David Sidoo: The player
| Image: Darryl Humphrey | Published: October 09, 2008
David Sidoo likes to say that running at anything less than flat-out just isn’t in his genes. But the 49-year-old former pro-football player and stock broker has clearly turned it down a notch since the early days of his career, when he was juggling two full-time jobs while starting a family.
The self-described entrepreneur and investment banker found himself in the eye of a media cyclone last fall when local celebrity chef Rob Feenie loudly blamed Sidoo for his sudden departure from Lumière restaurant. But restaurant ownership is just the latest foray to catch Sidoo’s fancy since he quit punching a clock in 1999 to pursue his own investments.
When we meet, it’s at the outdoor terrace of a Starbucks in Burnaby. If the term “boulevardier” still had currency, Sidoo would fit the bill. Dressed casually but impeccably in jeans and a blue-and-white striped business shirt – top button undone, shirt-tails hanging loosely – he’s perfectly at ease, latte in hand, as pedestrians and car traffic swirl past him.
Sidoo describes the pressure-cooker years at the start of his career and how, when professional sports became a real option during his third year at UBC, he decided to devote himself “150 per cent” to its pursuit. How, during his fifth year playing defensive safety for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, he spent his one-week vacation cramming for the securities exam while his teammates were playing golf. How, after transferring to the BC Lions in 1987, he spent his mornings at a downtown brokerage firm, racing to football practice in the afternoons and then splitting his evenings between making cold calls and studying the Lions’ play book.
He held down the two jobs for three months, before leaving football to become a full-time stockbroker – first at Canarim Investment Corp. Ltd., and later at Yorkton Securities Inc. By 1999, Sidoo explains, he had done well for himself and his clients and decided he could do without the stress of looking after other people’s money. So he quit the brokerage business to devote himself full time to his own investments. Two years later, an opportunity to invest in Lumière arose when Rob Feenie was looking for financial backing to open a tasting bistro adjacent to the restaurant, and in 2005 Sidoo increased his stake to become Lumière’s majority owner.
These days Sidoo still keeps a broker’s hours, rising early to scan market news before an hour-and-a-half workout, then heading
While the Lumière renovation occupies most of his time these days, Sidoo continues to dabble in resource investments and also has a modest hand in real estate development. He’s clearly enjoying the life of a restaurateur and says he’s in it for the long haul. However, he doesn’t rule out a return to football someday. “I would really love to someday get back into an ownership position in a club,” he says.
The days of holding down two jobs and making cold calls in the evening are long behind him, but a hammock and a cold beer aren’t anywhere in David Sidoo’s sights. “I love being in the game,” he says with a smile.
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Comments
i have had the pleasure of
By Anonymous, November 7, 2008 at 18:59i have had the pleasure of recently meeting both Daniel and David. they will make a dynamite team. Both men respect each other. Enough said.
d
i understand that this is
By Anonymous, October 25, 2008 at 13:38i understand that this is the first world class chef to come to Canada. Vancouver should be very excited. Mr. boulud is not like some other celebrity chefs. He is not a concept restauranteur. Congradulations Mr. sidoo!
I have known David most of
By dmoen, October 22, 2008 at 12:41I have known David most of my adult life. His passion/enthusiasm for life, family and friends being truly inspirational. David's achievements have been many, and I could not be happier for David, Manjy and family..."good things happen to good people"! Good luck with the restauraunt and I am sure it will be a huge success!
Don Moen
a true hero to many young
By Anonymous, October 21, 2008 at 19:46a true hero to many young indo canadians. should do follow up after mr. sidoo opens both restuarants. 2009 profile?
As a parent and supporter of
By Anonymous, October 17, 2008 at 17:49As a parent and supporter of the Hyack Football Program I would like to thank David for all his support and
involvement with the Program. I wish him a huge success with his restaurant venture and for showing that
hard work and dedication has an impact on all the things you may undertake in your life.
Good Luck,
Marilyn Davis
You've never lost if you
By Anonymous, October 16, 2008 at 11:57You've never lost if you don't quit.
That is a saying that Jim Pattison quoted regarding the recent market collapse. By all accounts, Mr. Sidoo is similar in his approach to success as he faced the adversity of having iron chef Feenie walk out on him in the spring. For all intents and purposes, that was the end of the restaurants. Here we are in the fall, eagerly waiting the opening of a pair premier restaurants in Vancouver with "Titanium Chef Bouloud" at the helm.. Unbelievable! Well done Mr. Sidoo.
