The Kanata Networker Sept. 2016

networker THE KANATA

SEPT 2016

TECHINSIGHTS AND CHIPWORKS

COLLABOR ATING FOR A CAUSE

START-UP BITESITE INC.

ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT: JIM ROCHE

SERIOUS TECH LIVES HERE!

AND MUCH MORE!

KANATANORTHBIA.CA INFO@KANATANORTHBIA.CA

inside wnwn

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W H AT ’ S N E W / W H AT ’ S N E X T

W H Y T ECH I N S I G H T S A N D CH IP W O R K S H AV E J O I N ED FO RCE S

EN T R EPR EN EU R S P OT L I G H T: J I M RO CH E PR E S I D EN T & CEO S T R AT FO R D M A N AG ER S CO R P. S P EED N E T W O R K I N G W I T H K A N ATA B U S I N E S S “ RO CK S TA R S ”

MES S AGE FROM K A N ATA NORTH BIA E X ECU TIV E DIREC TOR JENN A SUDDS While this summer was a time of hard work and achievement, it was great to see so many from the Tech Park taking a well-deserved break to enjoy free lunchtime yoga, our irresistible food truck events, and of course, our hugely successful Frozen Fridays Ice Cream Patrol. For me, the excitement and activity we see outside the Tech Park during the summer reflect the enthusiasm and spirit of the amazing companies located here.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS Though warmer temperatures are moving out, many Kanata-based companies moved in and moved up.

This season we are happy to welcome telecommunications equipment supplier Ciena, now settling in to their new campus at 5050 Innovation Drive.

Moving trucks also unloaded at 555 Legget Drive, marking the arrival of e-commerce and cloud computing company Amazon. Eager to meet the neighbours, Amazon will attend the Kanata North BIA’s Networking Event on September 28, 2016.

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CO L L A B O R AT I N G FO R A C AU S E

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K A N ATA N O R T H P H OTO J O U R N A L : YO G A , I CE CR E A M , A N D FO O D T RU CK S!

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S ER I O U S T ECH L I V E S H ER E!

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CH A RT W EL L H EL P S S EN I O R S CO N S I D ER I N G R E T IR EM EN T R E S I D EN CE LIVING

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CO - O P S T U D EN T S EM B R ACE U N I Q U E CU LT U R E A N D CR E AT I V E L E A R N I N G E X P ER I EN CE S AT YO U. I T V

Congrats and welcome to all!

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S TA R T- U P B I T E S I T E I N C . B L EN D S V I D EO PRO D U C T I O N A N D S O F T WA R E D E V ELO P M EN T FO R A M I G H T Y I M PAC T

Great vibes and company growth have been reverberating through Ottawa’s technology community over the past few months. Our strong community and innovative organizations are what draws companies like Qlik and Apple to Kanata North and keeps them calling the Tech Park home.

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THE WHITE HOUSE BAR AND GRILL S ER V E S U P FR E S H E AT S I N K A N ATA NORTH

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I N FO G R A P H I C : K A N ATA N O R T H T ECH N O LO G Y ECO S Y S T EM

We are also pleased to see that continued growth and success have propelled ProntoForms to set up new and larger offices at 2500 Solandt Road.

WHO ELSE LIVES IN CANADA’S LARGEST TECH PARK?

C

DESIGN AND LAYOUT

BY COMMUNICARIUM

LOOKING FORWARD TO A BUSY AUTUMN We are looking forward to announcements in the coming months from the federal government concerning their Innovation Agenda.

During this time, our attention will also turn to a number of exciting events including CENGN Summit, IoT613, SAAS North, TiECon, and GTEC.

J EN N A S U D D S

As more and more job opportunities become available with Kanata North companies, we will continue to work with our HR Leaders Council members to actively and effectively support events and activities that promote recruitment and networking in our sector. As always, I encourage businesses to post opportunities to the Kanata North BIA’s Job Board to be shared with our broader network.

FALL IS ALL ABOUT FEEDBACK Finally, this fall marks the kickoff of our CEO Advisory Council. Tasked with providing yet another avenue for direct feedback into the Kanata North BIA, the council will identify opportunities and emerging issues impacting our technology community and drive solutions. Stay tuned for more details on the CEO Advisory Council as well as future events, activities, and reports.

Sincerely,

Jenna Sudds EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, KANATA NORTH BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

www.kanatanorthbia.ca

inside wnwn

1 5 7 9

!

W H AT ’ S N E W / W H AT ’ S N E X T

W H Y T ECH I N S I G H T S A N D CH IP W O R K S H AV E J O I N ED FO RCE S

EN T R EPR EN EU R S P OT L I G H T: J I M RO CH E PR E S I D EN T & CEO S T R AT FO R D M A N AG ER S CO R P. S P EED N E T W O R K I N G W I T H K A N ATA B U S I N E S S “ RO CK S TA R S ”

MES S AGE FROM K A N ATA NORTH BIA E X ECU TIV E DIREC TOR JENN A SUDDS While this summer was a time of hard work and achievement, it was great to see so many from the Tech Park taking a well-deserved break to enjoy free lunchtime yoga, our irresistible food truck events, and of course, our hugely successful Frozen Fridays Ice Cream Patrol. For me, the excitement and activity we see outside the Tech Park during the summer reflect the enthusiasm and spirit of the amazing companies located here.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS Though warmer temperatures are moving out, many Kanata-based companies moved in and moved up.

This season we are happy to welcome telecommunications equipment supplier Ciena, now settling in to their new campus at 5050 Innovation Drive.

Moving trucks also unloaded at 555 Legget Drive, marking the arrival of e-commerce and cloud computing company Amazon. Eager to meet the neighbours, Amazon will attend the Kanata North BIA’s Networking Event on September 28, 2016.

11

CO L L A B O R AT I N G FO R A C AU S E

13

K A N ATA N O R T H P H OTO J O U R N A L : YO G A , I CE CR E A M , A N D FO O D T RU CK S!

15

S ER I O U S T ECH L I V E S H ER E!

19

CH A RT W EL L H EL P S S EN I O R S CO N S I D ER I N G R E T IR EM EN T R E S I D EN CE LIVING

21

CO - O P S T U D EN T S EM B R ACE U N I Q U E CU LT U R E A N D CR E AT I V E L E A R N I N G E X P ER I EN CE S AT YO U. I T V

Congrats and welcome to all!

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S TA R T- U P B I T E S I T E I N C . B L EN D S V I D EO PRO D U C T I O N A N D S O F T WA R E D E V ELO P M EN T FO R A M I G H T Y I M PAC T

Great vibes and company growth have been reverberating through Ottawa’s technology community over the past few months. Our strong community and innovative organizations are what draws companies like Qlik and Apple to Kanata North and keeps them calling the Tech Park home.

25

THE WHITE HOUSE BAR AND GRILL S ER V E S U P FR E S H E AT S I N K A N ATA NORTH

27

I N FO G R A P H I C : K A N ATA N O R T H T ECH N O LO G Y ECO S Y S T EM

We are also pleased to see that continued growth and success have propelled ProntoForms to set up new and larger offices at 2500 Solandt Road.

WHO ELSE LIVES IN CANADA’S LARGEST TECH PARK?

C

DESIGN AND LAYOUT

BY COMMUNICARIUM

LOOKING FORWARD TO A BUSY AUTUMN We are looking forward to announcements in the coming months from the federal government concerning their Innovation Agenda.

During this time, our attention will also turn to a number of exciting events including CENGN Summit, IoT613, SAAS North, TiECon, and GTEC.

J EN N A S U D D S

As more and more job opportunities become available with Kanata North companies, we will continue to work with our HR Leaders Council members to actively and effectively support events and activities that promote recruitment and networking in our sector. As always, I encourage businesses to post opportunities to the Kanata North BIA’s Job Board to be shared with our broader network.

FALL IS ALL ABOUT FEEDBACK Finally, this fall marks the kickoff of our CEO Advisory Council. Tasked with providing yet another avenue for direct feedback into the Kanata North BIA, the council will identify opportunities and emerging issues impacting our technology community and drive solutions. Stay tuned for more details on the CEO Advisory Council as well as future events, activities, and reports.

Sincerely,

Jenna Sudds EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, KANATA NORTH BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

www.kanatanorthbia.ca

next

new WHAT’S

W H AT ’ S

SEP T EMBER 29 & 3 0 IOT613 , OT TAWA’ S IN T ERNE T OF T HING S CONFEREN CE

BES T OT TAWA BUSINES S AWARDS (BOBS) 2016 NOMIN ATIONS ARE OPEN! Brought to you by the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce and the Ottawa Business Journal, the BOBs recognize the most successful and innovative companies in our region.

This autumn the Kanata North BIA is thrilled to announce a brand new award to be presented at the BOBs: the Kanata North #SeriousTechLivesHere awards. These awards recognize exceptional companies in two distinct categories: Company of the Year and Team of the Year!

SEP T EMBER 28 K A N ATA NORT H NE T WORKING E V EN T, A M A ZON IN T HE H OUSE! Come meet our newest member of the Kanata North Business Community.

Speaker Francois Boisvert, Manager Software Development, Alexa at Amazon, will be in the house sharing their latest projects, developments, and job opportunities!

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from one of the biggest brand names and major players in the tech industry.

To register for this event, click here.

For more details or to make a nomination, visit our events page.

The deadline for BOBs Awards Nominations is Sept. 30, 2016.

SEP T EMBER 29 HONG KONG A S A T ECHNOLO GY HUB A ND PL AT FORM TO CHIN A A ND A SIA Representatives of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and its trade promotion agencies outline the steps and initiatives that Hong Kong is taking to build on its status as a technology hub. More info here.

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THE KANATA NETWORKER

IoT613 is a two-day conference in Ottawa dedicated to the Internet of Things (IoT). It provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in IoT through hands-on workshops and illuminating talks. Check here for details.

O C TOBER 17 2: 0 0 PM – 8: 0 0 PM K A N ATA NORTH IN TERN ATION A L TOUR & DINNER This event will showcase the Kanata North business community for the diplomatic community and foreign representatives living in the city of Ottawa.

More info here.

SEP TEMBER– NOV EMBER TECH BUILD Tech Build offers Ottawa’s high tech industry the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of low-income families. Support the Habitat for Humanity’s Greater Ottawa (Habitat GO) mission to build a new Habitat for Humanity house this year.

N OV EMBER 1 – 3 G T EC CONFEREN CE

N OV EMBER 3 0 – D ECEMBER 1 S A A S N ORT H , C A N A DA’ S BES T- IN -S A A S CONFERENCE! L-SPARK presents the first-ever SAAS NORTH conference taking place in Ottawa at the Shaw Centre with over 50 speakers and over 1,000 SaaS executives and investors from across Canada all under one roof.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of the Canadian SaaS community and grab your Early Bird tickets today!

