Connect09 BCIC Promo Video

GREAT time at Connect09

killer presentation - setup a startup from the ground up

Aaron Patzer the founder and CEO of mint.com gives one of the complete and simple presentations of how to setup a startup from the ground up.

You need to watch this video. I think this is were most people lose. They over complicate it when it doesn't have to be.

Website: mint.com
Location: Mountain View, California, United States
Founded: November 1, 2006
Acquired: September, 2009 by Intuit for $170M

Mint.com is a free online personal finance service that is aimed at being “easy and secure way to manage and save money online.” The service is accessible anywhere, anytime over the web.

Mint CEO Aaron Patzer on Startups from Techcrunch on Vimeo.

Red Beacon wins Tech Crunch 50

I met Ethan Anderson co-founder of Red Beacon in February 2009 during RSA in San Francisco through a good friend at AVG Ben Kaplan. Ethan's story was intriguing and exciting as he walked me through his start up story over a beer.

In June 2009 I ended up inviting Ethan to British Columbia Canada to talk to, engage and encourage founders of Canadian Tech Startups on what it is like to do "startup" in the heart of techland, the Bay Area during a function we hosted called metabridge, with over 10 other Sr Executives we flew up from fortune 500's from the Bay Area.

Well if you haven't heard yet Red Beacon - Ethan's company won Tech Crunch 50 (TC50) a couple weeks ago and I just wanted to give a huge shout out to Ethan and his team for the hard work and dedication they all put in. Its a ton of work but as you can see from the video links and articles below....its paying off.

Now get the heck out there and do something you founders and stop reading this blog post.

Tech Crunch 50 Presentation from Red Beacon
Red Beacon receiving the $50,000 for winning Tech Crunch 50
Red Beacon Interview after winning TC50

Launch Party 8

Keys to Angel Investment for the entrepreneur

A couple weeks ago I sat down with Michael Mancini from Canada Export and Trade Office. Michael is the Editor-in-chief for Canadexport Magazine. Here is a link to the article that came out of the interview (we tried to do it over skype to see if we could imbed video into the online magazine but it didn't work - we still have a ways to go in that space).

CanadExport Magazine - 5 Keys to Angel Investing

Obama kills a fly

I guess it doesn't take much to amuse me. Saw this while up late at night reading the boxee.tv blog and thought it was hilarious and showed how real the President of the United States actually is and that is why so many like him.

Twitter Business Day

Nick Kellet (or should I call him @nickkellet) approached me a couple weeks ago about his passion for Twitter and the power it (Twitter) has to connect not just people but communities and cites.

He came up with the idea of Twitter Business Day or #TBD for you twitterer's on September 9,2009, again for your twitter freaks that would be #090909, to be able to show businesses, big and small the force a tool like twitter can produce.

Here is a video that @nickkellet did that explains what the Twitter Business Day initiative is all about. Its simple...don't over complicate it. Twitter Business Day Video

If you are not yet on Twitter... you need to be and you should to take 9 minutes to learn how to use it - Here is link for you: Twitter Video. You don't need to be a twitter freak, however its helpful to get more people to follow you. It can be very useful - example. My community has been on fire watch for the past 3 weeks due to forest fires in the area. I have found it easier and MUCH MUCH faster to find out what is going on with the fire through Twitter then it is to listen to the radio or try and find a site that's typically behind by an hour or so in its postings....just one example. I also used it to find a wireless speaker system for my house just the other day. It was fantastic, especially since the company (Sonos - Twitter name: @sonos) was also on Twitter, they sent me a tweet, set up a time to call me the follow day and POW...done. Simple and easy!

Have fun with it and use it as a tool to get instant information.

Okanagan Business Journal Article - July 2009

When Dale Fuller followed a young Kelowna entrepreneur out of Kelowna's Eldorado hotel, Steve Wandler knew that the foundation for a bridge to Silicon Valley had been laid.
Fuller, who sold his first company WhoWhere to Lycos for $133 million but has also been the CEO of big-name companies, wanted to know more about the young entrepreneur's company.
"That's what happens at a function like this," said Wandler, who sold his Kelowna start-up company ourTechOnline.com, the No. 1 ranked Online Tech Support Company in North America, to SupportSoft. "People connect and say 'I want to talk to you.' It changed (the young entrepreneur's) life because this big shot wants to know about his company and how they can do business together. Throughout the weekend, a whole bunch of this happened."
Wandler, a high-tech guru in his own right, is working with the Kelowna Economic Development Corporation to build a bridge to the San Francisco area so Okanagan tech companies can connect with high-powered executives.
He said the 10 people - from Hewlett Packard, Mitel, Red Beacon, AVG Antivirus, Trend Micro, RIM and Radware - who came for the first Metabridge in June were enthusiastic. "It really worked both ways because we didn't make it onerous on the people we invited; we let them have fun and on the side they did a few deals."
Networking is crucial to success in most businesses, but Wandler found while starting his company here that the community isn't big enough. "I thought I could do it on my own and the people I knew. Once I got exposed to the Bay area and how they got things done, my business skyrocketed.
"One of the things I have noticed with high tech is that (the people with) most of the great ideas out there have no clue where to turn to get exposure or make the connection(s) they need to get the next (first) deal," Wandler wrote on his blog. "After having a successful exit, I looked back and found that in the early days the biggest challenge wasn't the great idea we had, it was getting people worth talking to, to listen to what we had."
While he was in California, he kept getting calls from Canada asking him for an introduction to people down there. His original idea, with the support of Robert Fine of the EDC, was to bring Okanagan entrepreneurs down to California, but when he decided to come home, he turned the idea around. "The only way I was going to survive in Canada was if I connected Kelowna to the Bay area."
The success of the first Metabridge ensures it will become an annual affair, with at least two other events as well - one where Canadians go down to the Bay area, in addition to the event the EDC throws every year at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
"We're actively teaming up with the Canadian consulate in Palo Alto and San Francisco to broaden the whole thing," said Wandler. "My vision (for the Metabridge connection to Silicon Valley) is Canada, but the Okanagan is where I live so I want to focus it here. Okanagan companies will get the cream off the top because of it. Because Robert (Fine) is one of the key people, he needs to benefit from it as well; he allowed me to make this happen."
Fine started wooing Silicon Valley executives about three years ago at the CES, but knew it was time to take it to a new level.
"I'm convinced that best way to build the tech industry is by taking talent here and trying to ensure that it thrives grows and prospers," said Fine.
"The Metabridge event is the start of activity between this region and other established tech centres and connect people of influence who have significant backgrounds and connection in Silicon Valley and Eastern Canada as well."
Douglas MacLeod, executive director of the Okanagan Science and Technology Council, thinks Metabridge is a big deal because tech heavy hitters who had never heard of Kelowna before like the people and the place. "They were impressed by the capacity and capability of people here. Dale Fuller, whose great uncle was Buckminster Fuller, looks at a lot of companies and he was impressed.
"A great lesson (from the event) is that so much is about the team of people you assemble. We need to work together to build skills and experience."

