Some people live life in a straight line—measured, predictable, and bound by convention. Chris Hawes is not one of those people. In the 40-plus years I’ve known him, he’s been a stand-up comic, a club owner, an entrepreneur, an inventor, a board game creator, a corporate headhunter, a musician, and a storyteller. His ability to pivot between careers, succeed in wildly different fields, and do it all with integrity and conviction is something most of us only dream about. Chris makes it look easy.
But here’s the thing—Chris doesn’t just do things. He figures them out.
Take this: The first time I met Chris Hawes, 35 years ago, was in the basement comedy club of the now-defunct Beacon Arms hotel. The 29th time, he was bailing me out of what I’ll politely call “resort jail” (long story). The 105th time, he somehow convinced a hotel owner that a scrappy, road-worn independent rock band could build an extra wall in a conference room in exchange for a couple of free hotel rooms. Had any of us ever built a wall before? No. But we figured it out. And that’s Chris—if he doesn’t know how to do something, he learns.
This is the common thread in his life: curiosity, resilience, and an unshakable instinct to see a challenge not as a barrier but as an opportunity. And beyond all the achievements, accolades, and reinventions, he’s always been guided by the simple principles of heart and conscience.
ABOVE: Cristin and Chris Hawes. RIGHT: When Chris was a club owner, he gave Russell Peters his first Headlining gig.
Chris is the definition of steadfast. He’s the kind of person who’s there when you need him—no hesitation, no questions asked. And even when we find ourselves on opposite sides of political debates, that loyalty never wavers. He approaches disagreement with the same good faith and humour he applies to the rest of life. He’ll argue passionately, but when the conversation is over, it’s over—no grudges, no lingering resentment.
And when it comes to achievement? That word barely scratches the surface.
For more than two decades, Chris toured as a stand-up comic before opening the first successful Yuk Yuk’s franchise in Sudbury, Ontario. He helped launch new acts and gave up-and-comers the stage time they needed to refine their craft—something invaluable in the world of comedy. His drive and work ethic eventually led him to earn a contributing writer credit on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and he has appeared in feature films and television commercials.
During the Balkan War, he entertained NATO troops before stepping away from the stage to raise his two children. But even then, the creative spark never faded. When he returned, he blended his newfound musical ability with his love for comedy, creating Living on Borrowed Cash, a musical comedy show that paid tribute to Johnny Cash while weaving in biographical storytelling.
Then came Flatbed Tonight—a bold, meta-influenced talk show that brought the spontaneity of the street into a live show setting, focusing on unscripted moments and real interactions over polished production. Chris took this unconventional format and made it work, just like he always does.
On the corporate side, his career in executive search has seen him recruit top executives across international defense, technology, and public companies. And while most of us were binge-watching Netflix during the pandemic, Chris was producing dozens of performance videos to entertain seniors in care homes.
He also co-hosts Offside with Hawes and Maguire, a hockey commentary webcast with longtime friend and NHL trivia expert Liam Maguire.
And then came 2023.
Chris suffered a stroke and an internal bleed that nearly killed him—but didn’t. True to form, much to the frustration of his wife and doctors, he was back on the ice within weeks, launching new projects, setting new goals, and somehow speeding up instead of slowing down.
Chris has been with his high school sweetheart and wife, Cristin, for 42 years. Together, they’ve raised two incredible children, Evan and Grace, who have inherited their parents’ values and drive.
ABOVE: Chris and friend/co-host Liam Maguire from Offside with Hawes and Maguire on the links in Ireland.
And while Chris has spent his life creating laughter and memorable experiences for audiences, he does the same for the people around him—whether at a bus stop, a restaurant, a dressing room, or on a golf course. The underlying goal is always connection—to family, friends, strangers, and the world.
Speaking of golf—most people would see an old set of clubs and say, “Hey, cool, old golf clubs.” Chris, on the other hand, sees history, craftsmanship, and an opportunity to innovate.
Enter Hawes Partners Golf Experiences, his venture offering curated golf tours across Ireland and Northern Ireland, blending the sport’s rich history with cultural landmarks and mythology. He’s also launching Hawes of St Andrews West, a set of custom hickory-shafted clubs designed to transform the experience of playing golf—bringing players closer to the game’s heritage while enhancing “feel” and responsiveness.
And true to form, he gives back. His latest project, the Ottawa Hickory Golf Challenge, is an homage to golf’s golden era and takes place at Manderley on the Green in Ottawa from June 6 to 8, 2025.
At a time when division and cynicism seem to define much of the world, Chris is doing the opposite. His life—his work, his relationships, his passions—are about bringing people together. Whether through laughter, storytelling, music, or business, he has spent decades fostering goodwill and proving that strength comes through integrity.
The only predictable thing about Chris Hawes is that he will continue to chase the next challenge. He will keep finding new ways to connect with people, inspire others, and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Because settling? That’s just never been his thing.
HEADER IMAGE: A dapper Chris in Plus Fours. The Royal County Down Annesley Course is a regular stop on the Hawes Golf Experience Tours.
