Building companies. That’s always been my passion – from door-to-door sales as a kid, to wanting my own manufacturing company after high school, to becoming a serial entrepreneur and starting seven companies myself. Imagine what one learns from being an entrepreneur, an investment banker, a franchisor, investor, and board member – across many industries. Fourteen startups, nine of which were VC-backed, seven from the point of founding. Over 60 successful financial transactions (totalling over a billion dollars), ranging from $50,000 to over $400 million. Private equity deals, IPOs, debt placements, and M&A transactions. An Internet company, digital marketing, telecom hardware, IT hardware, cyber security, ag-bio, and home care. The common thread through it all is that I’ve learned what an excellent company looks like and I know how to create one.
I am also a big “community builder”, having helped launch an annual Ottawa Venture Fair, the Ottawa Capital Network, and the By Angels For Angels “professional development” series. Nationally, I was also involved in the launch of the National Angel Capital Organization Canada.
And, of course, I have been very involved through the years with Ottawa’s TiE chapter.
A final word, success favours a culture of strong family values, a “client first” mentality, and an emphasis on excellence.
That’s me.
