Schulich Alumnus Honoured in Business Elite’s “40 Under 40”
Onkar Mishra (MBA 13) has been honoured in the prestigious Business Elite’s “40 Under 40” award program. This esteemed accolade recognizes outstanding young executives and entrepreneurs in the global business arena, celebrating their remarkable achievements and creating invaluable networking opportunities for aspiring business leaders and industry disruptors.
Renowned as one of the world’s most popular and prestigious awards for young business leaders, the “40 Under 40” program is a testament to the exceptional talent and drive of its recipients. It is almost certain that these awardees will continue to build remarkable track records of achievement post-award.
Mishra is Owner of Aruba Designs & Construction. Since its inception in October 2020, Aruba Designs has completed over 250 projects, primarily accessory apartments, significantly contributing to the housing availability and affordability crisis in Ontario. The company has also created numerous job opportunities for low-income residents, including students, new immigrants, and unskilled workers. Committed to providing affordable housing solutions, Aruba Designs offers their services on a non-profit basis to at least one customer each quarter, including new immigrants, the elderly, single parents, and people with disabilities. Despite their affordability, they have maintained high standards of quality and safety, earning them the Best Businesses in Canada award in 2022 by CBRB and the Best of HomeStars Renovators award in 2024.
“Winning this award is a meaningful recognition of our efforts—not just in building a sustainable business, but also in contributing to the ongoing housing affordability and availability crisis in Canada,” said Mishra. “This acknowledgment further motivates us to continue delivering quality work and making a positive impact on society.”
Reflecting on his journey, Mishra credited his time at Schulich for playing a crucial role in his development as a business owner. “Coming from an accounting background, I had limited knowledge of business operations, team management, sales, and marketing. The Schulich program helped me develop a well-rounded understanding of these areas and gave me the confidence to transition into entrepreneurship. It also played a key role in shaping my leadership and decision-making skills.”
Nominees for Business Elite’s “40 Under 40” award are evaluated based on their career progress, business accomplishments, and the geographical reach of their company. Other factors include the nominee’s management level, awards and recognitions, personal story, innovation and creativity in business practices, reputation within the business community, and involvement in CSR activities.