Ross Freake - Okanagan Business Journal

West Kelowna Fire Map

Here is a great map of the areas effected by the West Kelowna fires. If you are not from British Columbia you probably haven't heard that West Kelowna, BC (my home city) is on fire. There are 3 major forest fires burning in our region with over 10,000 people evacuated from their homes and another 6000 on alert (my home is on alert).

it can be hard to find the areas that are threathened but I found a map that has a pretty good layout. Check it out: West Kelowna Fire Map

Best of luck to everyone effected by the fires! Stay Safe!

West Kelowna Fire - Helicopter standing by and not called out

This helicopter has been in our backyard since 9am this morning. Before the West Kelowna fire was even born. The pilot has no idea why the foresty ministry has not called them out yet.

This is ridiculous as the fire is a cat 4 fire now with homes burning.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lyj09zJ7l8A

Okanagan Science and Technology Council Announces Board of Directors

NEWS RELEASE
OSTEC Announces 2009 Board of Directors

For Immediate Release

June 25, 2009 - KELOWNA, BC - The Okanagan Science & Technology Council (OSTEC) held its 8th Annual General Meeting at the Delta Grand Okanagan on June 24, 2009. Business conducted at the meeting included presentation of the financial statements for 2008/2009 fiscal year, report of activities and election of the Board of Directors. Mr. David Jenkins has been elected to the position of President. Mr. Jenkins, with Borcom Associated Consultants, begins a one-year term as President after serving as a director on the board for two years.

The new Board of the Okanagan Science & Technology Council is as follows:

David Jenkins, Borcom Associated Consultants Inc.
President
Simone Brunton, Grant Thornton LLP
Director
John Christie, Vineyard Technology Consulting
Director
*Aaron Dow, Farris, Vaughan, Wills & Murphy LLP
Director
Raghwa Gopal
Director
Peter Haubrich, Okanagan Research & Innovation Centre (ORIC)
Director
Andrew Hay, Okanagan College
Director
David Jones, UBC - UILO
Director
Mike Martin, Quantech Software.com
Director
Jason Richards, Vineyard Networks
Director
*Dr. Ian Stuart, Faculty of Management - UBC Okanagan
Director
Jack Van der Star, WaveTeq Communications Inc.
Director
Sonja Vrcic, Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory
Director
Steve Wandler
Director
* denotes new board members
The Okanagan Science & Technology Council (OSTEC) is a not-for-profit, membership driven organization that fosters an environment that supports science and technology initiatives by acting as a representative and advocate for the interests of members and the business community as a whole. OSTEC is a conduit that brings people together, partnering with industry, agencies and government and supports the region as a globally competitive centre of excellence in the research, development and application of science, technology and innovation.

For more information, please contact:

Douglas MacLeod, Executive Director
Okanagan Science & Technology Council
e. execdir@ostec.ca
p.(250) 712-3344
f. (250) 861-4728
http://www.ostec.ca/

Kelowna Technology gaining traction in the Bay Area

http://www.kelowna.com/2009/06/24/local-tech-firms-get-shot-of-silicon/

Top Silicon Valley CEO’s Visit and get down to Business in the Okanagan as metabridge Successfully Launches





For Immediate Release – June 23rd, 2009


Kelowna - A leading group of technology company CEO’s from Silicon Valley, Washington DC, Ottawa and Toronto descended upon the Okanagan last week for an introduction to some of emerging technology companies in the Region. Dubbed metabridge, a link to established technology centres, the event was hosted by the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission and the Okanagan Science & Technology Council, and was the brainchild of Steve Wandler, a successful tech entrepreneur who returned to the Okanagan after merging his company in the Silicon Valley.

The metabridge initiative is designed to provide direct connection and access to key technology players for local companies seeking investment, joint partnerships, mentorship and advisory opportunities. Company leaders from Hewlett Packard, Mitel, Red Beacon, AVG Antivirus, Trend Micro, RIM and Radware spent two days seeking opportunities and connecting with local companies.

“This was the first step in building a comprehensive program in linking our tech community to those that are well established. A number of local companies have already had post event contact with some major players who visited”, suggested Robert Fine, Manager, Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission.

“The metabridge event introduced me to a tech community I never knew existed. I was impressed with the enthusiasm and ingenuity of the entrepreneurs I met, and I'm looking forward to maintaining the connections I made in Kelowna over the coming months and years”, stated Ethan Anderson co founder of Red Beacon and former Product Manager at Google.

Locals were equally enthusiastic. “The metabridge not only connected us with key contacts in the global technology hot spots like the Silicon Valley and Ottawa but also showcased Kelowna as a world class technology and living destination. This event, and more like it in the future will play a key role in the success of every technology company in the Okanagan Valley”, commented Jason Richards, President of Vineyard Networks.

“As an entrepreneur one of the most valuable resources one can gain is access to experience and great connection. Without these fundamentals, getting an idea off the ground is almost impossible. The metabridge event not only brought those elements but some of the best and brightest in the world." acknowledged Peter Matejcek, Founder and CEO of Kelowna based Huestream

A total of three events are planned each year to continue to connect technology players in the Okanagan Valley with key players in the developed technology world.
The events opening mixer was co-sponsored by Vineyard Networks. Along with a premiere breakfast at Woodland Hills Developments, where a welcoming breakfast was held for the invited guests.