Canada’s internationally recognized forum for excellence in innovation and government service delivery. Check our event calendar for details.

N OV EMBER 3 – 4 TIECON C A N A DA CONFERENCE: DISRUPTIV E ENTREPRENEURSHIP TiECon Canada is TiE’s flagship conference for entrepreneurs, SMEs, industry veterans, investors, and other members of the Canadian business community. Check our event calendar for details.

THE KANATA NETWORKER

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next

new W H AT ’ S

W H AT ’ S

SEP T EMBER 29 & 3 0 IOT613 , OT TAWA’ S IN T ERNE T OF T HING S CONFEREN CE

BES T OT TAWA BUSINES S AWARDS (BOBS) 2016 NOMIN ATIONS ARE OPEN! Brought to you by the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce and the Ottawa Business Journal, the BOBs recognize the most successful and innovative companies in our region.

This autumn the Kanata North BIA is thrilled to announce a brand new award to be presented at the BOBs: the Kanata North #SeriousTechLivesHere awards. These awards recognize exceptional companies in two distinct categories: Company of the Year and Team of the Year!

SEP T EMBER 28 K A N ATA NORT H NE T WORKING E V EN T, A M A ZON IN T HE H OUSE! Come meet our newest member of the Kanata North Business Community.

Speaker Francois Boisvert, Manager Software Development, Alexa at Amazon, will be in the house sharing their latest projects, developments, and job opportunities!

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from one of the biggest brand names and major players in the tech industry.

To register for this event, click here.

For more details or to make a nomination, visit our events page.

The deadline for BOBs Awards Nominations is Sept. 30, 2016.

SEP T EMBER 29 HONG KONG A S A T ECHNOLO GY HUB A ND PL AT FORM TO CHIN A A ND A SIA Representatives of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and its trade promotion agencies outline the steps and initiatives that Hong Kong is taking to build on its status as a technology hub. More info here.

1

THE KANATA NETWORKER

IoT613 is a two-day conference in Ottawa dedicated to the Internet of Things (IoT). It provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in IoT through hands-on workshops and illuminating talks. Check here for details.

O C TOBER 17 2: 0 0 PM – 8: 0 0 PM K A N ATA NORTH IN TERN ATION A L TOUR & DINNER This event will showcase the Kanata North business community for the diplomatic community and foreign representatives living in the city of Ottawa.

More info here.

SEP TEMBER– NOV EMBER TECH BUILD Tech Build offers Ottawa’s high tech industry the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of low-income families. Support the Habitat for Humanity’s Greater Ottawa (Habitat GO) mission to build a new Habitat for Humanity house this year.

N OV EMBER 1 – 3 G T EC CONFEREN CE

N OV EMBER 3 0 – D ECEMBER 1 S A A S N ORT H , C A N A DA’ S BES T- IN -S A A S CONFERENCE! L-SPARK presents the first-ever SAAS NORTH conference taking place in Ottawa at the Shaw Centre with over 50 speakers and over 1,000 SaaS executives and investors from across Canada all under one roof.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of the Canadian SaaS community and grab your Early Bird tickets today!

Canada’s internationally recognized forum for excellence in innovation and government service delivery. Check our event calendar for details.

N OV EMBER 3 – 4 TIECON C A N A DA CONFERENCE: DISRUPTIV E ENTREPRENEURSHIP TiECon Canada is TiE’s flagship conference for entrepreneurs, SMEs, industry veterans, investors, and other members of the Canadian business community. Check our event calendar for details.

THE KANATA NETWORKER

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experience brookstreet 276 four-diamond guestrooms Modern conference & business meeting facilities Inspired cuisine at Perspectives Restaurant Options Jazz Lounge with live jazz every evening Au Natural Spa Flex Fitness Studio Indoor and outdoor saltwater pools Zone 525 interactive games room B CafĂŠ serving Starbucks coffee

Five Twenty Five Legget Drive | Ottawa Ontario K2K 2W2 613.271.1800 | brookstreet.com

/Brookstreet

@ BrookstreetOtt

experience the marshes The Marshes 18-hole championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. & Sr. European PGA approved 9-hole short course, Marchwood Modern meeting facilities Eclectic dining at Ironstone Grill Jones Lounge for social gatherings Enjoy Thirsty Thursdays with the Dueling Pianos

Three Twenty Terry Fox Drive | Ottawa Ontario K2K 3L1 | themarshesgolfclub.com THE KANATA NETWORKER 3 613.271.3370 /MarshesGolfClub @MarshesGolfClubt

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 An evening of Live Jazz, Outstanding Cuisine, Exceptional Wine & Fireworks

buy tickets at

www.brookstreethotel.com/lumiere THE KANATA NETWORKER

4

experience brookstreet 276 four-diamond guestrooms Modern conference & business meeting facilities Inspired cuisine at Perspectives Restaurant Options Jazz Lounge with live jazz every evening Au Natural Spa Flex Fitness Studio Indoor and outdoor saltwater pools Zone 525 interactive games room B CafĂŠ serving Starbucks coffee

Five Twenty Five Legget Drive | Ottawa Ontario K2K 2W2 613.271.1800 | brookstreet.com

/Brookstreet

@ BrookstreetOtt

experience the marshes The Marshes 18-hole championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. & Sr. European PGA approved 9-hole short course, Marchwood Modern meeting facilities Eclectic dining at Ironstone Grill Jones Lounge for social gatherings Enjoy Thirsty Thursdays with the Dueling Pianos

Three Twenty Terry Fox Drive | Ottawa Ontario K2K 3L1 | themarshesgolfclub.com THE KANATA NETWORKER 3 613.271.3370 /MarshesGolfClub @MarshesGolfClubt

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 An evening of Live Jazz, Outstanding Cuisine, Exceptional Wine & Fireworks

buy tickets at

www.brookstreethotel.com/lumiere THE KANATA NETWORKER

4

Can you tell me a little more about the strategy behind the merger?

TechInsights and Chipworks are the two global leaders in providing detailed technology analysis. We source and analyze many current electronic devices and the components used in making the devices. Our particular specialization is the analysis of integrated circuits—the microchips that are the building blocks of all electronic technology devices. These are components that have been miniaturized so that over 1,000 transistors fit across the width of a human hair. This information is valuable to our clients and all major technology companies for a number of use reasons, but most particularly for understanding how intellectual property (patented invention) is being used in the latest devices, and for competitive and technical intelligence purposes.

With all that in mind, a combination of our companies makes sense for many reasons and allows us to bring more value to our clients in a lot of ways.

W

HY TECHINSIGHTS AND CHIPWORKS HAVE JOINED FORCES Q& A WIT H CEO JOHN DAY

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THE KANATA NETWORKER

Two Ottawa-based technology leaders join forces to offer enhanced technical intelligence and patent advisory services. We sat down with TechInsights CEO, John Day, to ask him about the recent merger.

Our business is international with important clients in North America, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Mainland China, and Europe. Combining the companies enables us to build more critical mass in those distant geographies and to support our clients “in time zone” and in local languages.

An important part of our value offer in the market is our library of past device analyses. Both TechInsights and Chipworks have archives of information. Bringing those resources together will enable us to create, indisputably, the technology industry’s most extensive and complete library of technical analysis.

In the technology market, there are many “headline” devices, for example, complete electronic devices like cell phones and commercially important integrated circuits. Until our merger, both companies would analyze these devices. By working together, we will be able to analyze these key devices once and redeploy resources to extend the range of devices that we analyze.

Technology is becoming ever more sophisticated. Our larger scale enables us to justify establishing capabilities in niche technology disciplines and to offer analysis expertise to our clients. We are also positioned to advance the technology of integrated circuit analysis. The very latest chips are being prototyped at 7nm geometries, which is a scale at the limit of traditional electron microscopy imaging techniques. Again, our now larger scale enables us to make the R&D investments required so that we can stay up to speed with developing technology which will enable us to continue analyzing devices for the foreseeable future.

How long have you been planning to join forces and what will be the combined expertise?

JOHN DAY, CEO OF TECHINSIGHTS AND TERRY LUDLOW, CEO OF CHIP WORKS

makes sense to move into a single location and it is likely we will do this. Exactly where we move to will be driven by a number of detailed operational and commercial considerations. We certainly like it very much in Kanata North, and with this recent merger, we’ll grow to include over 200 professionals in Ottawa.

TechInsights has offices all over the world including Warsaw, Poland; Austin, Texas, and other areas in the US; as well as Asia and other parts of Europe.

Exploratory discussions began over a year ago. It has come together in practice over the last four or five months. Our clients will benefit from broader, deeper technology analysis and we will be a much more valuable partner for them.

Will the two companies be moving into one office space, and if so, will it be the Kanata North office?

We are currently building our business plans, and the way those plans shape up will drive what we do from an office-space point of view. It certainly

THE KANATA NETWORKER

6

Can you tell me a little more about the strategy behind the merger?

TechInsights and Chipworks are the two global leaders in providing detailed technology analysis. We source and analyze many current electronic devices and the components used in making the devices. Our particular specialization is the analysis of integrated circuits—the microchips that are the building blocks of all electronic technology devices. These are components that have been miniaturized so that over 1,000 transistors fit across the width of a human hair. This information is valuable to our clients and all major technology companies for a number of use reasons, but most particularly for understanding how intellectual property (patented invention) is being used in the latest devices, and for competitive and technical intelligence purposes.

With all that in mind, a combination of our companies makes sense for many reasons and allows us to bring more value to our clients in a lot of ways.

W

HY TECHINSIGHTS AND CHIPWORKS HAVE JOINED FORCES Q& A WIT H CEO JOHN DAY

5

THE KANATA NETWORKER

Two Ottawa-based technology leaders join forces to offer enhanced technical intelligence and patent advisory services. We sat down with TechInsights CEO, John Day, to ask him about the recent merger.

Our business is international with important clients in North America, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Mainland China, and Europe. Combining the companies enables us to build more critical mass in those distant geographies and to support our clients “in time zone” and in local languages.

An important part of our value offer in the market is our library of past device analyses. Both TechInsights and Chipworks have archives of information. Bringing those resources together will enable us to create, indisputably, the technology industry’s most extensive and complete library of technical analysis.

In the technology market, there are many “headline” devices, for example, complete electronic devices like cell phones and commercially important integrated circuits. Until our merger, both companies would analyze these devices. By working together, we will be able to analyze these key devices once and redeploy resources to extend the range of devices that we analyze.

Technology is becoming ever more sophisticated. Our larger scale enables us to justify establishing capabilities in niche technology disciplines and to offer analysis expertise to our clients. We are also positioned to advance the technology of integrated circuit analysis. The very latest chips are being prototyped at 7nm geometries, which is a scale at the limit of traditional electron microscopy imaging techniques. Again, our now larger scale enables us to make the R&D investments required so that we can stay up to speed with developing technology which will enable us to continue analyzing devices for the foreseeable future.

