet are focused on financial growth above all else. For me, building relationships, especially with your team and community, is just as important. People are the backbone of any business. If you invest in them, profits will follow.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Stay connected to your community. No matter how busy or successful you get, take the time to give back. My involvement in the Syro Malabar Church and community events has not only grounded me but also created networking opportunities that have helped me grow my business ventures.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I take a step back and spend time with my family or go biking. Sometimes you need to clear your head and get away from the noise. I’ve found that the best ideas often come when I’m not directly thinking about the problem. After that break, I come back refreshed and with a clearer perspective.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building strong relationships with clients and candidates. At the end of the day, recruitment is about trust. I’ve always made it a point to go above and beyond for my clients, whether it’s finding the right fit for a major oil project or simply being available when they need advice. This has helped me build a reputation for reliability, which in turn, drives business growth.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I launched a franchise without fully understanding the market in that region. It was a costly mistake, but it taught me the value of thorough market research and the importance of aligning your product with the needs of the community. I took this lesson forward and ensured that every subsequent business decision was backed by data and community insight.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
An on-demand mobile staffing app for industries like construction and oil & gas. It would allow workers to sign up, provide their credentials, and be matched with employers looking for last-minute hires for short-term projects. The gig economy is huge, and this model would streamline the process for both sides.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I rely heavily on project management software like Trello. It helps me stay organized, especially when managing multiple projects across different industries. I can assign tasks, set deadlines, and monitor progress, which keeps my team and me aligned.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Yes, Shoe Dog by Phil Knight. It’s the memoir of Nike’s founder, and I found it incredibly inspiring. His story about starting from nothing and building a global brand resonated with me, especially since I come from humble beginnings myself.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed watching The Social Network. It’s fascinating to see how an idea can turn into a billion-dollar empire, but the movie also shows the risks, sacrifices, and relationships that get strained along the way. As an entrepreneur, it really hit home for me.
Key learnings
1. Building relationships is just as important as financial success in business.
2. Consistency and discipline in daily routines can lead to long-term success.
3. Overcoming failure is about learning from mistakes and applying those lessons to future decisions.