- 30 -
Further information:

Robert Fine, Manager Economic Development Steve Wandler
250-469-6234 www.stevewandler.com
250-864-4622

a fantastic golf shot at Harvest Golf and Country

From 2009 metabridge

Our metabridge golf team (Dale Fuller - AVG COB and CEO of Moka5, Ed Alfke - CEO of Signalink and Frank Rubio - VP at Radware) with Ed making a huge putt for eagle.

We had a great time on the course with a few future partner deals to be made. It was well worth flying a few people in to Kelowna for a couple days of fun and business.

U.S. Open Widget

metabridge 2009

3 days and counting till we connect the Okanagan Valley with technology hotspots around North America through our inaugural metabridge event.
I am excited about the line up we have coming for the event and look forward to a good time doing business and having some good ol'Okanagan fun - golf and wine!

Here is the line up of invited guests.
 

Tim Eades
Everyone.net
Chief Executive Officer, Board Member

Timothy Eades was most recently VP of Market Strategy, Operations and Branding at BEA Systems which was acquired by Oracle. Prior to BEA Systems he was SVP of Sales and Marketing at Sana Security, a leader in the consumer security market driving distribution relationships with Symantec, Trend Micro, Earthlink and Lenovo.

Before Sana Eades was Senior VP and GM of Corporate Marketing and Products Division for Phoenix Technologies, a global leader in device-enabling and management software products for PCs and other user-driven connected digital services. Eades began his career as a business analyst for Dun & Bradstreet. He then served in various roles for IBM in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, including managing new business and a brand marketing role for the Personal Systems Group. In 1998, he moved to IBM Worldwide to assume several roles, including Worldwide Personal Systems Group program director.

Eades holds advanced degrees in business, international marketing, and financial analysis, primarily from Solent University in England.



Tony Rosati, B.Sc., P. Eng., CACR Fellow
VP Intellectual Proerty Licensing
Certicom, a RIM company


Tony Rosati is an electrical engineer with more than 20 years of commercializing new technologies in the field of network & security technologies. As a founder of two companies, he has extensive management expertise in developing companies. Recent assignments include the management of a large intellectual property portfolio (450 patents) in a public company, Certicom Corporation. Certicom was recently acquired by Research In Motion (RIM) where he continues to manage security research, standards and related patent portfolio.

As Certicom’s VP Intellectual Property Licensing, his primary responsibility has been to maximize the value of an extensive patent portfolio. Notable IP license agreements with IBM and NSA worth more that $50M in license revenue.

Prior to representing Certicom’s IP portfolio, Tony held the position of Vice-President, Marketing & Product Management. While under this title, his responsibilities included product strategy, branding, outward marketing, and public relations management.

From 1991- 1999, Tony co-founded TimeStep, a network security company that specialized in managed IP VPN hardware and software. He held a variety of executive positions, including Marketing, Sales, and Product Management. When Newbridge Networks acquired TimeStep in 1999 for approximately 100 million US, the company employed 150 people, had worldwide distribution, and annual sales upward of 20 million US. Just a year later, Alcatel acquired Newbridge Networks, and as a result, TimeStep technology has been integrated into may core products and Alcatel’s world-wide security research initiative is located in Ottawa.

Tony holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Waterloo (1985) and obtained his P. Eng. in 1987. In 2006 he received a Fellowship from the University of Waterloo Center for Applied Cryptographic Research (www.cacr.math.uwaterloo.ca).


Dale Fuller
President & CEO - Moka5
COB - AVG Anti Virus

Dale Fuller is a leading technology executive with extensive experience in starting up and growing both technology and consumer businesses. He is responsible for leading MokaFives's overall strategy and guiding day-to-day operations. He also serves on the boards of Krugle, Phoenix Technologies, AVG Anti Virus, and Quest Aircraft Company. Most recently, he served as interim CEO of McAfee and CEO of Borland, both of which experienced huge shareholder value and revenue gains during his tenure. Dale has a track record of successfully starting companies. He has lead companies through crisis situations and directed turnarounds that resulted in substantial improvements in operational performance and increased shareholder value. In an earlier part of his career, he founded one of the leading community sites on the Internet, WhoWhere, later acquired by Lycos. As a start-up company CEO, Dale led the expansion of numerous domain sites, including Angelfire.com and Mailcity. He is a an active personal investor in approximately 60 different staged start-ups based in Silicon Valley, China, and India. He holds an honorary doctorate from St. Petersburg State University.


Danny Robinson - Managing Director
Boot Up Labs

Danny is the quintessential serial entrepreneur, with two Internet companies already under his belt. He has raised over $100M in venture capital across 8 rounds of financing, and was recently named one of TechVibes Digital Media People to Watch in 2008. As Strutta's fearless leader, Danny pushes forward the goal of creating a community of competitors from all around the globe. In his spare time, Danny studies old Saturday Night Live recordings and perfects his More Cowbell performance in order to one day be the best Cowbell player in the world.

Prior to founding Strutta, Danny was co-founder and Chairman of Peerflix, an online P2P DVD trading company, where he raised $10M from US venture capitalists Battery Ventures, 3i and BV Capital. Previously, he was co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of Spinway, Inc., a pioneer technology company that developed ecommerce and private-label ISP solutions for leading brick and mortar retailers. Under his stewardship, Spinway grew to 8 million registered members in 11 months and was later sold to United Online (NetZero), which is still in operation today. Spinway investors included Mobius (then SoftBANK), Spectrum Equity, and Deutche Banc Alex Brown.

As an accomplished entrepreneur, Danny works to promote Vancouver as the tech center he believes it can be by connecting local entrepreneurs with Silicon Valley-based VCs, co-organizing the popular tech mixer, Launch Party Vancouver, speaking at local and international tech events and serving on the Science World Equity Committee. Danny is a member of the Board of Directors for Suite101, Techtrack, and iFind Media systems and is on the Board of Advisors for Lypp and YourTechOnline.