Great article. Dave and his
By Anonymous, October 16, 2008 at 00:32Great article. Dave and his wife Manjy are not only devoted to their business and family, but they are also extremely generous with their time and money. They are involved in numerous charitable activities and improve the quality of life of those around them and beyond. Im looking forward to the grand opening of the new restaraunt, and seeing Dave own his own football team
It's really inspiring
By Anonymous, October 15, 2008 at 21:05It's really inspiring knowing that hard work and dedication can pay off. Congratulations on bringing Daniel Boulud to Canada. Vancouver is now truly a restaurant city.
I had the pleasure of
By tinhead, October 15, 2008 at 18:56I had the pleasure of meeting David a little less than a year ago. Since then, we've chatted on several occasions. I've enjoyed his company and his perspective. At the same time, I am in awe of his work ethic and willingness to help his fellow man.
This article is a well deserved accolade for David.
Sincerely,
Raj Taneja
I have had the pleasure of
By Anonymous, October 15, 2008 at 10:38I have had the pleasure of working with David over the last 7 years. The experience has been great!
This article accentuates a
By Anonymous, October 14, 2008 at 11:43This article accentuates a man who knows the rules and can play within them, a man who understands that the number one rule is integrity. It is a pleasure to be associated with David.
Harold Sheck.
Having known David for
By Anonymous, October 14, 2008 at 10:44Having known David for several years now, I am not surprised at how hard he worked to achieve his success. I have no doubt David will continue along the path of success for the rest of his career.
Bernard Pinsky
This man is a class act.
By Anonymous, October 11, 2008 at 22:19This man is a class act. ...BC Business Entrepreneur of the Year ????
Great story about working
By Anonymous, October 11, 2008 at 12:17Great story about working hard and working smart. What is more remarkable was David's choice to take the high road with respect to the Feenie matter. He could have said alot of things but chose to keep his mouth shut and let his actions do the talking. Danie and David will set a new standard for Vancouverites.
Dev Randhawa
This story is an inspiration
By Anonymous, October 11, 2008 at 11:28This story is an inspiration to all immigrants. Hard work can lead to success and a positive contribution to the success of our great country. Good job David.
Very interesting article.
By Anonymous, October 11, 2008 at 09:45Very interesting article. Having said that, I would like to see a follow up piece. After Mr. Sidoo opens the restaurant. I wonder how does a CFL Football player brings the celebrity chef from New York and opens a restaurant in Vancouver. I have been involved in prtnerships in the past and not everytime they work out. And there are many reasons for it. However, I am more interested in how he is able to bring synergies together - ideas of the celebrity chef Daniel, his business ideas and resources to the actual running of the restaurant and managing of the myriad of personalities in running a top notch restaurant.
Also, can you wet our appetite by telling us what kind of food and wine list the restaurant is going to have? I hope he is going to have a large craft beer selection also. Isn't that what a restaurant is about ? Good Food, Wine and Beer - and most importantly - BYOF (Bring Your Own Friends)?
I did not know this about
By Anonymous, October 10, 2008 at 23:08I did not know this about Mr.Sidoo, I have a new found respect for the man. All the best with your new venture!
I had the pleasure of
By Anonymous, October 10, 2008 at 18:07I had the pleasure of working with Dave in the brokerage Industry and it is no surprise that his rewards ,to date ,are numerous It takes a certain type of person to recognize an opportunity that may be clouded in uncertainties and obstacles , grab that opportunity and turn a rock into a jewel . Hard work , dedication ,grit and vision are just a few qualities Dave possesses. Give Dave the ball and he will find a way to the END ZONE ! Best of luck ,Dave
Grant Caudwell
IA
Research Capital
A deftly written piece on a
By Anonymous, October 10, 2008 at 12:42A deftly written piece on a great man who proves that passion, hard work and tenacity will lead to success. Considering the attention that Mr. Sidoo pays to details and professionalism, I'm excited to dine at the new Lumiere / DB Bistro Moderne! He has elevated the Vancouver food scene by bringing such quality to the city.
Great story Mr. Jordan. An
By Anonymous, October 9, 2008 at 19:12Great story Mr. Jordan. An inspiration to us all. I wonder if role models like Mr. Sidoo realize the positive impact that they have on people despite not directly connecting to them.
Hard work and dedication is
By Anonymous, October 9, 2008 at 15:00Hard work and dedication is hard to come by these days....sometimes have a tough time finding it in my own life. But as a young business professional this is a motivating story in terms of beating the odds!
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