How long have you been planning to join forces and what will be the combined expertise?

JOHN DAY, CEO OF TECHINSIGHTS AND TERRY LUDLOW, CEO OF CHIP WORKS

makes sense to move into a single location and it is likely we will do this. Exactly where we move to will be driven by a number of detailed operational and commercial considerations. We certainly like it very much in Kanata North, and with this recent merger, we’ll grow to include over 200 professionals in Ottawa.

TechInsights has offices all over the world including Warsaw, Poland; Austin, Texas, and other areas in the US; as well as Asia and other parts of Europe.

Exploratory discussions began over a year ago. It has come together in practice over the last four or five months. Our clients will benefit from broader, deeper technology analysis and we will be a much more valuable partner for them.

Will the two companies be moving into one office space, and if so, will it be the Kanata North office?

We are currently building our business plans, and the way those plans shape up will drive what we do from an office-space point of view. It certainly

THE KANATA NETWORKER

6

I M R O CH E

E J I M R O CH E

NTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT: JIM ROCHE PRESIDENT & CEO, STRATFORD MANAGERS CORP. Stratford Managers Corp. recently set up office in the Kanata North Tech Park. The company specializes in helping small and mid-sized businesses achieve their full potential with world-class consulting expertise.

Offering a unique suite of services, Stratford Managers Corp. provides companies with coaching and advisory services, strategic planning, project delivery, and management delivered by a team of seasoned professionals with an array of operational experience.

Founded in 2006 by serial entrepreneur Jim Roche, Stratford Managers Corp. drew from his 10 years of experience leading a successful multimillion-dollar company through rapid growth, acquisitions, and IPO. Jim wanted to share the knowledge he’d accumulated with other growing companies and built a team of consultants with extensive executive experience.

We reached out to Jim to find out more about the company and the businesses it serves.

Tell us why you started Stratford Managers Corp?

I have been very lucky in my career. I’ve had the opportunity to work with two very successful high-growth companies that had brought together tremendous teams. I wanted my third career experience to have similar elements, which includes a great team of people with whom I work to grow the company.

Through Stratford Managers, I wanted to give back to the community by delivering a service that would help other companies accelerate their growth and improve their profitability. Something I learned a long time ago is that a vibrant private sector is crucial to successful communities. If you can help companies grow and improve their profitability,

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THE KANATA NETWORKER

those companies will hire more people and will make a positive impact on the local economy. A big piece of what we do at Stratford is help companies grow to reach their potential, while helping the employees of Stratford achieve their potential. As an added benefit, we’ve also been able to help a number of non-profits and municipalities achieve their objectives.

You were previously located in the ByWard Market. Why did you choose Kanata North as your new location?

What are the benefits of being in the research and technology park?

We enjoyed our time in the ByWard Market, but our company grew and we needed more space. We analyzed our employee and customer map so that we could locate ourselves in the most central way. It turns out that Kanata North was the hot spot for both employees and customers.

We have customers all around the city, and in other cities as well, but when we did the customer map, our Ottawa-based customers were heavily concentrated in Kanata North.

For our employees, one of the advantages that Kanata North gives us is that we are exposing very few of our employees to rush-hour traffic. In contrast, when we were down in the ByWard Market, many of us ended up wasting 30 minutes to an hour just getting into the downtown core.

I have spent the vast majority of my career in Kanata North. As much as I enjoyed my time in the ByWard Market, I feel like I’ve come home with our move.

So much has happened here and so much is happening here. It is a vibrant, powerful driver of our city’s economy and you really sense that being here.

There is a lot going on here and it’s great to be back.

“I have spent the vast majority of my career in Kanata North.

As much as I enjoyed my time in the ByWard Market, I feel like I’ve come home with our move.”

Why do you focus your services on small and mid-sized businesses? What are the positives and or negatives to this approach?

One of the reasons we decided to service small and mid-sized businesses is that it is what I know best, and that is what we in the company know best.

Many of us have also worked at larger businesses and we can bring that expertise down into the small to midsized market.

Another reason is that I saw it as a market that is generally being underserved by high-value consultants. I also believe that many small and mid-sized businesses are starting to shift their thinking around the use of consultants and are looking for expertise to help them realize their potential, and so I saw an opportunity there. The last few years, our growth and our success are showing that this is true.

For the most part, mid-sized companies don’t want to buy time. What they want from our company is help in achieving their objectives and they’re willing to pay for the value created. That’s a significant difference to how many consultants go to market. We typically don’t charge for time, we charge for value delivered. When we can’t deliver value, then we are the wrong choice anyway. When we can deliver tremendous value to our clients, the outcomes justify the investment.

What resources have you found in the technology and research park to help Stratford Managers Corp. grow?

The Kanata North Tech Park from a facilities perspective has given Stratford the flexibility to grow and the comfort of knowing that as our needs change in terms of space, they can be easily met and accommodated.

Brookstreet Hotel is a great resource to have so close to the office as it provides meeting rooms, conference

services, and dining options for hosting and entertaining clients. Additionally, for those clients and consultants visiting from out of town, it provides a convenient location.

Of the companies you have worked with, who has experienced the most growth and why do you think they were successful?

Many of our clients are high-growth companies, so selecting among them is difficult. Three in Kanata North that come to mind are ThinkRF, Sciemetric, and Calian.

ThinkRF has more than tripled revenues over the last year. We’ve had a long-standing and close relationship with Terry Matthews and a number of companies in the Wesley Clover family, including ThinkRF. We think that ThinkRF is a company that has great potential for success.

The second company that comes to mind is Sciemetric. They’ve had great growth over the last few years and are a very successful company. We’re pleased to have the opportunity to work with Nathan Sheaff and his team. Sciemetric is one of the faster-growing companies in Canada and we think this company should be getting more attention.

As for all our customers, we’ve played a role in helping ThinkRF, Sciemetric, and Calian achieve their growth. We see ourselves as catalysts and accelerators as we roll up our sleeves and work alongside them to get results. We’re proud of their successes.

Tell us more about your new leadership coaching practice, designed to accelerate the growth and development of senior management talent. Why is this so important to businesses?

In working with our customers over the years, we’ve recognized that to help companies realize their full potential, we clearly need to be able to provide the expertise in the functional areas of

businesses (sales, marketing, operations, HR, finance, etc.), while also helping already-successful leaders improve their leadership skills so that they can be more effective in doing their work. As companies grow, especially smaller and mid-sized companies, the friction points in the company shift. It might be sales one day, R&D the next. What we’ve recognized is that one of these friction points can sometimes be the leadership talent of the executive team. In those cases, it’s not just about a better marketing campaign or improving your supply chain management or your major account management, it’s actually about helping the leaders achieve performance breakthroughs and greater personal effectiveness. With the addition of the Leadership Coaching practice, Stratford is now better positioned to help companies dramatically improve their leadership performance and work through the various corporate friction points.

What are some of Stratford Managers Corp.’s biggest accomplishments? Any goals for the coming years?

We’ve grown to over 50 people at Stratford and have helped well north of 100 companies in Ottawa and beyond. And many of our clients have grown dramatically. We set out to help companies achieve their full potential and that’s what we’re doing. Companies that have worked with Stratford grow faster and are more profitable than companies that don’t. So, in terms of our accomplishments, we look at our clients. They’re successes are the great accomplishments that make us most proud.

One of the goals for Stratford is to continue to be a high-growth business.

We believe that we can have the greatest impact through growth by helping more companies and more people achieve their potential. We’re going to continue to grow here in Ottawa and at our office in Toronto, and we will be opening offices across Canada and into the US.

THE KANATA NETWORKER

8

I M R O CH E

E J I M R O CH E

NTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT: JIM ROCHE PRESIDENT & CEO, STRATFORD MANAGERS CORP. Stratford Managers Corp. recently set up office in the Kanata North Tech Park. The company specializes in helping small and mid-sized businesses achieve their full potential with world-class consulting expertise.

Offering a unique suite of services, Stratford Managers Corp. provides companies with coaching and advisory services, strategic planning, project delivery, and management delivered by a team of seasoned professionals with an array of operational experience.

Founded in 2006 by serial entrepreneur Jim Roche, Stratford Managers Corp. drew from his 10 years of experience leading a successful multimillion-dollar company through rapid growth, acquisitions, and IPO. Jim wanted to share the knowledge he’d accumulated with other growing companies and built a team of consultants with extensive executive experience.

We reached out to Jim to find out more about the company and the businesses it serves.

Tell us why you started Stratford Managers Corp?

I have been very lucky in my career. I’ve had the opportunity to work with two very successful high-growth companies that had brought together tremendous teams. I wanted my third career experience to have similar elements, which includes a great team of people with whom I work to grow the company.

Through Stratford Managers, I wanted to give back to the community by delivering a service that would help other companies accelerate their growth and improve their profitability. Something I learned a long time ago is that a vibrant private sector is crucial to successful communities. If you can help companies grow and improve their profitability,

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THE KANATA NETWORKER

those companies will hire more people and will make a positive impact on the local economy. A big piece of what we do at Stratford is help companies grow to reach their potential, while helping the employees of Stratford achieve their potential. As an added benefit, we’ve also been able to help a number of non-profits and municipalities achieve their objectives.

You were previously located in the ByWard Market. Why did you choose Kanata North as your new location?

What are the benefits of being in the research and technology park?

We enjoyed our time in the ByWard Market, but our company grew and we needed more space. We analyzed our employee and customer map so that we could locate ourselves in the most central way. It turns out that Kanata North was the hot spot for both employees and customers.

We have customers all around the city, and in other cities as well, but when we did the customer map, our Ottawa-based customers were heavily concentrated in Kanata North.

For our employees, one of the advantages that Kanata North gives us is that we are exposing very few of our employees to rush-hour traffic. In contrast, when we were down in the ByWard Market, many of us ended up wasting 30 minutes to an hour just getting into the downtown core.

I have spent the vast majority of my career in Kanata North. As much as I enjoyed my time in the ByWard Market, I feel like I’ve come home with our move.

So much has happened here and so much is happening here. It is a vibrant, powerful driver of our city’s economy and you really sense that being here.

There is a lot going on here and it’s great to be back.

“I have spent the vast majority of my career in Kanata North.

As much as I enjoyed my time in the ByWard Market, I feel like I’ve come home with our move.”

Why do you focus your services on small and mid-sized businesses? What are the positives and or negatives to this approach?

One of the reasons we decided to service small and mid-sized businesses is that it is what I know best, and that is what we in the company know best.

Many of us have also worked at larger businesses and we can bring that expertise down into the small to midsized market.

Another reason is that I saw it as a market that is generally being underserved by high-value consultants. I also believe that many small and mid-sized businesses are starting to shift their thinking around the use of consultants and are looking for expertise to help them realize their potential, and so I saw an opportunity there. The last few years, our growth and our success are showing that this is true.

