I don’t know about you, but Jeff had me with the words “I finished school with no debt”. If that doesn’t make you want to read on what will? (Well, maybe the fact that he wants to positively disrupt the auto industry.)

Jeff is June’s client hero and superhero! His entrepreneurial energy, razor sharp mind and game changer attitude just charges us up. Jeff tempers self-doubt with passion and commitment and that has brought him to a place where he wants to be right now. That’s pretty heroic don’t you think?

JeffHeadshot1

What motivated you to leave your salaried job and start a business?

I’ve always been passionate about business & entrepreneurship. It was inevitable for me – always something I knew I would do. It was just a matter of finding the right opportunity, and for me, that opportunity was the creation of MicroMech.

What did you complete your undergraduate degree in?

Civil Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan

What is the biggest challenge you have faced so far as a business owner?

Believing in yourself, and battling self-doubt. When you are one of the few who can see an early vision, it’s pretty easy for your mind to run away on you and begin to cloud that vision. That, and building your credibility as a new business.

Why does MicroMech exist?

MicroMech exists to positively impact the auto service industry for both consumers and mechanics in our network. We strive to offer the most convenient, transparent, and honest service experience possible.

What does MicroMech aspire to be?

Our vision for MicroMech is to positively disrupt the automotive industry as an innovative industry leader in the automotive technology space.

What have you enjoyed the most about being a business owner?

Seeing your own creation come to life. Entrepreneurship is my passion, so for me, it’s cool to get to do it every day.

Financial security to me means…

Being generous with the resources we have been blessed with. I’ve entered this world with nothing, and I intend to leave this world with nothing.

Money and I get along like:

I guess I don’t like to spend much… Some people call me cheap, I call it cost conscious :)

My proudest money moment:

Being able to remain debt free throughout my education!

What is your top money frustration?

Spending it on knick- knacks.

What was your latest splurge?

Picking up a road bike – they are great, but not cheap.

What is your favourite quote?

“Somewhere, someone with the exact same skills and abilities as you, is working twice as hard.”  My brother Dave said this years ago – it just seemed to stick with me, and helps to keep my work ethic in check.

What is your favourite hobby?20150615_205016

Probably a little rod n’ reel with a great group of friends.

If you had a chance for a do-over in life, what would you do differently?

As my beautiful kindergarten teacher wife says – “there is no such thing as a mistake, only great learning opportunities.”

What might someone be surprised to know about you?

Loved the movie Pitch Perfect. Instant classic.

If you could ask a financial planner any question, what would it be?

I’d like to learn more about using a holding company for investment income, and how to avoid things like capital gains taxes through distribution of income to other shareholders in your hold co – such as your wife and children?

TCM: Jeff asks us a very interesting tax question (which we are pretty sure is more interesting than his collection of knick knacks). When dealing with corporate tax questions during the financial planning process we bring in tax planners to help our clients. Tax planning guru and Chartered Professional Accountant Laurie Rauk has agreed to be a special guest on our blog to answer Jeff’s question so stay tuned and count the days until our next blog!