Ethan Anderson - Co-Founder
Red Beacon

Ethan Anderson is Cofounder of Red Beacon, a stealth mode internet startup working to revolutionize online local search. Red Beacon will represent a powerful new paradigm, employing advanced algorithmic matching to ensure consumers are matched with the right service provider for their particular need. Prior to founding Red Beacon, Ethan was a Product Manager at search giant Google. He was responsible for launching and managing Google Video outside the United States prior to the YouTube acquisition. He also was Google’s first Product Manager for the fast growing Southeast Asian emerging markets, and a Product Manager on Google Image Search, the top image search site in the world. Before joining Google, Ethan worked in a number of internet strategy and marketing roles at The Clorox Company, Buy.com, and McKinsey & Company. Ethan graduated with Honors from Harvard Business School and Magna Cum Laude from Duke University, where he earned a BA in Economics and Public Policy Studies.



Jeff Cates
Vice-President, Consumer, Personal Systems Group
Hewlett-Packard (Canada) Co.


Jeff Cates is responsible for the HP PC and Digital Electronics business unit in Canada. This includes managing the Desktop, Notebook, and Display business units, as well as alliances and partnerships that increase HP’s presence in Canada. Jeff is also responsible for the overall Consumer segment go-to-market strategy for the PC business and for HP Shopping, HP’s on-line store in Canada.
Jeff joined HP in 1994 as Marketing Program Manager in HP's Medical Products Group. Since then he has held progressively senior appointments such as Small to Medium Sized Marketing Manager for the Imaging and Printing Group, responsible for segment marketing and channel strategy, Retail Sales Manager, responsible for managing HP's key retail partnerships.
Jeff holds an MBA from the Schulich School of Business and an undergraduate degree in Commerce from McMaster University.



Punit Minocha, VP Corporate Development, GM Incubation Business Unit
Trend Micro


As vice president of corporate business development and general manager of Trend Micro's incubation business, Punit Minocha is responsible for mergers and acquisitions as well as for driving new growth businesses for the company.

Prior to joining Trend Micro, Punit was director of business development at Nexsi, an Internet security company. Before that, Punit helped design Intel's Pentium, Pentium II and Itanium.

Punit holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Wisconsin, a master’s degree in business administration from the Hass School of Business, University of California, Berkeley, and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of New Hampshire.



Stephen Beamish - Sr VP Bus Dev & Strategic Alliances
Mitel Corp.


Stephen Beamish is responsible for all Mitel®corporate business development initiatives.This includes managing Mitel’s growth in channel development and
business partnerships and expanding Mitel’s global market presence.As well, Stephen is responsible for the management and expansion of Mitel’s key
strategic alliances including heading Mitel’s partnership within the Microsoft® Unified Communications group.
Prior to this latest appointment,Stephen was responsible for marketing Mitel’s comprehensive portfolio of small,medium and enterprise business
communications solutions that deeply integrate into customer processes,creating new efficiencies and productivity benefits.These include Networked Enterprise,
Mobility,Messaging,Customer Interaction and Team Working solutions. Since joining Mitel in 2003,Stephen has spearheaded the efforts that have led
to the integration of Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005 with Mitel’s Live Business Gateway solution.Combined,the unified communications
solution seamlessly integrates voice,presence,chat and email into powerful real-time collaboration and presence capabilities that Live Communications Server 2005 brings.
Prior to joining Mitel,Stephen was Director of Product Marketing at Tropic Networks®,a supplier of metro-area optical networking equipment.Prior
to Tropic Networks,Stephen was Director of Global Product Marketing for the Alcatel®Broadband Access Product Line.Stephen is a sought out speaker for many industry events and has published a number of business and technology white papers.He has an International MBA from the Norwegian School of Economics and holds a patent in ROI Business Modeling.



Richard Ford


Richard Ford is an independent consultant with 19 years experience in the technology industry. His practice concentrates on assisting companies with product strategy, product development and marketing, and implementation of WAN Optimization.

He spent 10 years at Packeteer (PKTR) in a variety of marketing and engineering management roles. He served as product manager for the company's flagship product, PacketShaper, making Packeteer the market-leading, trusted, safe and established brand. In engineering and operations Richard led Packeteer’s transition from in-house hardware development to collaborating with manufacturing partners in China and Taiwan.

Richard joined Packeteer from Apple Computer where he was product manager for networking & communications. He oversaw successful MacOS and 3rd party application software transitions from 68K to PowerPC, and from AppleTalk to TCP/IP. Software projects Richard managed in this period laid the foundation for the future success of iMac and Apple’s current renaissance by making internet access a built-in feature of every Macintosh computer.

Richard started his career at Falcon Microsystems, where he worked in sales and systems engineering for 4 years. At the time, Falcon was the second largest GSA Schedule reseller and specialized in selling Apple, DEC, Ungermann Bass to the US Federal Government.

Richard holds a B.S. in Engineering from Carnegie-Mellon University.





Frank Rubio -Vice President, Channel Development & CALA Sales
Radware

Frank Rubio serves as Radware Alteon’s Vice President of Channel Development as well as Vice President of Sales for the Caribbean and Latin America Region. As VP of Channel Development, he has the overall responsibility for the strategy and implementation of the channel partner and reseller programs for Radware. As VP of CALA Sales, he is responsible for all sales functions for Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. With over 18 years of experience in the IT industry, Frank has held several growth-impacting leadership roles in Channel and Business Development, Sales, Marketing, Alliances, and Systems Engineering for companies such as Seagate Software (now SAP), Packeteer (now Bluecoat), Crescendo Networks, and QinetiQ.

Cougar was shot just north of our house. It took down a lama and a couple goats.

Posted via email from Steve Wandler

metabridge

As canadian tech companies birth and try to make it in the big bad world. It is becoming harder to get noticed with all the clutter out there, let alone being in Canada. One of the things I have noticed with high tech is that most of the great ideas out there have no clue on where to turn to get exposure or make the connection(s) they need to get the next (first) deal.

After having a successful exit, I look back and found that in the early days the biggest challenge wasn't the great idea we had, it was getting people worth talking too, to listen to what we had.

As you can probably tell by my writing skills or lack there of, I'm not smart enough to be an MBA or frankly have any college degree. But I was dumb enough to believe I could create something great. Without my network of high end people around me, I would of never been able to achieve what I have today. With that we created metabridge, a forum to get Canadian startups introduced to quality executives in the Silicon Valley.

