Home: Toronto, ON. Age: 36. Birthplace: Toronto, ON. Profession: Hockey player, cryptocurrency founder and investor. Organization: Matador Gold Technologies, Polymath. Title: Cryptocurrency Founder and Investor. Alma mater: Richard Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario.
Current project: Matador Gold Technologies. Recent recognition: Being on Alejandro Cremades’ DealMakers podcast. Latest contribution to others: Supporter of Brynne Children Home in India. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? From the hockey rink to the cryptocurrency space. Last book read: Amp It Up, by Frank Slootman. Recently viewed and recommended: The Office (TV show).
Personality profile: Creative, bold, intuitive, innovative, goal-oriented, determined. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Dynamic. How do you define a perfect friendship? Holding each other accountable. Enough trust to be honest. How do you define an ideal business relationship? A partnership based on trust and a shared vision. What is your greatest joy? Creating new, transformative cryptocurrency companies. What is your greatest fear? Burdensome regulation that hinders innovation. What word or phrase do you use far too often? Founderhood. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Missionaries. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Investing in people with groundbreaking new ideas. How do you relieve stress? Hockey. What is your go-to workout? Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Discovery.
What was your first paying job? Entrepreneur. What was your favorite college course? Philosophy. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Warcraft 3. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? New York Rangers team photo. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My brother. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Best time to plant a tree was 15 years ago. Next best time is right now. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Every setback is an opportunity. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Blockchain. What is your favorite app? Asana. What is your go-to source of news and information? Twitter. What company or organization do you most admire? Apple and Tesla. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? A severe vehicle collision that changed the direction of my life.
What is your big idea?
The security token revolution.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? New and novel use cases of blockchain technology. What message do you want to send out into the world? No matter how deep the valley, you can make it to the mountaintop. What widely held belief do you reject? Second best is good enough. What mega-trend most excites you? More Fortune 500 companies accepting cryptocurrencies as payment. What mega-trend most concerns you? Misuse of technology by large companies and oppressive regimes.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Miracle. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Tom Hardy. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A hockey player. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? My iPhone. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Crossing the international date line on a private jet, to enjoy one more day. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? OHL years.
Personal mission: Making a difference in my industry and in the lives of people helped by worthy charities. Favorite quote: “A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be” (Wayne Gretzky).
