Propel ICT’s Trevor MacAusland Gets Back to Beginnings
Trevor MacAusland is back at the startup grind of Propel ICT after getting a taste of working with more traditional industries at the 3+ Corporation.
MacAusland left Propel over a year ago to take on the role as director of business development at 3+. He says that he learned a lot in his latest role about the challenges traditional industries are facing with having to keep up with changing technology.
“It was a great experience, I got to work with some really great people, was exposed to different types of entrepreneurs,” he said. “What had drawn me there from Propel in the first place was the fact that they cater to [a greater] diversity of entrepreneurs. Over the year I got to meet some really great companies, some that are growing exponentially and seeing a lot of success. It also gave me an enriched point of view on things that I probably took for granted when I was at Propel.”
MacAusland was drawn back to Propel because he missed working with tech startups. He quickly realized that working with startup founders focused on digitizing solutions is what gets him excited.
In the short time since he first left Propel, MacAusland says there has already been a shift in how startups are looking at the future of their businesses.
“I think it’s just the ecosystem in itself maturing and growing up. There are a lot more startups within the region,” he said. “In my earlier days at Propel it was hard to get people to think outside of Atlantic Canada. Now more and more people are coming to the programs with that mindset right from the get-go.”
“We used to have to do a sales job on them and say ‘this is why you need to look outside the region because there’s a larger market, which in turn makes you more attractive to investors.’ Now we’ve got our startups coming in with an idea, knowing that their market won’t necessarily be here but will be in other places.”
MacAusland explains that this shift in focus will only become more prominent as time goes on. He expects more focus in the next couple years on positioning and preparing companies for scale and growth. He says the clean tech industry especially will be one to keep an eye on for major growth.
MacAusland keeps being drawn back to the entrepreneurial community both because of what he sees in new entrepreneurs and because of how he was raised.
“My father was an entrepreneur growing up and my mother became an entrepreneur later after retirement. I was always raised with the mindset that nobody is coming to save us on a white horse. If you’re not willing to step up and change your circumstances or seize an opportunity, then you’re going to be beholden to whoever does.”
Since his parents came from lower income families and were able to build a good livelihood for themselves and their children, MacAusland understands the value of entrepreneurship and determination.
“My dad didn’t put obstacles in front of him and he entrenched those values into my sister and I at an early age,” he said. “A lot of what I’ve accomplished through my time at Propel or even 3+ to help entrepreneurs was reflective of those values that were entrenched in me by my parents growing up. Success is when hard work meets preparedness and they always entrenched that in me and to think positively and see the opportunity within any challenge.”
MacAusland sees those same values in entrepreneurs today, entrepreneurs who are in love with the problem they’re trying to solve rather than the solution. He says the next batch of Propel cohorts are poised to change the landscape and impress people.
Looking ahead at what’s next for Propel and his role there, MacAuslands says he will be working with alumni companies to grow and expand the mentor network. He says Propel has recognized that with over 100 companies having gone through their programs, they need to focus on helping not just current cohorts but previous ones.
“I just want to be there to help support them through this journey, because there’s going to be some ups and downs, and make sure that they get to the other side and hopefully it’s a success,” he said. “I’m looking forward to reacquainting myself with all the companies and seeing how we can get them to accomplish their goals and knock out any obstacles that might be in their way.”