Josh Bluman, Class of 2004

As strategy manager for global web and digital operations at Hootsuite Media Inc., Josh Bluman ’04 designs digital strategies to grow business for the booming Vancouver-based social media management company. The company’s open office layout, collegial atmosphere and entrepreneurial culture are well suited to Josh, who is decidedly entrepreneurial himself. In fact, being so business-oriented gave him an edge when applying to Hootsuite, which seeks entrepreneurially-minded employees.

One of Josh’s side projects is Vivo Masks: authentic, artisan Venetian masquerade masks sold online to consumers worldwide. Josh and his partner outsource most business aspects, such as fulfillment, marketing, and website management, to virtual assistants all over the globe, including Dubai, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Seattle. This business model—which provides Josh with primarily passive income (allowing him to travel around Southeast Asia and Japan for six months last year)—has been so successful that he recently opened a second online store, which offers high-end men’s suspenders to a niche but thriving market.

Josh also regularly consults in digital marketing and sales strategies, honed through personal expertise and several years’ professional experience at Rethink Communications and Hot Tomali Communications, where he worked on accounts including Shaw and 7-Eleven.

Could Josh have imagined this varied career path while at WPGA? Yes and no. He admits he wasn’t overly focused at school nor overly attracted to university. Yet, thanks to the support of Ms. Watson and Ms. Lee in the Study, and Mr. Huygens and Ms. Cromarty, who researched music programs on his behalf when he expressed interest in music production (eventually working as an assistant engineer and editor for Hedley and other acts), Josh realized it was okay to be a multipassionate creative and wise to sometimes change direction, such as when he left his recording studio career to do a two-year diploma in marketing and communications at BCIT, where he was awarded a scholarship for academic achievement. These values in action—student-centered learning, community mindedness, and transparency—are what Josh appreciates most about WPGA, adding that he is still good friends with many alumni.

As for his future plans, Josh is open to possibilities: “I want to continue making great stuff with great people.” Considering his track record, and proven ability to make things happen, that sounds like an excellent plan to us.