Is it worth it?

Many of you have heard me speak and write about the Okanagan Science and Technology Council (OSTEC) over the last year. I agreed to bring some of my experiences to OSTEC from founding, building and having a high tech company acquired. Since I wasn't involved in OSTEC while I was building my company in OSTEC's back yard, it was determined that I might be able to assist in getting more high tech companies in the Okanagan Valley involved in the organization.

We are coming up on my one year anniversary and I am seeing why we (YourTechOnline) wasn't involved in the past...No Real Value to the High Tech Community. You are probably saying to yourself - well why the heck haven't you changed it? Well, I thought the same thing and I am coming to the old dog new tricks realization.

Listening to comments from a CEO of a high tech company say he struggles to find OSTEC's value and watching the old guard glaze over and tell him where the value was....I have to giggle...they aren't listening.

Am I saying I'm the golden child? NOPE! but i do think I could help in a serious way if people would just listen and stop drinking the kool-aid.

I was hesitating on writing anything about this, as I know some read this blog, but I have determined that creating change in this organization is going to take a serious intervention. If OSTEC truly wants to help the high tech industry prosper, they need laser focus and the right people on the bus...maybe we need to go buy a bus.

I do think an organization like OSTEC is much needed but not in its current state.

Suggestions? email me...I'd love to hear them.

Golf is AWESOME....when you hit the ball proper

Was on the golf course today and I just had to post this picture. Par 4 second 2nd shot from about 170 yards out. I could of (should of) just walked off the course after this shot. I think this put was a gimme... :)

Saas CRM

Looking to help out a start up - QASPER.COM An interesting twist on a Saas CRM. I like the ease of use and the idea of everything being in the cloud for all the company contact and calendar information.

Going to take a closer look at it in a couple weeks with a in-person run through with the CEO and his team. I will be sure to let you know the pros and cons

Ideas are a dime a dozen

As I sit down with startup companies there is something that is becoming more and more apparent - there are tons of great ideas out there, getting them off the ground is the challenge.

The combination for success is the idea and as big, the team around you have around you.

Without a strong management team your idea is just that. It needs the people ingredient which I am finding is harder and harder to find as more ideas are put in front of me.

If you have a startup and not sure of where to go from here.... Start calling UP and not down or lateral for the strong people. There are no lack of average people to get excited about what you have, that is the easy part. Look outside of your circle of friends and go big....or go home.

Field Trip with a bunch of Grade 4's

Inside a first nations winter pithouse. A grade 4 field trip to the muséum. This would never go over in todays world. We have no idea how fortunate we are not having to live on a dirt floor and imagine....no internet

Posted via email from Steve Wandler

SupportSoft sells off Enteriprize biz

Just read the press release announcing that SupportSoft will be selling off their Enteriprize Software business to focus on the consumer business.

This is huge for the future direction of the company. Josh (CEO of SupportSoft) tells in the PR "The transaction allows us to focus on growing our Consumer business". He is so right!

Their is no question that in a few short years support.com has become THE force to be reckoned with in the remote tech support business. With the acquisition of YourTechOnline in 2008, the demise of HiWired in the same year and the growing retail sector they are in my professional opinion at the top in the category and quickly pulling away from the pack.

What gives me the right? Well, I pioneered the remote tech support business back in 1999 when the idea of remote support and the work from home model was a pipe dream to most, in 2005 became the #1 rated in remote support and survived a successful exit. You tell me... do I have the right to say?

I like where these guys are heading!

See the press release here: http://www.consona.com/news/pressreleases/consonaacquiressupportsoft.aspx

Do something worth while

Going to wax the car and hang out with the family today. What are you doing with someone you enjoy spending time with?

Posted via email from Steve Wandler

Doing my first Posterous post....I love it!
 
Check it out:www.posterous.com one post to everywhere!

Posted via email from stevewandler's posterous

twitter here I come

I finally created a twitter account. Not sure why I didn't create an account sooner, I think i'm could be more of a twitter guy then a facebook freak.

Facebook is really starting to annoy me, with everyone and their dog wanting to add me as a friend. I'm not that keen on having people i barely know see pictures of my family on vacation or at a family birthday party. Blogging is fantastic but difficult to create a solid following. I think twitter creates a great balance of getting a message out in small bite size chuncks, along with the ability to banter back and forth on something or with someone that interests you.

If you haven't created a Twitter account - do it! If you have, add me to you following: Steve Wandler's Twitter

Deep Thoughts

I think in these times we need to take a deep breath and smell the flowers. If you're allergic take some Benadryl, you'll get over it soon and we'll all survive. Deep Thoughts, Steve Wandler.

More DEEP THOUGHTS

Coming up with a good idea

Negative thought blocks positive thought.

We are in a time of HUGE opportunity and prime for spawning ideas that make Millions...wait, even Billions!

I have a board in my office that it is constantly being marked up with new ideas for the next big thing. I don't think we take enough time to sit around and think creatively. Take 20 minutes today and do it... I bet once you get going you will end up burning much more then 20.

Check out this video to get you started: http://www.gitomer.com/rants/Weekly-Rant.html

Clicktoy - a game for 1yr to 5 yr old kids

Here is a game that I was introduced to me a few weeks ago for childern from 1yrs to 5 yrs old.
www.clicktoy.com

If you have kids in that age group, try it out and tell me what you think. I am thinking of helping the company out and would love to get some feedback from users.

my time is done

My time with SupportSoft (NASDAQ: sprt) has come to an end. The acquisition of YourTechOnline to SupportSoft (for me anyhow) was completed in December 2008. I want to wish everyone at support.com well, I know you can make it happen! Stick to the Vision!
Most of all I want to give a huge shout out to my close friend Lyndon Pohl who walked with me through the acquisition - thanks so much buddy! I couldn't of done it without you. Lets do it again, sometime!

ON TO THE NEXT VENTURE!

Its cold in Canada but EDC and OSTEC can warm me up

Just moved the family to Canada from California. People look at me strange getting in and out of my car because I have Cali license plates and they wonder...WHAT THE HECK are you doing in moving back to Canada in the middle of winter when you can be sitting on the beach in Californina. Simple answer...its home! And there is some cool (no pun intended) stuff going on in the British Columbia and Canadian tech sector.