For the most part, mid-sized companies don’t want to buy time. What they want from our company is help in achieving their objectives and they’re willing to pay for the value created. That’s a significant difference to how many consultants go to market. We typically don’t charge for time, we charge for value delivered. When we can’t deliver value, then we are the wrong choice anyway. When we can deliver tremendous value to our clients, the outcomes justify the investment.

What resources have you found in the technology and research park to help Stratford Managers Corp. grow?

The Kanata North Tech Park from a facilities perspective has given Stratford the flexibility to grow and the comfort of knowing that as our needs change in terms of space, they can be easily met and accommodated.

Brookstreet Hotel is a great resource to have so close to the office as it provides meeting rooms, conference

services, and dining options for hosting and entertaining clients. Additionally, for those clients and consultants visiting from out of town, it provides a convenient location.

Of the companies you have worked with, who has experienced the most growth and why do you think they were successful?

Many of our clients are high-growth companies, so selecting among them is difficult. Three in Kanata North that come to mind are ThinkRF, Sciemetric, and Calian.

ThinkRF has more than tripled revenues over the last year. We’ve had a long-standing and close relationship with Terry Matthews and a number of companies in the Wesley Clover family, including ThinkRF. We think that ThinkRF is a company that has great potential for success.

The second company that comes to mind is Sciemetric. They’ve had great growth over the last few years and are a very successful company. We’re pleased to have the opportunity to work with Nathan Sheaff and his team. Sciemetric is one of the faster-growing companies in Canada and we think this company should be getting more attention.

As for all our customers, we’ve played a role in helping ThinkRF, Sciemetric, and Calian achieve their growth. We see ourselves as catalysts and accelerators as we roll up our sleeves and work alongside them to get results. We’re proud of their successes.

Tell us more about your new leadership coaching practice, designed to accelerate the growth and development of senior management talent. Why is this so important to businesses?

In working with our customers over the years, we’ve recognized that to help companies realize their full potential, we clearly need to be able to provide the expertise in the functional areas of

businesses (sales, marketing, operations, HR, finance, etc.), while also helping already-successful leaders improve their leadership skills so that they can be more effective in doing their work. As companies grow, especially smaller and mid-sized companies, the friction points in the company shift. It might be sales one day, R&D the next. What we’ve recognized is that one of these friction points can sometimes be the leadership talent of the executive team. In those cases, it’s not just about a better marketing campaign or improving your supply chain management or your major account management, it’s actually about helping the leaders achieve performance breakthroughs and greater personal effectiveness. With the addition of the Leadership Coaching practice, Stratford is now better positioned to help companies dramatically improve their leadership performance and work through the various corporate friction points.

What are some of Stratford Managers Corp.’s biggest accomplishments? Any goals for the coming years?

We’ve grown to over 50 people at Stratford and have helped well north of 100 companies in Ottawa and beyond. And many of our clients have grown dramatically. We set out to help companies achieve their full potential and that’s what we’re doing. Companies that have worked with Stratford grow faster and are more profitable than companies that don’t. So, in terms of our accomplishments, we look at our clients. They’re successes are the great accomplishments that make us most proud.

One of the goals for Stratford is to continue to be a high-growth business.

We believe that we can have the greatest impact through growth by helping more companies and more people achieve their potential. We’re going to continue to grow here in Ottawa and at our office in Toronto, and we will be opening offices across Canada and into the US.

THE KANATA NETWORKER

8

This was the first event of its kind in the area, and it was exciting to see the participation from eight local Kanata Rock Stars including: Alec Main, CEO, Graphite Software Jack Gulas, Co-Founder, Eclipsys Solutions George Chamberlain, CEO, Pleora Technologies Steve Cody, CEO & Founder, The Better Software Company Tyler Nelson, Co-Founder & COO, Equiis Technologies Inc. Craig Betts, Founder, President & CEO, Solace Systems

V I D EO R EC A P CR E AT ED BY CO M M U N I T Y P O P

https://youtu.be/JecOOZpfrDc

Danielle McNeil Taylor, Director of Public and Investor Relations, Gigataur Marco Janeczek, Director of Entrepreneurs, L-SPARK Each business leader or Rock Star was assigned a table and given eight minutes to answer questions from the four to six participants seated with them. At the eightminute mark, a bell was rung and participants switched tables to chat with a new business Rock Star.

Questions ranged from “What do you like to do with your spare time?” to “What tips do you have on running a successful business?”

S

PEED NETWORKING WITH KANATA BUSINESS “ROCK STARS” A NE T WORKING E V ENT WIT H LE A DER S OF T HE COMMUNIT Y At a networking event held last May, the Kanata North Business Association hosted a “speed networking” event with local entrepreneurs, CEOs, and business leaders called Speed Networking with Kanata Rock Stars. The event included round-table discussions and Q & A sessions with some of the area’s top business talent.

To promote the event, T-shirts were created with the Kanata North Rock Star logo for each business leader to keep as a memento.

S P EED N E T W O R K I N G W I T H K A N ATA’ S B U S I N E S S R O CK S TA R S

Fun, engaging, and fast paced, this evening of speed networking with Kanata’s tech movers and shakers was a great way for them to share their wisdom and business know-how with up-and-comers.

Missed the event? Don’t worry, we have plans to host another Speed Networking night in the near future.

In the meantime, check out the event video recap created by Community Pop.

9

THE KANATA NETWORKER

THE KANATA NETWORKER

10

This was the first event of its kind in the area, and it was exciting to see the participation from eight local Kanata Rock Stars including: Alec Main, CEO, Graphite Software Jack Gulas, Co-Founder, Eclipsys Solutions George Chamberlain, CEO, Pleora Technologies Steve Cody, CEO & Founder, The Better Software Company Tyler Nelson, Co-Founder & COO, Equiis Technologies Inc. Craig Betts, Founder, President & CEO, Solace Systems

V I D EO R EC A P CR E AT ED BY CO M M U N I T Y P O P

https://youtu.be/JecOOZpfrDc

Danielle McNeil Taylor, Director of Public and Investor Relations, Gigataur Marco Janeczek, Director of Entrepreneurs, L-SPARK Each business leader or Rock Star was assigned a table and given eight minutes to answer questions from the four to six participants seated with them. At the eightminute mark, a bell was rung and participants switched tables to chat with a new business Rock Star.

Questions ranged from “What do you like to do with your spare time?” to “What tips do you have on running a successful business?”

S

PEED NETWORKING WITH KANATA BUSINESS “ROCK STARS” A NE T WORKING E V ENT WIT H LE A DER S OF T HE COMMUNIT Y At a networking event held last May, the Kanata North Business Association hosted a “speed networking” event with local entrepreneurs, CEOs, and business leaders called Speed Networking with Kanata Rock Stars. The event included round-table discussions and Q & A sessions with some of the area’s top business talent.

To promote the event, T-shirts were created with the Kanata North Rock Star logo for each business leader to keep as a memento.

S P EED N E T W O R K I N G W I T H K A N ATA’ S B U S I N E S S R O CK S TA R S

Fun, engaging, and fast paced, this evening of speed networking with Kanata’s tech movers and shakers was a great way for them to share their wisdom and business know-how with up-and-comers.

Missed the event? Don’t worry, we have plans to host another Speed Networking night in the near future.

In the meantime, check out the event video recap created by Community Pop.

9

THE KANATA NETWORKER

THE KANATA NETWORKER

10

C

OLLABORATING FOR A CAUSE

K A N ATA NORTH COMPA NIES T E A M UP TO FUNDR AISE FOR BIG BIKE OT TAWA W R I T T EN BY R AC H EL M C E W EN

They say that great minds think alike. And when it comes to the fundraising partnership of ProntoForms and Martello Technologies, we couldn’t agree more. Both Wesley Clover portfolio companies, these two firms are growing at an exceptional rate and becoming industry leaders on the technology scene.

ABOUT PRONTOFORMS The ProntoForms mobile forms application is for businesses on the move. The tool increases business productivity by converting all paperbased processes onto phones and tablets. Currently on the rise with this Software-as-a-Service product, they have over 50,000 subscribers working at more than 3,500 businesses around the world.

In fact, the growth of ProntoForms in recent years prompted analysts from Frost & Sullivan in 2015 to take notice, declaring ProntoForms an industry leader that “recognized the potential of mobile forms before anyone else.”

B I G B IK E T E A M CO L L A B O R ATO R A N D EM P LOY EE ’ S CH O I CE AWA R D R ECIPI EN T PR O N TO F O R M S

ABOUT MARTELLO TECHNOLOGIES A leader in fault and performance management software-as-a-service for unified communications, Martello Technologies has expanded from just 10 employees to nearly 40, due in part to the strength of their partnership with unified communications provider Mitel. Rapidly becoming a musthave for Mitel’s partner and user communities, the company’s software now manages the performance of almost 10,000 devices in more than 20 countries around the world.

THE BIG BIKE RAISES BIG FUNDS Collaboration and community spirit come naturally to these two winners of the 2016 Employees’ Choice Awards. When the annual fundraiser, Heart & Stroke Big Bike was scheduled to roll around Kanata, the ProntoForms team, led by Esta Nel and Elizabeth Walker, reached out to

11

THE KANATA NETWORKER

B I G B IK E T E A M CO L L A B O R ATO R A N D EM P LOY EE ’ S CH O I CE AWA R D R ECIPI EN T M A R T EL LO T ECH N O LO G I E S

Martello Technologies to help them fill the bike. Tracy King and the Martello Technologies team were quick to sign up and a fundraising partnership was formed.

Hats off to Employees’ Choice Award winners ProntoForms and Martello Technologies for their Big Bike charitable donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Whooping and singing their way around the Kanata course on a chilly June morning, 29 riders from Martello Technologies and ProntoForms pedalled their way to a combined $3,000 for life-saving heart and stroke research.

THE KANATA NETWORKER

12

C

OLLABORATING FOR A CAUSE

K A N ATA NORTH COMPA NIES T E A M UP TO FUNDR AISE FOR BIG BIKE OT TAWA W R I T T EN BY R AC H EL M C E W EN

They say that great minds think alike. And when it comes to the fundraising partnership of ProntoForms and Martello Technologies, we couldn’t agree more. Both Wesley Clover portfolio companies, these two firms are growing at an exceptional rate and becoming industry leaders on the technology scene.

ABOUT PRONTOFORMS The ProntoForms mobile forms application is for businesses on the move. The tool increases business productivity by converting all paperbased processes onto phones and tablets. Currently on the rise with this Software-as-a-Service product, they have over 50,000 subscribers working at more than 3,500 businesses around the world.

In fact, the growth of ProntoForms in recent years prompted analysts from Frost & Sullivan in 2015 to take notice, declaring ProntoForms an industry leader that “recognized the potential of mobile forms before anyone else.”

