Briefly describe your work journey that led to where you are today?

I founded Next Dimension 27 years ago with two business partners, starting out in a customer’s warehouse on Hawthorne Blvd. Back then, we had just one client, our personal PCs, and a mission to deliver outstanding IT support to businesses in the city. We didn’t have all the answers at the time, but we knew that if we provided exceptional service and built strong relationships, our business would grow. Those early years meant 80-hour work weeks and sacrificing time with family and friends to establish a customer base large enough to expand our team. While the range of services we offer has evolved over the years, our commitment to building lasting client relationships has remained unchanged.

Knowing JA’s three pillars of financial health, work readiness, and entrepreneurship, how do you think being involved in JA learning experiences in your own schooling would have made a difference in your career?

I strongly believe in teaching financial health to young people. Like many young Canadians, I didn’t fully grasp the importance of saving or how to make my money work for me. I used to think that if I could afford the payments, it was okay to make the purchase. If I had understood the benefits of saving and investing earlier, I would have saved more and taken advantage of compound interest, achieving financial freedom much sooner

What do you think has been the key to your success?

Having a plan and never giving up is key. It’s about deciding what you want, figuring out how to achieve it, and then putting in the blood, sweat, tears, and most importantly time to make it a reality.

If you could do one thing differently in your career, what would it have been and why?

I would have sought out a mentor in a similar business to gain guidance, rather than constantly learning things the hard way. While making mistakes and experiencing failure can be valuable, it’s often better to learn from someone else’s missteps and have a sounding board to talk through challenges.

What advice would you give young people starting out in business (your industry or any other)?

When starting out in business, my biggest piece of advice is to never give up. The journey will be filled with obstacles, setbacks, and moments of doubt. It’s easy to get discouraged, especially when things don’t go as planned. However, success in any industry requires perseverance and resilience.

Challenges and failures are part of the process, and each setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Keep your vision in mind and push through those tough times. Remember, every successful businessperson has faced failure at some point. What sets them apart is their unwavering determination to keep moving forward, learn from their experiences, and adapt.

So, stay persistent, keep refining your skills, and don’t let temporary failures define your path. The most rewarding achievements come from pushing through the hardest moments.

What do you think a young person’s biggest opportunity is at this time?

A young person’s biggest opportunity right now is time. They have the luxury of time to explore, experiment, and figure out what truly excites them. With fewer obligations and more flexibility, they can afford to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them without the pressure that often comes later in life.

This period is a chance to try different paths, build skills, and make adjustments as needed. It’s about investing time in understanding their passions, honing their craft, and developing a strong foundation for future success. The ability to spend this time learning, growing, and iterating is invaluable. By using this time wisely, young people can set themselves up for long-term success in whatever path they choose.

What do you think the biggest obstacle is for a young person today? How could they overcome this?

The biggest obstacle for a young person today is often raising the necessary capital and finding talented individuals who share their vision. Access to funding can be a major hurdle, as many young entrepreneurs may lack the track record or connections that attract investors. Additionally, building a team of talented individuals who are equally passionate about the vision can be challenging, especially when resources are limited.

To overcome these obstacles, young entrepreneurs need to start by building a strong network. Attend industry events, join entrepreneurial communities, and leverage social media to connect with potential investors, mentors, and collaborators. A well-crafted, compelling story behind their vision can also go a long way in attracting both investors and team members who believe in the mission.

What is one goal you have set for yourself that you have not yet achieved? What has prevented you from achieving it?

One goal I have set for myself that I have not yet achieved is continuing to grow the business by building and mentoring a strong team to help drive that growth. While I’ve made progress, I haven’t yet fully established a team that can independently take on key roles and responsibilities.

The main challenge has been finding the right talent—individuals who not only have the necessary skills but also share the vision and values of the business. Additionally, balancing the time between daily operations and dedicating enough time to mentor and develop the team has been difficult.

To overcome this, I am working on refining my hiring process to better identify candidates who align with the company’s mission and investing more time in training and mentorship. I believe that building this team is crucial to scaling the business and achieving long-term success.

What is your biggest passion in life, outside of work?

My biggest passion in life outside of work is spending quality time with my wife and family. We love to explore new places together, whether it’s traveling to exciting destinations or enjoying our favorite pastimes. Motorcycle riding in the mountains of Tennessee offers an exhilarating escape, while power boating on the Great Lakes and the North Channel provides a serene yet adventurous experience. Long drives on hot summer days in our convertible are also a cherished way for us to relax and enjoy each other’s company.

What three words would your family use to describe you? Are those three words the same or different that your employees would use? If different, what would your employees say?

Dedicated, Hardworking, Focused

If a young person reads this interview, what do you want them to take away from it?

If a young person reads this interview, I want them to take away the importance of hard work and perseverance. Success doesn’t come easily; it requires dedication, resilience, and a willingness to overcome challenges. By staying committed to their goals, putting in the effort, and never giving up, they can achieve anything they set their minds to. Remember, every obstacle is an opportunity to learn and grow, and with determination and persistence, the possibilities are endless.

Who has been your greatest inspiration/role model/mentor? Why? What did they teach you?

My greatest inspiration has been Bill Gates. His work with Microsoft, particularly the development of Windows, fundamentally transformed how the world works and interacts with technology. What impresses me most is how he didn’t just stop at creating groundbreaking products but also shifted his focus to philanthropy through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Gates has taught me the importance of using one’s success and resources to make a positive impact on the world. His transition from technology to global health and education initiatives demonstrates that success can be leveraged for greater good, and it encourages me to think beyond personal achievements and consider how I can contribute to broader societal progress. His journey underscores the value of innovation, commitment to excellence, and the power of giving back.

What is your earliest memory of philanthropy? Why do you believe being philanthropic is important personally and/or in your business?

I’ve always felt that giving back is both the right thing to do and deeply rewarding. Over the years, I’ve made it a priority to support events, programs, and charities that benefit the youth in our community. Early on, shortly after starting our business 27 years ago, our initial sponsorships were directed towards the Teen Health Center in downtown Windsor.

What is it about JA’s mission that makes you choose to support its efforts?

What draws me to support Junior Achievement of Southwestern Ontario’s mission is their commitment to empowering our youth. I firmly believe that the young people of today are the leaders of tomorrow, and investing in their education and development is crucial for shaping a brighter future. Junior Achievement’s programs equip students with essential skills, knowledge, and confidence, preparing them to succeed in both their personal and professional lives. Supporting their efforts aligns with my belief that nurturing and guiding the next generation is one of the most impactful ways we can contribute to the future of our community and beyond.