Share this Post

Koingo Software: Childhood Origins

As someone who has been to 44 countries, participated in an archeological dig in Israel, and worked on an animal reserve in South Africa, I have had a diverse range of experiences that have shaped who I am today. My love for travel is driven by my desire to uncover new and exciting experiences beyond the typical tourist destinations, and to complete my own personal goal of visiting the New 7 Wonders of the World, which I finally achieved when I visited the Colosseum in Rome on September 5, 2019.

Growing up, I was a massive introvert who struggled with socializing. I had two best friends who moved away before I turned five, and with a busy household and two brothers, I often found solace in solitude. However, my love for computers and technology opened up a new world for me, and I quickly formed a close bond with my friend Ross, who was a recent import to my elementary school from Scotland. Together, we spent countless hours creating and inventing computer games and learning about technology.

This passion eventually led to the launch of my software business in high school, where I made my first sale and was amazed that people were actually "paying" for my apps. With my success in the tech industry, I diversified into real estate and bought and sold several rental homes over the next decade.

However, a major life change and heartbreak in my mid-20s led me to reevaluate my priorities and to travel solo in search of self-discovery. During this time, I fell in love with meeting new people, hosting events, and experiencing different cultures. I even briefly dabbled in politics with the goal of bringing the compassion and empathy I had learned abroad back to my home city, which was facing a rising crime rate and a homelessness crisis. Despite my initial success, I eventually dropped out due to my lack of experience and personal limitations.

Despite traveling to various places in search of a new home, I eventually returned to Canada, where I was drawn back by its vast stretches of mountain ranges, unspoiled nature, and stable political landscape.

Throughout my life, I have been deeply inspired by the values and leadership qualities of two prominent figures: Steve Jobs and Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Steve Jobs' drive for perfection and innovation has been a source of motivation and inspiration for me, while Captain Jean-Luc Picard's unwavering sense of morality and his desire to make the right decisions, even in the face of adversity, have resonated with me on a deep level.

In fact, I was so enamored with Captain Jean-Luc Picard that I once asked my mother to call me Jean-Luc as a child, in an effort to embody the same values and principles that he represented. Additionally, I have always been a fan of the "Mac Guy" from the "Mac Versus PC" commercials and have dressed up as him in the past to show my admiration for Steve Jobs and Apple.

My love for these two figures has been a constant throughout my life, and their influence can be seen in the various adventures and experiences I have pursued and the choices I have made along the way. Whether it's through my love for technology and innovation, or my desire to make a positive impact in the world, I have been shaped and inspired by the ideals and values of Steve Jobs and Captain Jean-Luc Picard, and I am proud to call them the father figures I never had.


Back to Blog