B I G B IK E T E A M CO L L A B O R ATO R A N D EM P LOY EE ’ S CH O I CE AWA R D R ECIPI EN T PR O N TO F O R M S

ABOUT MARTELLO TECHNOLOGIES A leader in fault and performance management software-as-a-service for unified communications, Martello Technologies has expanded from just 10 employees to nearly 40, due in part to the strength of their partnership with unified communications provider Mitel. Rapidly becoming a musthave for Mitel’s partner and user communities, the company’s software now manages the performance of almost 10,000 devices in more than 20 countries around the world.

THE BIG BIKE RAISES BIG FUNDS Collaboration and community spirit come naturally to these two winners of the 2016 Employees’ Choice Awards. When the annual fundraiser, Heart & Stroke Big Bike was scheduled to roll around Kanata, the ProntoForms team, led by Esta Nel and Elizabeth Walker, reached out to

11

THE KANATA NETWORKER

B I G B IK E T E A M CO L L A B O R ATO R A N D EM P LOY EE ’ S CH O I CE AWA R D R ECIPI EN T M A R T EL LO T ECH N O LO G I E S

Martello Technologies to help them fill the bike. Tracy King and the Martello Technologies team were quick to sign up and a fundraising partnership was formed.

Hats off to Employees’ Choice Award winners ProntoForms and Martello Technologies for their Big Bike charitable donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Whooping and singing their way around the Kanata course on a chilly June morning, 29 riders from Martello Technologies and ProntoForms pedalled their way to a combined $3,000 for life-saving heart and stroke research.

THE KANATA NETWORKER

12

KANATA NORTH PHOTO JOURNAL

YOGA, ICE CREAM, AND FOOD TRUCKS!

P H OTO CR ED I T S : K A R S T EN M ELC H ER S

KANATA NORTH PHOTO JOURNAL

YOGA, ICE CREAM, AND FOOD TRUCKS!

P H OTO CR ED I T S : K A R S T EN M ELC H ER S

“There are some things that you notice when you’ve worked in an industry for over 30 years. One of the things that we’ve noticed is that there are lots of really smart people, but very few truly love what they do long term. When you meet one of these people socially or in an interview, you can recognize their potential right away and it’s exciting,” says Gillette.

While the real world and the industry can’t provide us with a definition of what it takes to be a serious techie, Fred believes that if you have these key traits, you might be in it for the long haul: • You’ve kept your technical skills up to date.

S

ERIOUS TECH LIVES HERE!

MEE T T WO OF K A N ATA NORT H ’ S SERIOUS T ECH V E TER A NS A ND LE ARN W H Y T HE Y LOV E W H AT THE Y DO

Since 1991 the technology industry has consistently grown here in Kanata North.

Today our Tech Park is home to more than 500 businesses employing 21,000 people.

And thanks to our community’s early contributors, we have a long and rich history within the broader technology industry. In fact, many of our longest-serving Kanata techies were behind some of the industries groundbreaking new technologies and emerging companies of the 80s and 90s.

We’re profiling Kanata North tech veterans Fred Gillette, Senior Specialist at Nokia Solutions and Networks; and Pat Beirne, Chief Science Advisor at CSD Labs and CEO of AppHostCanada, to learn what it means to be in the business for the long term and why they still have a passion for technology today.

15

• If you don’t work in a hands-on technical role at work, you’re likely tinkering at home on some tech project or geeky innovation.

• If you’re retired or semi-retired, you still have a number of technical projects on the go.

• You’re always looking for a new piece of hardware or software to solve a problem.

• You read technical journals and compare notes with other serious techies.

“These are just a few of the obvious traits, but one thing is certain, it becomes a lifestyle and inspiration that is woven into the fabric of our existence,” Fred explains. And this is exactly what has happened to both Gillette and Beirne.

But where does a would-be long-time techie get their start? To answer that question, Gillette gave us an inside look into the multi-decade careers of these two Kanata North tech veterans.

PAT BEIRNE Current work status: Semi-retired Years in industry: 42 Has worked for: Mitel, Corel, Rebel, Mitel Knowledge, MKC, AppHostCanada Has advised and contributed to: Benbria, Teldio, eSight, EcoVu, Zim

THE KANATA NETWORKER

Pat began his career in the tech industry in the early 80s at Mitel where Fred remembers meeting the guy who would go on to become a founding member of Corel.

“When I was a new grad fresh out of community college in 1981, I ended up at tech company in Kanata called Mitel (MIke and Terry’s Lawnmowers),” recalls Fred Gillette. “One of the first people I met was Pat, who was teaching a course on telephony. The telephone industry had just been deregulated, so new companies were springing up to leverage the opportunities in that space. At that time, telephony was not something that was taught in schools, so Pat had been tasked with bringing new grads up to speed. He showed up for class on his motorbike, in a leather jacket, looking like some kind of rebel without a cause. Years later he would help found a company called Rebel. Fred remembers how “Pat taught us the basics of telephony and then challenged us with assignments that opened our minds to what seemed like endless possibilities.”

That was 1981, but Pat’s journey began before that with a short stint at DND where he worked on secret projects. An early member of Mitel, Pat contributed to many of their initial products. Perhaps the most notable of these was something called a SMarT dialer. Like many successful products, the SMarT dialer made its name thanks to legislation in the US requiring phone companies to offer customers long-distance calling options. The product allowed phone companies to route calls based on a number of programmable options, opening the door to over a billion dollars in sales by the year 2000.

With his Mitel successes in his back pocket, Pat moved on to Corel where once again he was a founding member.

Here he contributed to products like CorelDRAW, Corel VideoStudio, the Netwinder appliance, and ARM Linux.

By 1996, all versions of Linux ran on x86 platforms. A key contribution to

PAT B EIR N E

the port of the Linux operating system to the ARM platform, there is some of Pat’s code in every Android device on the planet.

Pat has contributed to a number of additional companies both as an employee and an advisor. He currently runs a hosting company with data centres in Toronto and Montreal, works as an instructor on a number of design courses at Carleton University, and recently completed a master’s degree in bio-medical engineering.

“During a recent lunch, Pat and I reminisced about the smell of solder and data books that seemed to arrive at Mitel daily back in the early 80’s” says Gillette. “We talked about our list of home projects, the Internet of Things, and electric cars—Pat actually modified a Mazda convertible to be fully electric long before Toyota started producing their hybrids. The licence plate read ‘NO 2 GAS’ and I remember him telling me how it often startled pedestrians. Tesla would discover that same thing years later,” he adds.

These days, Pat Beirne continues to experiment with IoT devices, contributes to several open source software projects, all while setting a high standard for colleagues and competitors alike.

THE KANATA NETWORKER

16

“There are some things that you notice when you’ve worked in an industry for over 30 years. One of the things that we’ve noticed is that there are lots of really smart people, but very few truly love what they do long term. When you meet one of these people socially or in an interview, you can recognize their potential right away and it’s exciting,” says Gillette.

While the real world and the industry can’t provide us with a definition of what it takes to be a serious techie, Fred believes that if you have these key traits, you might be in it for the long haul: • You’ve kept your technical skills up to date.

S

ERIOUS TECH LIVES HERE!

MEE T T WO OF K A N ATA NORT H ’ S SERIOUS T ECH V E TER A NS A ND LE ARN W H Y T HE Y LOV E W H AT THE Y DO

Since 1991 the technology industry has consistently grown here in Kanata North.

Today our Tech Park is home to more than 500 businesses employing 21,000 people.

And thanks to our community’s early contributors, we have a long and rich history within the broader technology industry. In fact, many of our longest-serving Kanata techies were behind some of the industries groundbreaking new technologies and emerging companies of the 80s and 90s.

We’re profiling Kanata North tech veterans Fred Gillette, Senior Specialist at Nokia Solutions and Networks; and Pat Beirne, Chief Science Advisor at CSD Labs and CEO of AppHostCanada, to learn what it means to be in the business for the long term and why they still have a passion for technology today.

15

• If you don’t work in a hands-on technical role at work, you’re likely tinkering at home on some tech project or geeky innovation.

• If you’re retired or semi-retired, you still have a number of technical projects on the go.

• You’re always looking for a new piece of hardware or software to solve a problem.

• You read technical journals and compare notes with other serious techies.

“These are just a few of the obvious traits, but one thing is certain, it becomes a lifestyle and inspiration that is woven into the fabric of our existence,” Fred explains. And this is exactly what has happened to both Gillette and Beirne.

But where does a would-be long-time techie get their start? To answer that question, Gillette gave us an inside look into the multi-decade careers of these two Kanata North tech veterans.

PAT BEIRNE Current work status: Semi-retired Years in industry: 42 Has worked for: Mitel, Corel, Rebel, Mitel Knowledge, MKC, AppHostCanada Has advised and contributed to: Benbria, Teldio, eSight, EcoVu, Zim

THE KANATA NETWORKER

Pat began his career in the tech industry in the early 80s at Mitel where Fred remembers meeting the guy who would go on to become a founding member of Corel.

“When I was a new grad fresh out of community college in 1981, I ended up at tech company in Kanata called Mitel (MIke and Terry’s Lawnmowers),” recalls Fred Gillette. “One of the first people I met was Pat, who was teaching a course on telephony. The telephone industry had just been deregulated, so new companies were springing up to leverage the opportunities in that space. At that time, telephony was not something that was taught in schools, so Pat had been tasked with bringing new grads up to speed. He showed up for class on his motorbike, in a leather jacket, looking like some kind of rebel without a cause. Years later he would help found a company called Rebel. Fred remembers how “Pat taught us the basics of telephony and then challenged us with assignments that opened our minds to what seemed like endless possibilities.”

That was 1981, but Pat’s journey began before that with a short stint at DND where he worked on secret projects. An early member of Mitel, Pat contributed to many of their initial products. Perhaps the most notable of these was something called a SMarT dialer. Like many successful products, the SMarT dialer made its name thanks to legislation in the US requiring phone companies to offer customers long-distance calling options. The product allowed phone companies to route calls based on a number of programmable options, opening the door to over a billion dollars in sales by the year 2000.

With his Mitel successes in his back pocket, Pat moved on to Corel where once again he was a founding member.

Here he contributed to products like CorelDRAW, Corel VideoStudio, the Netwinder appliance, and ARM Linux.

By 1996, all versions of Linux ran on x86 platforms. A key contribution to

PAT B EIR N E

the port of the Linux operating system to the ARM platform, there is some of Pat’s code in every Android device on the planet.

Pat has contributed to a number of additional companies both as an employee and an advisor. He currently runs a hosting company with data centres in Toronto and Montreal, works as an instructor on a number of design courses at Carleton University, and recently completed a master’s degree in bio-medical engineering.

