Q & A with Perminder Chohan of Desjardins Financial
Perminder Chohan, managing director at Desjardins Financial Security Independent Network, is an honourable entrepreneur in British Columbia. From humble beginnings and little knowledge of the business world, Mr. Chohan has created a noteworthy reputation in the community as a philanthropist, trail blazer and businessman. We had the opportunity to chat with Mr. Chohan and learn more about who he is and what he does for the community.
1. You wrote a book with Brian Tracey (UNcommon); please tell us a little bit about this.
My chapter in this book is called “Dreams with Deadlines” and it helps people achieve their goals by establishing proper deadlines.
2. How did you and Brian come up with the title of the book, UNcommon?
We wanted to write about common people with uncommon qualities, and I believe that I am one of those people.
3. Are there other books in the works?
Yes, my second book will be released in August and is titled Performance 360.
4. What is your personal favourite book to read?
I have a lot of favourites. I prefer motivational and positive books, such as books by John Maxwell and Brian Tracey.
5. You have received endless awards. Can you tell me about your most recent one?
At the end of May I received an Appreciation Award from Kids Play Cafe in Surrey. I sponsor many of their events, such as sports events, which help keep children on the right track.
6. Which award or achievement are you most proud of?
I am proud of the achievement of having the #2 Desjardins Financial office in Canada. This recognition will always be special to me because I reached this level with no business knowledge when I started. My goal is to reach #1 within the next 2 years, and this will be an extremely special moment. I know I can achieve this by establishing deadlines, and I genuinely love helping people and focus on honesty and integrity.
7. You are highly involved in the community. Can you tell me about some of your past projects?
I’m involved with more than 30 different charities and organizations. I am a project sponsor for the Surrey/Newton Rotary Club. One of the things we are working on is building a sound studio near Ludhiana for deaf and blind students. We also built a school in the Philippines after a typhoon. I was also a sponsor for the Sahara Mental Health fundraiser that took place in May, lead by Bindi Bains. $75,000 was donated by Desjardins to the Red Cross for the Fort McMurray wildfire crisis. I also donated individually to other fundraisers associated to the Fort McMurray situation. I provide scholarships to students through SOAR philanthropy; I was a sponsor for a cancer awareness fundraiser, and a participated in a blanket drive for the homeless, among other initiatives.
8. Are there any current or upcoming projects?
There are a lot of things in the works. I am always supporting good causes in the community, and I do this because I did not have the resources before but always wanted to. My dream was to help other people. Finally, I have the opportunity and funds to do so. So I will continue for a very long time. Furthermore, after my second book is released, I will be releasing my very own book, written 100% by me.
