12. Tim Potocic: Co-Owner & Operator: Sonic Unyon Records

By Bill Curran, architect Thier & Curran Architects Inc.

A community developer, businessman, musician, husband and dad. A devoted Hamiltonian and a superb homegrown Hamilton music and arts advocate.
Tim Potocic fits both of those descriptions, as well as being a selfless, serial volunteer who devotes an extraordinary amount of time away from his family and businesses. Notably, Potocic has co-invented, nurtured, and grown the all- volunteer Supercrawl into a truly amazing free festival for all Hamiltonians.
But perhaps we forget that Potocic also is a successful music producer, record label co-owner, downtown advocate and real estate developer — an astounding and diverse combination of interests. Further, consider his work as a festivals and events creator, organizer and promoter: the Junos, Because Beer Craft Beer Festival, Seven Sundays in Gage Park, Westdale`s Blues & Roots Music Festival, Mills Hardware. Sonic Unyon Records has survived and thrived during the 20 most tumultuous years in the history of music industry, an incredible achievement alone.
Potocic’s unbelievable energy, acumen, drive and his dogged perseverance in deal- ing with the obstacles in his path are envi- able. I’m stunned that he is always positive, always smiling and unflappable — and that I’ve never seen him angry.
Hamilton would be a far less rich place to live without Potocic and his endless cultural contributions.