“During a recent lunch, Pat and I reminisced about the smell of solder and data books that seemed to arrive at Mitel daily back in the early 80’s” says Gillette. “We talked about our list of home projects, the Internet of Things, and electric cars—Pat actually modified a Mazda convertible to be fully electric long before Toyota started producing their hybrids. The licence plate read ‘NO 2 GAS’ and I remember him telling me how it often startled pedestrians. Tesla would discover that same thing years later,” he adds.

These days, Pat Beirne continues to experiment with IoT devices, contributes to several open source software projects, all while setting a high standard for colleagues and competitors alike.

THE KANATA NETWORKER

16

FRED GILLETTE Current work status: Full time Years in industry: 35 Companies: Mitel, Newbridge Networks, CrossKeys, Telexis, March Networks, MKC, Magor, Nakina Systems, Nokia You can learn more about Fred and his projects at www.ajgillette.com.

Fred’s journey into technology happened quite by accident. He discovered at an early age that he was pretty handy, but finding a way to translate his skills proved difficult.

As a teenager he attended a technical high school in Cornwall, Ontario, to learn basic trade skills like plumbing, car repair, and how to frame and wire houses. After losing interest in school in grades 12 and 13, Fred left his studies in the late 70s to work for a local house builder. Finding manual labour difficult and understimulating, he was motivated to return to school.

In 1978 he enrolled to study electrical engineering technology, convincing his girlfriend to join the program as well.

There, she taught him how to study and they both graduated with top marks in 1981.

“It was an interesting time because there was a massive shortage in the high tech industry. The shortage resulted in multiple job offers upon graduation.

I ended up choosing a position at Mitel, where the average age of the employees was 25,” says Gillette.

In 1982 Fred and his now wife enrolled in the Computer Science program at the University of Ottawa. They spent the next four years working full time and attending classes with a full course load in the evenings. They graduated together again in the spring of 1987 and focused their careers on software development.

17

THE KANATA NETWORKER

During the final year of his degree, the company Gillette was working for, Mitel, changed ownership. At that time the outgoing owner Terry Matthews formed a new company called Newbridge Networks. Fred was the first Mitel employee to make the jump to the new start-up that would become one of the most successful companies ever founded in Kanata North.

“Newbridge is why the business park was created and why it has expanded to become the home to many of the newest tech companies in the Ottawa area,” says Gillette.

After working together with Matthews for 32 years at various companies, Gillette and Matthews parted ways in 2013 following a restructuring of the senior management team.

Gillette then worked as a contractor on mobile applications for Android and iOS, and in 2013, he was offered a position at Nakina Systems, a company later acquired by Nokia in 2016.

Lindsay Hockey Sales Representative, Principal D 613.696.2766 E lindsay.hockey@avisonyoung.com

FR ED G I L L E T T E

These two tech veterans have been navigating the ebb and flow of the industry and have brought passion to their work for decades. Their accomplishments and commitment to growing the industry make them serious tech veterans who embody our community’s mantra #SeriousTechLivesHere!

Oliver Kershaw Sales Representative, Principal D 613.696.2762 E oliver.kershaw@avisonyoung.com

LINDSAY HOCKEY & OLIVER KERSHAW JOIN AVISON YOUNG’ S OTTAWA OFFICE TO EXPAND THE COMPANIES TECHNOLOGY PRACTICE GROUP

Change is good!

Partnership. Performance.

Avison Young Commercial Real Estate (Ontario) Inc. , Brokerage 45 O`Connor Street, Suite 800, Ottawa, K1P 1A4

www.avisonyoung.com

For Fred, the 35-year journey taught him some important career lessons.

He has worked as a hardware designer, software designer, project manager, product manager, team leader, and vice-president. To Fred, titles don’t mean much in technical companies. He believes “it’s really about the skills that you bring to the table and how hard you are willing to work. There’s a neverending list of things to do, and though not all of those will make you a lot of money, every one of them will make you feel accomplished.”

Today, Fred Gillette continues to experiment with technology at work and at home. He believes that off-hours projects and skills often map to work projects. Fred’s current home projects involve a number of different wireless platforms that he hopes to apply to IoT projects.

THE KANATA NETWORKER

18

FRED GILLETTE Current work status: Full time Years in industry: 35 Companies: Mitel, Newbridge Networks, CrossKeys, Telexis, March Networks, MKC, Magor, Nakina Systems, Nokia You can learn more about Fred and his projects at http://www.ajgillette.com.

Fred’s journey into technology happened quite by accident. He discovered at an early age that he was pretty handy, but finding a way to translate his skills proved difficult.

As a teenager he attended a technical high school in Cornwall, Ontario, to learn basic trade skills like plumbing, car repair, and how to frame and wire houses. After losing interest in school in grades 12 and 13, Fred left his studies in the late 70s to work for a local house builder. Finding manual labour difficult and understimulating, he was motivated to return to school.

In 1978 he enrolled to study electrical engineering technology, convincing his girlfriend to join the program as well.

There, she taught him how to study and they both graduated with top marks in 1981.

“It was an interesting time because there was a massive shortage in the high tech industry. The shortage resulted in multiple job offers upon graduation.

I ended up choosing a position at Mitel, where the average age of the employees was 25,” says Gillette.

In 1982 Fred and his now wife enrolled in the Computer Science program at the University of Ottawa. They spent the next four years working full time and attending classes with a full course load in the evenings. They graduated together again in the spring of 1987 and focused their careers on software development.

17

THE KANATA NETWORKER

During the final year of his degree, the company Gillette was working for, Mitel, changed ownership. At that time the outgoing owner Terry Matthews formed a new company called Newbridge Networks. Fred was the first Mitel employee to make the jump to the new start-up that would become one of the most successful companies ever founded in Kanata North.

“Newbridge is why the business park was created and why it has expanded to become the home to many of the newest tech companies in the Ottawa area,” says Gillette.

After working together with Matthews for 32 years at various companies, Gillette and Matthews parted ways in 2013 following a restructuring of the senior management team.

Gillette then worked as a contractor on mobile applications for Android and iOS, and in 2013, he was offered a position at Nakina Systems, a company later acquired by Nokia in 2016.

Lindsay Hockey Sales Representative, Principal D 613.696.2766 E lindsay.hockey@avisonyoung.com

FR ED G I L L E T T E

These two tech veterans have been navigating the ebb and flow of the industry and have brought passion to their work for decades. Their accomplishments and commitment to growing the industry make them serious tech veterans who embody our community’s mantra #SeriousTechLivesHere!

Oliver Kershaw Sales Representative, Principal D 613.696.2762 E oliver.kershaw@avisonyoung.com

LINDSAY HOCKEY & OLIVER KERSHAW JOIN AVISON YOUNG’ S OTTAWA OFFICE TO EXPAND THE COMPANIES TECHNOLOGY PRACTICE GROUP

Change is good!

Partnership. Performance.

Avison Young Commercial Real Estate (Ontario) Inc. , Brokerage 45 O`Connor Street, Suite 800, Ottawa, K1P 1A4

www.avisonyoung.com

For Fred, the 35-year journey taught him some important career lessons.

He has worked as a hardware designer, software designer, project manager, product manager, team leader, and vice-president. To Fred, titles don’t mean much in technical companies. He believes “it’s really about the skills that you bring to the table and how hard you are willing to work. There’s a neverending list of things to do, and though not all of those will make you a lot of money, every one of them will make you feel accomplished.”

Today, Fred Gillette continues to experiment with technology at work and at home. He believes that off-hours projects and skills often map to work projects. Fred’s current home projects involve a number of different wireless platforms that he hopes to apply to IoT projects.

THE KANATA NETWORKER

18

Why should I choose to move to a retirement residence?

From my experience working with seniors and their families, there’s a laundry list of reasons why people choose a retirement lifestyle—no two people make the transition for the same combination of reasons.

Apart from requiring assistance with day-to-day care and living, the most common reason I hear is a desire for the companionship and friendship that combat feelings of isolation or even depression. Other people cite a desire—particularly seniors who have recently lost a partner—to feel safe with trusted people around them in case of emergency. In general, it is the desire for an enhanced quality of life that includes nutritious prepared meals, general household services like housekeeping and laundry, social activities, and a feeling of belonging within a community.

I don’t presently have any health concerns, so is retirement residence living right for me?

There’s so much more to a retirement living lifestyle than receiving care support! No matter how independent and healthy you are, a retirement residence can facilitate and enhance your quality of life and help you maintain your overall well-being. Retirement

C

HARTWELL HELPS SENIORS CONSIDERING RETIREMENT RESIDENCE LIVING

HOW D O YOU KNOW W HEN YOU (OR A LOV ED ONE) ARE RE A DY FOR RE TIREMENT RESIDENCE LIVING ?

This can be a difficult question to answer. That’s why Margaret Dennis, sales consultant for Kanata-based Chartwell Retirement Residence, is here to answer some key questions for anyone considering a move to retirement residence living.

residences help improve quality of life through meaningful friendships, convenient services, accessible activities, and the comfort of living in a safe, supportive environment that meets their health needs. In my mind, it’s better to choose a senior living lifestyle when you’re healthy, independent, and able to take full advantage of retirement services rather than after a health issue has occurred.

How do I know when I’m ready for a retirement living lifestyle?

It will take some personal reflection to determine if you’re ready or not, but here are some questions I recommend people consider: • Is the upkeep of your home becoming more than you can handle?

• Are you eating three nutritious meals per day?

• Is grocery shopping becoming a struggle?

• Do you still drive?

• Are you finding it tough to arrange transportation to and from appointments or social gatherings?

• If you live alone, do you feel unsafe or isolated?

• Are you nervous that if you had a health scare, no one will be around to help you?

• Do you find that as you continue to age, your lifestyle is becoming less desirable than you had hoped or planned?

• Do you feel uncomfortable or worried about having to rely on family for assistance?

Lastly, reflect on some of the reasons for (and benefits of) retirement living that I mentioned above. Do any of these resonate with you or make you feel there are areas of life where improvements can be made? If you find yourself answering yes to many of these questions, it might be time to consider the benefits of a retirement lifestyle more seriously.

Still unsure if you’re ready for retirement living?

Take our “Is it time?” survey found on our website for more helpful insight.

Margaret Dennis, Sales Consultant 613-663-2967 CHARTWELL KANATA Retirement Residence 20 Shirley’s Brook Drive, Kanata, ON K2K 2W8 www.chartwell.com

Getting to know my residents is a privilege. My job is their happiness.

PETER, ADMINISTRATOR WORKING AT CHARTWELL SINCE 2013.

CHARTWELL.COM

FREE

Make us part of your story.

lunch & learns at your offices

20 Shirley’s Brook Dr., Kanata 613-663-2967

Conditions may apply.

19

THE KANATA NETWORKER

THE KANATA NETWORKER

20

Why should I choose to move to a retirement residence?

