Dave Johnston's Linkedin Analytics

There were a few times our utility services were cut off from overdue bills, and we would boil water to bathe. Twice, we pretended nobody was home when landlords came looking to collect their overdue rent, resulting in evictions. These unpleasant experiences put a chip on my shoulder at a young age. Even though I had so much to be thankful for, I swore to myself that someday my own family would never have to feel the shame I felt as a kid. That said, throughout all those years of struggle, there were also neighbors randomly showing up with groceries for our family. There was the landlord who let us stay much longer than we should have. There was a kind farmer willing to drive my family 100's of km's when our rust bucket (barely a car) broke down on the side of the highway. I even remember, when I was about 10 yrs old, a generous local clothing retailer put my very first suit and tie on layaway, so I could slowly pay for it over several months with income from my flyer delivery route. Back then, I wanted to wear that suit and tie proudly, as I thought that was what success looked like. After tasting some wins and losses over two decades as an entrepreneur, it's become increasingly clear that value is mostly found beneath the surface. In a culture increasingly obsessed with appearances, I'm driven to make an impact that's deeper and more enduring. I want to be like that farmer, landlord, clothing retailer or neighbour... where helping someone is a reflex, not a performance. I want to create tangible value, empowering others to live a meaningful life and enjoy what matters most. I have all my chips in...to do it at scale! (except maybe the chip still on my shoulder)