Merhawi Tekle: From Soccer Fields to Saving Lives in Toronto

When you meet Merhawi Tekle, you get the sense that he’s lived a few different lives — and mastered each one.

From his early days playing soccer in Italy and with the Eritrean Community Association of Ontario, to operating heavy machinery and leading construction crews, to his current role keeping Toronto’s emergency medical equipment running, Tekle’s story is one of discipline, perseverance, and service.

“I’ve always believed that hard work pays off,” he says. “Every job I’ve had taught me something about responsibility, teamwork, and showing up when people depend on you.”

Building a Foundation in Canada

Tekle arrived in Canada in 1989, a young man with ambition and an open mind. He graduated from Yorkdale Collegiate Institute and continued his education at Centennial College, where he developed the technical and mechanical skills that would shape his career.

His early jobs weren’t glamorous, but they were foundational. While working for GFL Environmental, he gained recognition for his safe and skilled operation of commercial vehicles — a testament to his focus and precision. “Driving those trucks wasn’t just about getting from A to B,” he recalls. “It was about safety, awareness, and understanding the systems you’re responsible for.”

That same attention to detail would later become a defining trait of his work with Toronto Paramedic Services.

A Steady Hand in High-Pressure Moments

Today, Tekle works as an Equipment Repair Technician for Toronto Paramedic Services, where precision can mean the difference between life and death. He’s responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and repairing the life-saving tools that paramedics rely on every day — from Zoll defibrillators and AEDs to stretchers, stair chairs, and splints.

“I take pride in knowing that every piece of equipment that goes out is safe and ready to use,” he explains. “Someone’s life depends on that reliability.”

In an environment where seconds matter, Tekle’s calm focus and ability to troubleshoot under pressure make him a quiet cornerstone of the city’s emergency response network. He also plays an active role in the Toronto Paramedic Services Black Staff Network, where he participates in public outreach and community engagement. “Representation matters,” he says. “When kids see people like me in these roles, it shows them what’s possible.”

Building His Own Path: People’s Choice Construction

Even as Tekle continues his work with the city, he’s also a business owner — proof that his drive extends beyond public service. In 2019, he founded People’s Choice General Contractor Inc., a demolition and construction company based in Toronto. The company has grown steadily, handling residential and commercial projects while employing up to 28 workers at a time.

“Running my own business taught me leadership in a new way,” Tekle says. “It’s not just about giving orders. It’s about creating a safe environment, setting an example, and making sure everyone goes home safe at the end of the day.”

From hazard assessments to equipment maintenance and client coordination, Tekle runs his company with the same meticulous attention to safety and efficiency that defines his public service career. “Every project starts with trust,” he adds. “If people trust your word and your work, you’ll never be out of business.”

His business portfolio has since expanded to include People’s Choice Car Rental and Services Inc., reflecting his entrepreneurial mindset and ability to identify practical needs in his community.

Leadership Beyond the Workplace

Tekle’s leadership doesn’t end at the job site or repair bench. A passionate soccer coach and community mentor, he uses the sport he grew up playing to teach young people about discipline, teamwork, and resilience. “Soccer is where I learned how to lead,” he says. “You win together, you lose together — and that’s life.”

He continues to stay active himself, frequenting the gym and remaining involved in local soccer leagues. Those who know him describe him as grounded, reliable, and always ready to lend a hand — qualities that have earned him respect both at work and in business.

Lessons in Balance and Purpose

Looking back, Tekle sees every chapter of his journey — from cleaning public spaces for the City of Toronto to managing multimillion-dollar construction projects — as part of the same story. “Each job prepared me for the next one,” he says. “You can’t skip steps. The experience you gain along the way becomes your foundation.”

His philosophy is simple but powerful: lead with consistency, stay humble, and take pride in what you do. It’s a mindset that has carried him through demanding roles and ambitious ventures, and one he hopes to pass on to others.

“I tell people all the time — whether you’re fixing an ambulance or running a business — do it with care,” he says. “Because that’s how you build something that lasts.”

A Legacy of Service and Strength

For Merhawi Tekle, success isn’t about titles or recognition. It’s about making a tangible difference — in the lives of Toronto residents, his employees, and his community. His career stands as proof that leadership can take many forms: behind the wheel of a truck, under the hood of an ambulance, or on a construction site filled with dust and noise.

And through it all, he’s never lost sight of where he came from — or where he’s going next. “My journey’s not over,” Tekle says with a smile. “There’s always more to learn, more to build, and more people to help.”