Accelerate Okanagan’s mission is to give new and growing businesses in the technology industry the levels of competence, connections and community they need to thrive. Client Spotlight highlights AO Program client successes, challenges and entrepreneurial insights.
There's something about small towns that embrace the definition of community. While growing up in Battleford, Saskatchewan, Sheldon Gardiner learned the importance of volunteering and supporting community-minded local businesses from his parents.
Now the founder and CEO of Volinspire, a community engagement platform that connects volunteers and businesses to help support community causes, here's what Sheldon had to say about becoming an entrepreneur, the value of being involved in the tech community, and what advice he would give to aspiring entrepreneurs.
What made you decide to become an entrepreneur?
I wanted to control my own destiny and chase my dreams and crazy ideas.
How did the idea for your business come about?
We heard about students that were having troubles finding volunteer opportunities and I have two daughters so thought we better do something about it.
What problem do you solve for your customer?
We help businesses manage and showcase their corporate goodness and engage their employees. We help non-profits develop stronger relationships with businesses.
How has AO helped accelerate your growth?
The team at AO and EIRs have been wonderful at all levels. As well, the Venture Acceleration Program (VAP) is a proven system to starting a tech company. It works!
As an entrepreneur, what keeps you up at night?
Thinking of the 100 things I have to get done and making sure our team has the support they need.
What's the value of being involved in the tech community?
There is a ton of information sharing on best practices for sales, marketing, CRM's, coding, and so many other areas. It is also fun to hear success stories of other start-ups to keep us motivated.
What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs?
Celebrate the small victories along the way; success is a journey not a destination. As well, ideas are like parachutes; if you don't open up to people and get their advice and input, you will crash.
How has being an entrepreneur impacted your family, social life, or relationships?
Family is number one and always will be. My wife is 100 per cent supportive of all my crazy ideas and my kids are involved in the business. Owning your own company usually is a family affair and it takes strong commitment from them too.
What have been some of your challenges and what have you learned from them?
Our business model and technology are both very challenging. I have learned to get advice and bounce ideas off people to help figure both out.
What are three attributes needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Hard work
Good business plan
Hard work
What roles are you looking to add to your growing team?
Right now we are not looking to add anyone as we have an amazing team in place. Hopefully we will add more marketing and sales people as we grow.
How would you describe the work culture and environment at Volinspire?
Work hard but have fun too. We have a pop a shot basketball net in our office and play ping pong late Friday afternoons. We are going to be doing team volunteering in the community this summer too. Even though our core product is community driven, we want to lead by example too.
Who do you look to for mentorship/advice and why?
People who are smarter than me (not hard to find) and people who have deep experience in areas I am not an expert in.
What's next for your company?
Finalize our product and bring as many customers as we can onto our platform! We are also expanding throughout BC with organizations in Langley, Abbotsford and other areas coming on to our platform.
In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
Interesting
Volinspire is a current client of the Venture Acceleration Program (VAP). For more information about Accelerate Okanagan Programs, please click here.
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