I've been working with Robert Fine at the EDC (thats the Economic Development Commission of Canada) and the folks over at OSTEC to setup a conduit for technology companies in British Columbia and across Canada to integrate in to primary tech sectors around the world.

With the economy it is great timing since governments are sinking money into the system to get the engine rolling. We are still hashing things out and I would love to get some feed back on how we are best launch this program and have fun doing it. Tell me ...what do you think?

Canadian Consulate and GDC 2009

Gaming in Canada is coming on strong and I am very impress that the Canadian Consulate...YES, the Fed's are making a move to help build the industry in the Silicon Valley.

Here is a blog that relates to the gaming industry leading up to GDC 2009 that was created by the creative and forward thinking folks at the Canadian Consulate in San Francisco.

Check it out!
http://canadagdc2009.blogspot.com/

No stranger to the high tech business

This guy is no stranger to the high tech business and worth keeping on touch with. Add Guy to your LinkedIn if you haven't done so already.
http://blog.guykawasaki.com/ or email Guy at:guy@alltop.com

What's Next?

Well, I am a free man. I left SuppotSoft (on great terms) in December 2008, i felt a little like a caged animal there but it was a good time non the less. So, i am looking for my next gig - Not sure if I will start another company or not. But I an definitely interested in helping companies succeed.

As a side project I have teamed up with OSTEC, the EDC of Kelowna and the Canadian Government, to help Canadian Technology companies integrate and network in the Silicon Valley. More to come on that as it develops but we are calling it the Silicon Bridge.

Roller Coaster in Disneyland

My son (3yrs old) was on a roller coaster in Disneyland in January 2009 - he couldn't put his hand down he was having so much fun
 

Starting the Silicon Bridge in Canada

http://www.techvibes.com/blog/the-silicon-bridge-in-kelowna


This Thursday, November 27th, the Okanagan Science & Technology Council presents The Silicon Bridge at the Landmark Conference Centre in Kelowna. At this interactive seminar, Steve Wandler will discuss the challenges of building a high tech start-up in Canada while going after the USA consumer market. He will reveal some of the successes YourTechOnline.com made growing the business and getting it to market and candidly talk about the mistakes they made and how to overcome those.
In 2000, Steve Wandler Founded YourTechOnline.com out of the master bedroom of his rental house in Kelowna, British Columbia. The company was an innovative online tech support business that used remote access to assist end consumers in diagnosing and fixing a wide variety of PC problems.
Over the years, YourTechOnline.com picked up a plethora of awards including BDC's Technology Business of the Year, PC Magazine's Editor's Choice award, and PC Magazine's Small/Medium Business of the Year in North America.
In May 2008, Wandler sold YourTechOnline.com to California-based SupportSoft (NASDAQ: SPRT), where he now resides and works in a Senior Leadership position for the consumer brand of SupportSoft - support.com.
Wandler currently sits on high tech company advisory boards and enjoys sharing his technical and entrepreneurial expertise with other young businesses – especially those trying to build their connections with larger, more established companies in the high tech sector in the Silicon Valley. As a result of his experience, Wandler has teamed up with OSTEC to begin building bridges between high tech companies in the Silicon Vineyard and the Silicon Valley.

Read more: http://www.techvibes.com/blog/the-silicon-bridge-in-kelowna#ixzz0DqMi95O8&B

Zappos Happy Happy Happy

I like these guys... they are so authentic. Why can't more companies just be real?

Bobby Orr the best hockey player in his generation

I had to post this video - Bobby Orr is truely a part of hockey history and truely Canadian.

a witness to American history...World History!

Being a Canadian living in the USA for only 6 months now, it has been an experience to watch how much excitement and enthusiasm the American people have around the election on their President. It is a honour to be living in the USA during such a historical moment in American history!
Let’s see what happens next...... still lots of work to do!

Congratulations Barack Obama!

FREE Financial Template for Startups - Danny Robinson

a fantastic blog post from Danny Robinson. Danny says it so well

http://blog.bootuplabs.com/2008/10/27/free-financial-template-for-startups/

David Cowan and his blog worth reading

David Cowan is a guy in the VC world I have been following for the last couple years. I really like what he has to say and his approach... worth checking out!

I love this post from his blog in Sept 2008: http://whohastimeforthis.blogspot.com/2005/09/best-startup-advice-i-have.html

18th at Pebble Beach

Had the privilage of golfing with a good friend from the UK - Neil Martin who heads up Business Development for British Sky Broadcasting. An absolutly amazing time... we will be back Clint.

OSTEC 2008 BOD

NEWS RELEASE
OSTEC Announces 2008 Board of Directors
For Immediate Release

September 25, 2008 - KELOWNA, BC - The Okanagan Science & Technology Council (OSTEC)
held its 7th Annual General Meeting at the Coast Capri Hotel on September 24, 2008.
Business conducted at the meeting included presentation of the financial statements for 2007/2008 fiscal year,
report of activities and election of the Board of Directors.

The new Board of the Okanagan Science & Technology Council is as follows:

Mike Boudreau, Technology Brewing Corporation President
David Webb, Everest Recruitment Inc. Vice President
*Simone Brunton, Grant Thornton LLPTreasurer
David Jenkins, Borcom Associated Consultants Inc. Secretary
Mike Martin, Quantech Software.com Inc.Director at Large
John Christie, FormaShapeTM division of Whitewater Composites Ltd. Director at Large
Hans DeBruyn, Okanagan Technology Consulting Inc. Director
*Raghwa Gopal, co-founder of Vadim SoftwareDirector
Peter Haubrich, Okanagan Research & Innovation Centre Director
Dr. Andrew Hay, Okanagan College Director
David Jones, University of British Columbia - Okanagan (UILO) Director
Richard Okimaw, Pushor Mitchell LLP Director
*Jon Rever, School District 23 Director
*Jason Richards, Vineyard NetworksDirector
Keith Schiehl, Rent-A-Geek Computer Services Director
Larry Smith, Next Stage Consulting Inc. Director
Jack Van der Star, WaveTeq Communications Inc. Director
Sonja Vrcic, Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) Director
*Steve Wandler, SupportSoft Inc.Director
Mark Ziebarth, Bongarde Media Director
* denotes new board members

