EO Ottawa

EO Ottawa would like to welcome our newest member, Jason Billows.

What business are you in? 

For the past 8 years I have worked as a leadership and business coach. I still have a number of coaching clients, however in the past few years much of my focus has turned to Yogatown. My wife started Yogatown 9 years ago with a former partner, but it is now run by my wife and I.

We have an incredible team of approximately 35 teachers, 10 staff, and over 40 volunteers.  We currently have two studios (Preston Street and Stittsville) and expansion plans are underway. After struggling with depression her entire life, yoga literally saved my wife’s life.  We’ve seen the power of yoga and how it can transform people’s lives, and we keep that as a driving force behind our business decisions.

How did you get where you are today?

My career has been very colourful, in my 20’s I worked around the world as a comedian, juggler, and magician. During that time I founded a talent agency and production company, which I subsequently sold. Then in my 30’s I worked as a producer and fundraiser, organizing large events, trade shows, and galas across the country for the Canadian Association of Broadcasters, the National Arts Centre, and other organizations.

Tell us about your family?

I’m a husband and father of a four year old girl and six year old boy. Our kids love to visit our studios to play and visit with our members. It’s wonderful to see them take such pride in our family business.

What are your hobbies?

I love the outdoor’s and sports. I used to compete competitively in fencing and freediving but nowadays I’m focused more on yoga and endurance sport. I am currently getting back into training for my fourth Ironman triathlon in 2018 (Ironman Mont Tremblant). I love to meditate and have been doing so for almost 3 decades, and I’m thrilled to be teaching the practice to more and more people these days.

What are you most proud of?

One of the things I’m most proud of has been our family’s ability to succeed in business without compromising our family time, health, and other priorities.

What are you hoping to get out of EO?

I’d like to connect with entrepreneurs who are working to make a difference, and who will challenge me to think bigger.  Oh, and I want to have fun. As a 47 year old guy who still skateboards, I think that there’s always a way to have fun whether I’m working or playing.