187 | Frank Gairdner | From Documentary Film-making to Carbon-Fiber Bikes – How I Found Success in Diverse Fields

2020-10-29

In today’s show, Chris interviews Frank Gairdner, an entrepreneur with a diverse path. Frank worked with Student Works back in 2004-2005 while he was getting his arts degree at Western. He went on to get his Masters in Philosophy from Queen’s. Frank has worked in industries ranging from documentary filmmaking to carbon-fiber boats. Frank reveals that one reason for his success is his arts background. In this segment of the show, listeners will learn how a generalist background can help you hone your soft skills. Frank has an extre...

In today’s show, Chris interviews Frank Gairdner, an entrepreneur with a diverse path.

Frank worked with Student Works back in 2004-2005 while he was getting his arts degree at Western. He went on to get his Masters in Philosophy from Queen’s. Frank has worked in industries ranging from documentary filmmaking to carbon-fiber boats.

Frank reveals that one reason for his success is his arts background. In this segment of the show, listeners will learn how a generalist background can help you hone your soft skills.

Frank has an extremely interesting and inspiring work portfolio. After completing his graduation, Frank joined inMotive as a Business Development Manager. As one of the first employees, Frank worked with the President to attract capital and manage product development to help build the world’s first mechanical variable speed drive.

After this stint, Frank co-founded TriggerTech. TriggerTech developed a patented system for crossbows and firearms and quickly became one of the more respected brands in the industry.

From the sporting and hunting industry he joined up as CEO with Carbon Marine to get their business off the ground. Carbon Marine is a manufacturer of carbon-fiber powerboats.

Using his experiences gained in manufacturing metal and composite products, Frank has now co-founded Bridge. Bridge is a hand built carbon fiber bicycle frame company that will be the only local manufacturer of its kind in Canada.

Other topics discussed in this show include the importance of working on your business as opposed to working in the business, the importance of mentorship, how to scale up your business from a start-up phase, and so much more…

We hope you enjoy this show.

What You Will Learn In This Show

Getting going even if you feel “product-agnostic” and find success in a wide range of fields
How a generalist background can help you as an entrepreneur
Importance of working on your business as opposed to working in the business
And so much more…

Resources

Student Works

Chris Thomson LinkedIn

Chris’s Email

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