When did you graduate from U of T Engineering, and what department did you graduate from?
CompE 0T3
What position do you currently hold?
President and CEO, Inovex Inc.
What industry are you currently involved in, and what do you find compelling/interesting about it?
I currently run a software development firm based in Oakville with a fellow alumnus (who is also my former undergrad lab partner). We specialize in the development of enterprise web and mobile applications, with a focus on health care, environmental services, and energy. What’s interesting about the software domain is that you have the ability to work in so many different industries, and learn a great deal about each. Since I founded Inovex over 9 years ago, we’ve had the opportunity to watch our real-time data acquisition software on oil rigs in northern Alberta, and teach Cubans about mobile data collection in water and wastewater operations in Havana.
Why do you feel alumni involvement is important?
There are so many opportunities that I wish existed while I was at university, and as alumni we have the power to help create these opportunities for future leaders. My involvement with the alumni association has given me the opportunity to meet with so many inspiring students and alumni that I otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance to meet. It is oftentimes through these chance encounters and conversations that innovation can transpire. Fostering a community of entrepreneurship, networking, and innovation is something that is important to me. It’s also something that one’s involvement as an alumnus can certainly provide.
Why do you think being a member of the Engineering Alumni Association (EAA) is important?
We are at a transformative time for the Engineering Alumni Association. We are fortunate to be working alongside a dynamic, dedicated group of individuals in our alumni and advancement office, we are blessed with a Dean whose vision for the Faculty is unparalleled, we have tremendous support from an engaged Faculty, and we have a student body that is rich in spirit and passion. It is a wonderful and important time to be part of the EAA so that we can engineer ways for each of these tremendous bodies to work together toward a common goal of world class alumni engagement.
What advice do you have for students that are about to graduate?
Think BIG. You have been given a world class education here at the University of Toronto, and as a U of T engineer, there is nothing that you can’t accomplish if you put your mind to it. Follow your passions. In the classroom, we are taught to think outside of the box, but too often I see students fearful of taking a step outside of the box to follow their passions. And finally, surround yourself with incredible dynamic people. Tap into the power of your alumni association – get involved in a meaningful way, and you will enjoy the fruits of your labour.
Why should alumni consider becoming involved in Faculty life as members of the EAA?
As an entrepreneur, networking is the single biggest thing that I take out of my involvement with the EAA. At the same time, I have always endeavoured to make the experience one of reciprocity, by sharing my knowledge and experiences not only with the students, but with fellow alumni. If you are an entrepreneur, or business-inclined, becoming involved with the EAA can open a number of doors for you that otherwise would have gone unnoticed. I have certainly made some lifelong relationships through my involvement with the EAA, and I encourage my fellow alumni to get engaged and see how the association can help you further your career aspirations.