22 Apr 2019 Spotlight on Launchpad

Describe your company and its product.

Launchpad Technologies is a software integration, custom development, and Salesforce implementation studio based in Vancouver, BC. Launchpad helps our clients with digital transformation and enterprise architecture along with creating software solutions that enable businesses to bring their big ideas to life.

What year did your company start?

2018

Which city (or cities) are you located?

Our home base is in Vancouver, BC, but we are globetrotters with remote team members across North America. From Toronto to San Francisco to New York, we are always on the move. We also recently expanded with a South America nearshore operation team based in Chile.

Describe your company culture in three words.

• Innovators
• Collaborators
• Experts

How do you celebrate company or employee wins?

Our Launchpad team believes in celebrating not only success but initiative and risk-taking too. Each team member is unique so we customize to the occasion and person but always ensure there is a sincere, company-wide expression of gratitude. And, of course, celebratory cheers from a well-stocked beverage cart!

What is the problem that you are trying to solve?

Today’s organizations run on dozens of software applications and a huge amount of data. But data does not equal information. Launchpad brings our expertise in digital transformation, enterprise architecture, and integrations to help our clients break down silos, create efficiency and increase ROI.

What is your biggest milestone to date?

Milestones are coming fast and furious at Launchpad. We grew from a team of 1 to 27 in our first year in business, without investors. A current favourite milestone client is Time Magazine, where we are helping their team transform and adapt to modern system architecture.

What is your biggest challenge?

Resourcing because the tech scene is competitive and the talent pool is small. We want the best people for our projects. Luckily, relationships are our biggest asset, and we have invested in an incredible starting line-up. We are always on the hunt for like-minded individuals, reach out: careers@golaunchpad.io

What is your motto?

HONE YOUR CRAFT.

How are you making an impact?

We love to solve problems, not just fix them. We inspire our clients with solutions that help them raise their games and deliver long-term wins to their businesses.

What is your hope for the future of tech in BC?

To continue to grow and scale home-based BC talent. We live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world and would love to have a bigger BC talent pool to draw from. As an industry, we need to support schools, educators, and community leaders in developing more programs and tools to offer the next generations.

Lightning Round with Bruce Qi – Founder of Launchpad

What excites you about your job?

Creating an environment that champions ‘What If’. Opening up a space where we celebrate originality, where we bring together innovators and experts, rookies and seasoned professionals, and where we all are motivated by the same desire to raise the bar. It’s invigorating and makes every client a passion project.

What was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome?

Planning for company scaleability right out of the gate. It is easy to focus on what’s right in front of you, especially with the incredible growth we are experiencing. It has been critical to our success to maintain focus on the big picture, being transparent with our team and customers about our strategic plans and therefore laying the foundation for the future.

If you can give advice to your 20-year-old self, what would you say?

Start sooner.

What are your pet peeves?

Poor customer service. No matter what the industry, every customer brings value and deserves to have their voice heard, followed up with a timely response.

Words of wisdom to other tech CEOs or founders?

Relationships are the preeminent driving force in any industry. Your word is your bond, your reputation your calling card. Always remember to treat others with the same respect that you expect.

Favourite city you visited?

Marrakesh, Morocco

What is your formula for success?

Providing people with the systems and tools they need. As leaders, we are here to set up others’ success whether it be our internal team or our clients.

Name one book that everyone should read.

I always carry an old worn-out copy of the Hemingway classic in my bag – The Old Man and The Sea

How do you decompress?

Family time with my two little boys. Keep us busy and laughing at home.

Favourite movie?

The Godfather Trilogy