From my experience working with seniors and their families, there’s a laundry list of reasons why people choose a retirement lifestyle—no two people make the transition for the same combination of reasons.

Apart from requiring assistance with day-to-day care and living, the most common reason I hear is a desire for the companionship and friendship that combat feelings of isolation or even depression. Other people cite a desire—particularly seniors who have recently lost a partner—to feel safe with trusted people around them in case of emergency. In general, it is the desire for an enhanced quality of life that includes nutritious prepared meals, general household services like housekeeping and laundry, social activities, and a feeling of belonging within a community.

I don’t presently have any health concerns, so is retirement residence living right for me?

There’s so much more to a retirement living lifestyle than receiving care support! No matter how independent and healthy you are, a retirement residence can facilitate and enhance your quality of life and help you maintain your overall well-being. Retirement

C

HARTWELL HELPS SENIORS CONSIDERING RETIREMENT RESIDENCE LIVING

HOW D O YOU KNOW W HEN YOU (OR A LOV ED ONE) ARE RE A DY FOR RE TIREMENT RESIDENCE LIVING ?

This can be a difficult question to answer. That’s why Margaret Dennis, sales consultant for Kanata-based Chartwell Retirement Residence, is here to answer some key questions for anyone considering a move to retirement residence living.

residences help improve quality of life through meaningful friendships, convenient services, accessible activities, and the comfort of living in a safe, supportive environment that meets their health needs. In my mind, it’s better to choose a senior living lifestyle when you’re healthy, independent, and able to take full advantage of retirement services rather than after a health issue has occurred.

How do I know when I’m ready for a retirement living lifestyle?

It will take some personal reflection to determine if you’re ready or not, but here are some questions I recommend people consider: • Is the upkeep of your home becoming more than you can handle?

• Are you eating three nutritious meals per day?

• Is grocery shopping becoming a struggle?

• Do you still drive?

• Are you finding it tough to arrange transportation to and from appointments or social gatherings?

• If you live alone, do you feel unsafe or isolated?

• Are you nervous that if you had a health scare, no one will be around to help you?

• Do you find that as you continue to age, your lifestyle is becoming less desirable than you had hoped or planned?

• Do you feel uncomfortable or worried about having to rely on family for assistance?

Lastly, reflect on some of the reasons for (and benefits of) retirement living that I mentioned above. Do any of these resonate with you or make you feel there are areas of life where improvements can be made? If you find yourself answering yes to many of these questions, it might be time to consider the benefits of a retirement lifestyle more seriously.

Still unsure if you’re ready for retirement living?

Take our “Is it time?” survey found on our website for more helpful insight.

Margaret Dennis, Sales Consultant 613-663-2967 CHARTWELL KANATA Retirement Residence 20 Shirley’s Brook Drive, Kanata, ON K2K 2W8 www.chartwell.com

Getting to know my residents is a privilege. My job is their happiness.

PETER, ADMINISTRATOR WORKING AT CHARTWELL SINCE 2013.

CHARTWELL.COM

FREE

Make us part of your story.

lunch & learns at your offices

20 Shirley’s Brook Dr., Kanata 613-663-2967

Conditions may apply.

19

THE KANATA NETWORKER

THE KANATA NETWORKER

20

C

O-OP STUDENTS EMBRACE UNIQUE CULTURE AND CREATIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCES AT YOU.I TV W R I T T EN BY E ZR A P O P LOV E

Coming to work in a Barney costume might be taboo in most offices, but for Travis Swan, a co-op student with You.i TV in the fall of 2015, it’s just another day at the office!

“Simply put, working at You.i TV is a combination of energy, enthusiasm, motivation, [and] empowerment.”

You.i TV is a company taking the world of multiplatform video streaming apps by storm. Their product You.i Engine helps companies build multiscreen apps that create fans, engage users, and convert consumers from a single code base. And as the company continues to grow, co-op students are beginning to play a key role in driving the work forward. In fact, co-op placements make up about 10% of the 150+ person company. You.i TV offers a variety of co-op opportunities in software testing, software development, project management, and sales teams available to students throughout the school year.

In addition to their regular duties, students have access to many great opportunities. During their first month at the company, students are paired with a mentor to support them during the term and answer any questions they may have. Students can also take advantage of professional development opportunities, like lunch and learns, and participate in various company guilds focused on developing tech-related skills. Above all, the team at You.i TV ensures co-op students are always engaged and take an active role in the work being done.

21

THE KANATA NETWORKER

The co-op students have embraced the positive environment that You.i TV has created for them and are keen to contribute something in return. A great example of co-op student contributions is You.i TV’s Internal Hackathons.

Participants and former co-op students Mark Leung and Sofiane Battou used this event to showcase how You.i Engine, a development app similar to game development engine Unity, could be used to recreate one of the company’s apps from scratch in a single day.

This strong co-op environment has created many opportunities for You.i TV as it continues to grow. Over the years, You.i TV has developed great relationships with many university co-op offices and the company has hired many students to full-time positions after graduation.

As You.i TV grows, co-op students will continue to be part of the company’s core.

For You.i TV’s current co-op students Tamimi Ahmad from Carleton University and Spencer Charles from the University of Waterloo, the experience has been so great that they’ve stayed on as co-op students with the company for a full school year.

“Simply put, working at You.i TV is a combination of energy, enthusiasm, motivation, empowerment, and of course, free snacks! What I love about working here is the experiences gained that vary from science to art. Blending this experience with a unique culture that encourages personal development and growth is a great way to work on something that will change the future of television for everyone around you,” says Ahmad.

THE KANATA NETWORKER

22

C

O-OP STUDENTS EMBRACE UNIQUE CULTURE AND CREATIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCES AT YOU.I TV W R I T T EN BY E ZR A P O P LOV E

Coming to work in a Barney costume might be taboo in most offices, but for Travis Swan, a co-op student with You.i TV in the fall of 2015, it’s just another day at the office!

“Simply put, working at You.i TV is a combination of energy, enthusiasm, motivation, [and] empowerment.”

You.i TV is a company taking the world of multiplatform video streaming apps by storm. Their product You.i Engine helps companies build multiscreen apps that create fans, engage users, and convert consumers from a single code base. And as the company continues to grow, co-op students are beginning to play a key role in driving the work forward. In fact, co-op placements make up about 10% of the 150+ person company. You.i TV offers a variety of co-op opportunities in software testing, software development, project management, and sales teams available to students throughout the school year.

In addition to their regular duties, students have access to many great opportunities. During their first month at the company, students are paired with a mentor to support them during the term and answer any questions they may have. Students can also take advantage of professional development opportunities, like lunch and learns, and participate in various company guilds focused on developing tech-related skills. Above all, the team at You.i TV ensures co-op students are always engaged and take an active role in the work being done.

21

THE KANATA NETWORKER

The co-op students have embraced the positive environment that You.i TV has created for them and are keen to contribute something in return. A great example of co-op student contributions is You.i TV’s Internal Hackathons.

Participants and former co-op students Mark Leung and Sofiane Battou used this event to showcase how You.i Engine, a development app similar to game development engine Unity, could be used to recreate one of the company’s apps from scratch in a single day.

This strong co-op environment has created many opportunities for You.i TV as it continues to grow. Over the years, You.i TV has developed great relationships with many university co-op offices and the company has hired many students to full-time positions after graduation.

As You.i TV grows, co-op students will continue to be part of the company’s core.

For You.i TV’s current co-op students Tamimi Ahmad from Carleton University and Spencer Charles from the University of Waterloo, the experience has been so great that they’ve stayed on as co-op students with the company for a full school year.

“Simply put, working at You.i TV is a combination of energy, enthusiasm, motivation, empowerment, and of course, free snacks! What I love about working here is the experiences gained that vary from science to art. Blending this experience with a unique culture that encourages personal development and growth is a great way to work on something that will change the future of television for everyone around you,” says Ahmad.

THE KANATA NETWORKER

22

S

TART-UP BITESITE INC. BLENDS VIDEO PRODUCTION AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT FOR A MIGHTY IMPACT Ottawa-based software development and video production firm BiteSite Inc. has its roots in Kanata North. A start-up created by former Teldio software engineer turned company founder and CEO, Casey Li, BiteSite Inc. was built to blend two of his passions. Armed with an undergraduate degree in Software Engineering and formal film school training, Li set his vision in motion on June 19, 2012.

“I’m really striving to create a company that I love to work for and take on projects that I love to work on­, projects that make both our staff and our clients say ‘wow’.”

During BiteSite Inc.’s early days, it was Teldio CEO Carl Carruthers who supported Li’s transition from full-­time software engineer to start-up CEO. What started as a one-man show delivering web design, web development, video production, graphic design, and photography quickly grew as the company landed clients in the Wesley Clover company family, including Martello and Solink.

Over time, BiteSite Inc. made its name as a small web applications and video production company, eventually catching the eye of L-SPARK, one of its biggest clients.

Today, BiteSite Inc. has expanded to include a small but mighty four-person team focused on building large-scale web applications and video productions. The team includes filmmaker Tim Clark and software engineers Ryan O’Connor and Menelik Tucker.

The team serves start-ups and businesses to outsource their MVP, optimize workflows, and provide added value to customers. On the video side, BiteSite Inc. produces high-quality, cinematic videos for event coverage, product explanations, customer testimonials, training, and more for clients including the following:

Among BiteSite Inc.’s recent projects are production of the annual L-SPARK cohort graduation videos, explainer videos for FileFacets, and video production for InternationalSafety.com.

By marrying the worlds of software development and video production, BiteSite Inc. offers clients a unique opportunity to add marketing products and activities to their software service offerings.

For Li, his original vision of creating an amazing place to work where creative experts produce quality software and video products is coming true. And though the BiteSite Inc. team is small, Li follows management strategies from the big guys, from encouraging his team to work on their own projects to 20% free creative time to being open to future growth opportunities. For Li, the start-up phase is the best time to build a strong company culture. “I’m really striving to create a company that I love to work for and take on projects that I love to work on,­projects that make both our staff and our clients say ‘wow’.”

www.bitesite.ca

• Teldio • L-­SPARK

23

THE KANATA NETWORKER

• Martello Solink • FileFacets • Welch LLP • Save It Like Sully • Mydoma • International Safety • Splice Group Consulting

THE KANATA NETWORKER

24

S

TART-UP BITESITE INC. BLENDS VIDEO PRODUCTION AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT FOR A MIGHTY IMPACT Ottawa-based software development and video production firm BiteSite Inc. has its roots in Kanata North. A start-up created by former Teldio software engineer turned company founder and CEO, Casey Li, BiteSite Inc. was built to blend two of his passions. Armed with an undergraduate degree in Software Engineering and formal film school training, Li set his vision in motion on June 19, 2012.