The Okanagan Science & Technology Council (OSTEC) is a not-for-profit, membership driven organization that fosters an environment that supports science and technology initiatives by acting as a representative and advocate for the interests of members and the business community as a whole. OSTEC is a conduit that brings people together, partnering with industry, agencies and government and supports the region as a globally competitive centre of excellence in the research, development and application of science, technology and innovation. OSTEC's Mission Statement is to lead the development of thriving technology-driven sectors in the Okanagan.
For more information, please contact:
Douglas MacLeod, Executive Director
Okanagan Science & Technology Council
Tel. (250) 712-3344 Fax (250) 861-4728
www.ostec.ca

- 30 -

Danny Robinson - mover and a shaker

If your in Canada and are thinking of starting or have a high tech startup, you need to get in touch with Danny Robinson.

Danny a very successful entrepreneur, who has founded and worked on the inside of several high tech startups (most recently started a company called: www.stutta.com) was an advisor to YourTechOnline.com. Danny was introduced to me by a mutual friend Dale Fuller.

My advisory team was a major key to the success of YTO - Thanks Danny for all your help and guidance through the last few years.

Lets do it again, Eh!


http://blog.bootuplabs.com/2008/05/06/yourtechonline-acquired-by-supportsoft/

SupportSoft Acquires YourTechOnline.com Inc., Enhancing Consumer Business

http://biz.yahoo.com/iw/080505/0393656.html

AHHHHH!!!!!! Thank you all for your help!

Celebration! YourTechOnline.com is acquired

 

The acquisition on YourTechOnline.com and SupportSoft Inc closed, May 2, 2008.
I founded YTO in 2000 and with a great team of people, we built it to be the Premier in Online Technical Support company in the world, all from a small town in British Columiba, Canada.

Thanks to Lyndon Pohl and Dhugael Mclean for being such a huge part in building the business and of course to our tech support agents - the guys and gals that did the real work!

Are you protected? Really?

How long have computer viruses been around? Long time right? So why are people still infecting themselves with all this nasty junk? I mean there are some fairly obvious signs that you are heading into some bad waters when you get a site that says "Click here for a free gift" what do you think that gift will be? Really?I gots to tell ya – if you think that is bad, you ain’t seen nothing yet. For you geeks out there - I know you know this but the masses don't. It is getting nasty out there and the traditional computer virus is not even close to what the average consumer needs to be worried about today. The new Malware is sneaky and quite...very quite. You don't even know you are infected, as it is gathering information about you and sending it back to the host.So how do you protect yourself? Get proper software and MAKE SURE (i like yelling..I know) it is always updated and scanning live not once a week. Think about it! It’s too late if the malware infects you now and you try to remove it in a week with a scan. How fast do you think it takes to infect your machine... a few days? LOL Part of the problem is manufacturers not doing a great job of informing the consumer on what they need to do to protect their data (pictures and music). More needs to be done on the preventative maintenance side and software alone is not the solve. More than ever the Geek is required to make sure your system is secure and tight but people don’t think of it until it is too late and the data is gone or your identity is stolen.You think it won't happen to you... think again. Over the last 2 years 1 in 5 people have been seriously infected by a virus and 1 in 11seriously infected by malware. Well back to fighting the good fight! Don’t wait till it happens to you before you call. Are you protected? Do you know for sure? Really? No Really?

So you think your PC is secure

I know your PC is secure, locked down; your Windows updates are installed you run all the latest anti virus, anti spyware, anti this and anti that to protect yourself from the dreaded virus, spyware and malware attacks, oh; and you never surf to the places that "other people" go to and if your computer does happen to get there; it was someone else; that must have been on your computer. I know reality these days it not hard to land on that crap. News Flash; it doesn’t matter how much software you run on your PC or if you never end up at those sites (by accident or on purpose) - your still at risk. For us more tech savvy people we know this stuff and think we have nothing to worry about; well you haven’t had a drive by yet. The reality is, the general consumer has no idea whether or not they are properly protected and what they even need to do to secure their PC; to some extent even the tech savvy surfer is in the same boat. Over the next few months; I’ll hand pick some experiences our techs have had with our customers, (leaving names out of course) removing garbage off computers that were protected and try to show why PC users have a very false sense of protection and what we need to do about it; Looking forward to sharing and your comments

Pet Peeves of Companies

One of my biggest pet peeves are people or companies not following through with what they said they were going to do. Why not just say you can’t do it rather than giving false expectations; at least you will be known for your honesty rather than someone that never gets it done. I guess that is what sets good service from bad; I gotta say if you ever see us (YourTechOnline) not follow through, I wanna know! We strive to be the #1 in online tech support and we will remain there as long as we create expectations we can follow through with by giving the BEST Tech Support Service on the planet. If you've never seen how our service works or don't understand what we can do for you, drop me a comment and we will make sure you experience true customer service AND fix your computer at the same time!

Outlook 2007 is SO SLOW

Now I know why I should wait to do an upgrade. I 've been using Outlook 2007 for over 6 months and I think I've spent a month of that waiting for Outlook to load or catch up. Figure it out.... did someone try this thing before it was released? Probably someone that was retired and had lots of time on their hands.I think Outlook has finished loading up.... I can get back to work now.

txt'ing while driving

Read an article today on txt messaging and reading emails while driving. Not sure what to think about that ....I do it and I enjoy it while in the car but it can be dangerous - agreed. Somebody needs to come up with a solution - people are not going to stop doing it and how are they going to monitor it? There’s a good business in there somewhere! Here is the article: http://www.informationweek.com/news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=201304665

Posting by Dhugael Mclean

Written by: Dhugael Mclean (Dhug was my CTO at YourTechOnline - he was key to the technical building of YTO)

