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Gary Ziegler
Founder & CEO, eThor
Gary Ziegler is the Founder and CEO of eThor, a company specializing in mobile applications that connect merchants with consumers, particularly in the realm of FinTech. He has been instrumental in leveraging the relationship between online and offline commerce, recognizing that while a significant percentage of purchases are researched online, most transactions still occur in physical stores.1
Ziegler's entrepreneurial journey began in 2005 when he started eThor from his parents' basement. Over the years, he has focused on building a high-growth company that addresses the evolving needs of businesses in the digital age.3 His insights on entrepreneurship and technology have been shared through various platforms, including podcasts where he discusses opportunities within the FinTech sector and the importance of hiring tech talent in Canada.1
In addition to his role at eThor, Ziegler has a background in media and technology, having previously worked with eThor Media Ltd. His leadership style emphasizes focus and innovation, which has been crucial for eThor's success over the past two decades.24
Highlights
On this day 20 years ago, in the depths of my parents' basement, "eThor" was born.
In the world of technology startups, some are fortunate enough to capture lightning in a bottle. They craft the perfect product at the precise moment when market conditions align, and suddenly, they are on the cover of Fortune Magazine. But the cold, hard truth is that over 90% of startups fail.
The reasons for such failures are as varied as they are numerous. Perhaps the vision is right, but the team falls short in execution. Maybe the product is awesome, but the world isn't yet prepared for it. Most often, the heartbreak comes when the funds run dry.
The path of an entrepreneur is one that only those who've ventured into the arena can truly understand. Jensen Huang, the Founder & CEO of Nvidia, recently admitted that if he knew the daunting challenges that awaited him in starting Nvidia, he might have considered bypassing it altogether...today his company is worth more than a trillion dollars. That kind of success is far beyond anything eThor has achieved, but tor me if given the chance to turn back time, there's no question I'd do it again.
My two decades as an entrepreneur have tested me in ways too numerous to count. There were moments when eThor seized the spotlight on national news broadcasts, and there were times when I grappled with the uncertainty of meeting our payroll. We've weathered recessions and even a global pandemic, an ordeal that battered our industry like no other. It's in these moments of adversity that I found the strength and perseverance to become better and find a way.
Every step of the way, countless individuals have lent their support and guidance. From friends, family and loved ones to mentors, investors, and dedicated employees. To be certain, this has never been a solitary endeavor. While eThor's story may not have unfolded in a straight line up and to the right, our final chapter remains unwritten. I'm more excited by the products we are building today than I have been at any other point in our company's history and I can't wait for the next chapter.
Time to get back at it.