“I’m really striving to create a company that I love to work for and take on projects that I love to work on­, projects that make both our staff and our clients say ‘wow’.”

During BiteSite Inc.’s early days, it was Teldio CEO Carl Carruthers who supported Li’s transition from full-time software engineer to start-up CEO. What started as a one-man show delivering web design, web development, video production, graphic design, and photography quickly grew as the company landed clients in the Wesley Clover company family, including Martello and Solink.

Over time, BiteSite Inc. made its name as a small web applications and video production company, eventually catching the eye of L-SPARK, one of its biggest clients.

Today, BiteSite Inc. has expanded to include a small but mighty four-person team focused on building large-scale web applications and video productions. The team includes filmmaker Tim Clark and software engineers Ryan O’Connor and Menelik Tucker.

The team serves start-ups and businesses to outsource their MVP, optimize workflows, and provide added value to customers. On the video side, BiteSite Inc. produces high-quality, cinematic videos for event coverage, product explanations, customer testimonials, training, and more for clients including the following:

Among BiteSite Inc.’s recent projects are production of the annual L-SPARK cohort graduation videos, explainer videos for FileFacets, and video production for InternationalSafety.com.

By marrying the worlds of software development and video production, BiteSite Inc. offers clients a unique opportunity to add marketing products and activities to their software service offerings.

For Li, his original vision of creating an amazing place to work where creative experts produce quality software and video products is coming true. And though the BiteSite Inc. team is small, Li follows management strategies from the big guys, from encouraging his team to work on their own projects to 20% free creative time to being open to future growth opportunities. For Li, the start-up phase is the best time to build a strong company culture. “I’m really striving to create a company that I love to work for and take on projects that I love to work on,­projects that make both our staff and our clients say ‘wow’.”

www.bitesite.ca

• Teldio • L-­SPARK

23

THE KANATA NETWORKER

• Martello Solink • FileFacets • Welch LLP • Save It Like Sully • Mydoma • International Safety • Splice Group Consulting

THE KANATA NETWORKER

24

T

HE WHITE HOUSE BAR AND GRILL SERVES UP FRESH EATS IN KANATA NORTH

Named for its all-white exterior, The White House Bar and Grill is quickly becoming a favourite among companies in the Kanata Tech Park and beyond. Open since May of 2015, this spot has hosted private events for politicians, locals for lunch, and tech companies looking to celebrate or entertain.

For owner and operator Veronica Loaiza, opening this place was all about connecting with her guests through great experiences. “I want to make everyone feel comfortable and create a place where customers become friends,” says Loaiza. Originally from Columbia, the former Spanish news journalist with a flare for dining and design was working in Chicago when she decided to uproot and open a restaurant in the tech capital of Canada.

THE SPACE

Inside, the sleek and modern interior, conceptualized and designed by Veronica herself, includes furniture from MYHome, accented by blooming flower arrangements from renowned floral designer and Ottawa native Michael Gough. In the main dining room, a twinkling light installation in the ceiling mimics a starry sky. Outside on the expansive patio, guests are often treated to the sounds of local musicians.

THE MENU

A Kanata hot spot for brunch and lunch, The White House Bar and Grill serves up a Mediterranean-inspired menu of Greek and Maltese dishes from Chef Dan LaPointe.

Guest favourites include the hugely popular Warm Salad of sautéed veggies, mixed greens and herbs, maple syrup, goat’s cheese, and roasted almonds.

For a heartier meal, there’s the White House BLT with thick-cut bacon and artisanal mayo prepared in-house. On Taco Tuesdays, local techies pop in for two soft or hard shell tacos for five dollars.

25

THE KANATA NETWORKER

At the elegant bar, cocktails are sipped in the glow and warmth of the stone counter. A coveted spot in the colder months, the bar is dimly lit and warms up to keep guests comfortable. “Ladies love to sit here and sip wine in the winter,” says Loaiza.

NEW THIS FALL

On September 6, The White House Bar and Grill launched three exciting new offerings, including an express deli lunch counter for busy workers looking to grab and go. Savoury sandwiches and fresh sides made with ingredients from the restaurant’s on-site organic garden are prepared daily and ready to take away.

Also new this fall, The White House Bar and Grill will extend their hours to include dinner service and will welcome the after-work crowd for happy hour, featuring drinks and small plates from 3:00 to 6:00 pm.

THE WHITE HOUSE BAR AND GRILL 4049 Carling Road Ottawa, ON K2A 2A4 613-287-4114 www.whitehousekanata.com

M ED I T ER R A N E A N I N S PIR ED D I S H E S S ER V ED DA I LY

D I N N ER S ER V I CE AT T H E WHITE HOUSE BAR AND GRILL B EG I N S S EP T EM B ER 6

Full catering services available.

Hours of Operation Monday Closed Tuesday & Wednesday 9am–8pm Thursday 9am–9pm Friday & Saturday 9am–10pm Sunday 9am–6pm

EN J OY T W O TACO S F O R FI V E D O L L A R S E V ERY TACO T U E S DAY

THE KANATA NETWORKER

26

T

HE WHITE HOUSE BAR AND GRILL SERVES UP FRESH EATS IN KANATA NORTH

Named for its all-white exterior, The White House Bar and Grill is quickly becoming a favourite among companies in the Kanata Tech Park and beyond. Open since May of 2015, this spot has hosted private events for politicians, locals for lunch, and tech companies looking to celebrate or entertain.

For owner and operator Veronica Loaiza, opening this place was all about connecting with her guests through great experiences. “I want to make everyone feel comfortable and create a place where customers become friends,” says Loaiza. Originally from Columbia, the former Spanish news journalist with a flare for dining and design was working in Chicago when she decided to uproot and open a restaurant in the tech capital of Canada.

THE SPACE

Inside, the sleek and modern interior, conceptualized and designed by Veronica herself, includes furniture from MYHome, accented by blooming flower arrangements from renowned floral designer and Ottawa native Michael Gough. In the main dining room, a twinkling light installation in the ceiling mimics a starry sky. Outside on the expansive patio, guests are often treated to the sounds of local musicians.

THE MENU

A Kanata hot spot for brunch and lunch, The White House Bar and Grill serves up a Mediterranean-inspired menu of Greek and Maltese dishes from Chef Dan LaPointe.

Guest favourites include the hugely popular Warm Salad of sautéed veggies, mixed greens and herbs, maple syrup, goat’s cheese, and roasted almonds.

For a heartier meal, there’s the White House BLT with thick-cut bacon and artisanal mayo prepared in-house. On Taco Tuesdays, local techies pop in for two soft or hard shell tacos for five dollars.

25

THE KANATA NETWORKER

At the elegant bar, cocktails are sipped in the glow and warmth of the stone counter. A coveted spot in the colder months, the bar is dimly lit and warms up to keep guests comfortable. “Ladies love to sit here and sip wine in the winter,” says Loaiza.

NEW THIS FALL

On September 6, The White House Bar and Grill launched three exciting new offerings, including an express deli lunch counter for busy workers looking to grab and go. Savoury sandwiches and fresh sides made with ingredients from the restaurant’s on-site organic garden are prepared daily and ready to take away.

Also new this fall, The White House Bar and Grill will extend their hours to include dinner service and will welcome the after-work crowd for happy hour, featuring drinks and small plates from 3:00 to 6:00 pm.

THE WHITE HOUSE BAR AND GRILL 4049 Carling Road Ottawa, ON K2A 2A4 613-287-4114 www.whitehousekanata.com

M ED I T ER R A N E A N I N S PIR ED D I S H E S S ER V ED DA I LY

D I N N ER S ER V I CE AT T H E WHITE HOUSE BAR AND GRILL B EG I N S S EP T EM B ER 6

Full catering services available.

Hours of Operation Monday Closed Tuesday & Wednesday 9am–8pm Thursday 9am–9pm Friday & Saturday 9am–10pm Sunday 9am–6pm

EN J OY T W O TACO S F O R FI V E D O L L A R S E V ERY TACO T U E S DAY

THE KANATA NETWORKER

26

Kanata North is full of the best kind of surprises.

We did some research (ok, a lot), analyzed the data, crunched the numbers and what we found was exhilarating. Exciting. Thought-provoking.

#SeriousTechLivesHere

PRODUCTIVITY

Kanata North is home to over 500+ companies.

value-add of Kanata North $7.8 billion net to Canada’s GDP 20,300 direct employees The average contribution to per Canadian worker $85,000 GDP The average contribution to $255,000 GDP Kanata North worker North 3x higher than the national average Kanata productivity level

75% of Kanata North’s tech firms have less than 50 employees.

EMPLOYMENT

20,263 + 10,416 = 30,679

directly employed indirectly employed total

Tech employment, from 1991 to present, has consistently

grown in Kanata.

REVENUES

Combined, the top 20 companies in Kanata North generated $3.3 billion

20% 24% 30% 11% 6% 6% 2%

1-10 Employees 11-20 Employees 21-50 Employees 51-100 Employees 101-200 Employees 201-500 Employees 501+ Employees

OWNERSHIP

Who owns the businesses in Kanata North?

64%

of the technology sector is Canadian owned

36%

of the technology sector is foreign-owned

in revenues in 2015.

PROPERTY VALUES

Kanata North commercial properties are valued at over $1 billion for city tax purposes.

Kanata North is the largest Technology Park in Canada and contributes an impressive $7.8 billion to GDP

27

THE KANATA NETWORKER

THE KANATA NETWORKER

28

Kanata North is full of the best kind of surprises.

We did some research (ok, a lot), analyzed the data, crunched the numbers and what we found was exhilarating. Exciting. Thought-provoking.

#SeriousTechLivesHere

PRODUCTIVITY

Kanata North is home to over 500+ companies.

value-add of Kanata North $7.8 billion net to Canada’s GDP 20,300 direct employees The average contribution to per Canadian worker $85,000 GDP The average contribution to $255,000 GDP Kanata North worker North 3x higher than the national average Kanata productivity level

75% of Kanata North’s tech firms have less than 50 employees.

EMPLOYMENT

20,263 + 10,416 = 30,679

directly employed indirectly employed total

Tech employment, from 1991 to present, has consistently

grown in Kanata.

REVENUES

Combined, the top 20 companies in Kanata North generated $3.3 billion

20% 24% 30% 11% 6% 6% 2%

1-10 Employees 11-20 Employees 21-50 Employees 51-100 Employees 101-200 Employees 201-500 Employees 501+ Employees

OWNERSHIP

Who owns the businesses in Kanata North?

64%

of the technology sector is Canadian owned

36%

of the technology sector is foreign-owned

in revenues in 2015.

PROPERTY VALUES

Kanata North commercial properties are valued at over $1 billion for city tax purposes.

Kanata North is the largest Technology Park in Canada and contributes an impressive $7.8 billion to GDP

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THE KANATA NETWORKER

THE KANATA NETWORKER

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