You know, I'm kinda proud of YTO.The whole world is talking about Service Oriented Architecture as if it's a new thing lately and it's something that we at YourTechOnline pioneered in the realm of tech support more than 6 years go.The idea seems pretty simple, Online Tech Support. Not just phone support but real, as if a tech was sitting there, kind of tech support. The kind where you get to see what's going on - where you are certain that the tech is stealing or data or doing somehting creepy with your machine while you're not there. The kind of support that is done through the web and is managed through the web. Support driven by very talented technicians wworking with wide ranging technical tools brought together through a single user interface - the YourTechOnline website.So, what do you need to set it up? Well, you bring together web servers, email servers, screen sharing, IP telephony, SOAP for credit card processing, databases for customer data, web software for managing the data, web apps for handling the CRM and much more. And because none if it exists the way you want it right now, you build it. In case anyone's ever wondered, apart from this blogging software and a few other tools everything else that drives YTO is custom built.You think ahead, though. You do what you can to keep the systems open ended so new technology can be stapled on easily without chucking old work away. You reuse everything you can so you're not replicating work. You create tools focused on usability. and most of all, you do your best to keep your doors open for new ideas and ways of making things work better.As you might think, this does require a fair amount of planning and creativity. It's not planning in the conventional sense - it's not project timelines and milestones (those are important too but not for what I'm talking about right now) - it's the kind of planning that comes from posing a hundred "what if" type questions to yourself and your team. What if we want to be able to allow a potential partner to sell our services directly using our web site? The answer to that influences everything from database design to user interfaces.As CIO or chief tech, you start by asking a lot of questions during meetings. Take those answers and then formulate a whole bunch of new questions about how something is going to or is hoped to work. I personally like the idea of starting at "In a perfect world where there was no cost" and working down to the possible. You can waste a bit of time flying around in the clouds but those blue sky sessions can create possibilities and avenues that you may not have thought about before. Here's a good time to start thinking creatively about the uses for your current technology. Can something be adapted? Can something be brought in to suppliment what's already there? Organic thinking, lateral thinking, creative problem solving - what ever you want to call it - is going to be your best friend here. If you've got someone on your team that thinks in strange ways and comes up with oblique ways of looking at things - get her/him in on those meetings. Sometimes the people that are very methodical and linear tend to restrinct themselves when they are planning a build. Mixing it up and keeping your team diverse can really make a difference here.I love the phrase, "You know what would be really cool?", because it's always a good jump off point for finding new ways to bring technology together. YTO was created that way and continues to get better and more integrated because of that kind of thinking. Encourage it in your team.Dhug

More on Africa

We've been looking for a way to do something to help the cause in Africa for a few years now but nothing really hit home or it was too difficult. YourTechOnline found our own way to help the HIV/Aid relief efforts in Africa and affect the front lines - sorta happed by accident. We wanted to do something that went to the frontline and made a difference to the people.I went to a presentation of a missionary trying to raise money for a building project - he went to setup his computer and couldn't get it connected to the projector. I spend a few minute with him, hooked it up and showed him a few PowerPoint tricks (nothing special - or so I thought). We started talking about our business and how we could do the same thing over the internet. First thing he said "WOW, we could use a service like yours!" and from there.... we are supporting over 400 computers in country of Cameroon, Africa. All at no charge to them. Our task now is to get some action out of the High Tech community to put some of their resources to work - not just giving money (anyone can do that). We want to make a technology difference in Africa. If we band together and use our partnerships and relationships we can get computers (the average computer they have in Cameroon is over 7 years old), software (most Africans use pirated software because they can't afford to purchase it) and other necessities we take for granted when it comes to technology - like UPC's and the little thing we call the Internet. Take a look at the article from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2007/09/17/bc-yourtechonline.html

blog in the smog

So I'm sitting in traffic and thinking....why do I do this to myself. We run a 100% virtual company and I have to drive to work everyday. Think of what we'd do for the environment if we all worked from home. Just a thought as I sit in the smog doing my blog.

Ironman 2007

For the last 10 years I've supported the Ironman Canada race in Penticton British Columbia Canada - some say the hardest Ironman race in the world. What a hoot! It's a long day for us and even longer for those poor athletes that swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles then run a full marathon of 26.2 miles.I want to thank the 50+ volunteers that came out for our Aid Station this year. We can't do it without you! Thanks to the over 3000 athletes that participate in the grueling race - your nuts! See you all next year for Ironman Canada 26.

Sana at San Jose Grand Prix

It was a pleasure to be hosted over the weekend at the San Jose Grand Prix by one of our business partners - Sana Security and a teriffic friend Tim Eades. They put on a great party! If you haven't already you need to check out Sana Security ( www.sanasecurity.com ) and the abilities of their software. We are very pleased with the direction they are heading....finally someone that gets the malware industry. Look out Norton :)

Southern Alberta

We were in Southern Alberta last weekend for a family wedding - it was beautiful except for the lack of cell phone and internet coverage. Ok, Ok I know it sounds crazy and I live a pathetic life but really these people don't know what they are missing. Being connected is fun....right? Wanna find something out...pull out the blackberry or laptop and check it out. I mean what good is a notebook computer if you can't send the information to someone and you have to stand on top of your pickup truck to get cell reception. Oh it’s nice there; mountains all around you, rolling hills, cows; but I think I will stick with being connected. One thing that was very cool on the trip were the wind farms in southern Alberta. This is fantastic technology; simple! Photos of wind farm in Southern Alberta:
http://www.worldofstock.com/closeups/BEN1800.php

Inc Magazine

Chris Dittoe the MD of Dittoe PR (a fantastic PR Firm - which we used at YourTechOnline for 2 yrs) set us up with Max Chafkin the masterful writer from Inc Magazine. Max did we swell job of highlighting the struggles of raising cash from family member in a startup.

http://www.inc.com/magazine/20070701/finance-raising-funds.html

Terry Matthews sits on my Advisory Board

I had the pleasure of spending some time with Terry Matthews - Chairman of Mitel Networks this week - or should I say Sir Terence Matthews OBE, P.Eng., F.I.E.E. F R Eng. This man is jaw dropping - his passion and drive gave this Entrepreneur a super boost energy injection (better then any Red Bull)- so that is why I asked him to be on the YourTechOnline.com Advisory Board - I'm still in shock....I am pretty sure he said YES! You don't ask... you don't get!