Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology (MBET) alumnus Matt Rendall launched his startup company Clearpath Robotics during his time at the Conrad Centre. He continues to keep the company’s entrepreneurial spirit alive by hiring fellow MBET graduates.
Students that graduate with an MBET understand more about what it takes to start a business, what types of problems a young business might experience, and the ‘startup’ mentality that is required.” Matt Rendall, Co-founder and CEO, Clearpath Robotics.
Clearpath Robotics is the leading employer of MBET graduates. We have reached out to each alumnus and asked them how obtaining an MBET and working at Clearpath has helped them to reach their career goals. Learn how MBET prepared Matt Rendall, Meghan Hennessey, Blyth Gill, and Adam Gryfe for their roles in this thriving startup!
Blyth Gill preparing the Kingfisher unmanned surface vessel for a bathymetric survey at Barrick Gold Tailings Pond in Timmins, Ontario.
Matt Rendall, Co-founder and Chief Executive at Clearpath
What did you learn in MBET
MBET taught me to look at competitive factors, market technology, and team factors when it comes to launching a startup. When you take an objective look at all of these things, you can assess if the business is viable and right for you. The lessons I learned through my MBET pushed me to refocus efforts away from my initial startup and to pursue a business I’m truly passionate about. I am fortunate that I left MBET with a startup that reflects my true passion.
What is it about MBET students that make them well suited for Clearpath?
Clearpath is growing really quickly and entrepreneurship is part of our DNA. The lessons that are taught in MBET are much more pragmatic for the phase of business that Clearpath is currently in. The students that graduate from MBET understand more about what it takes to start a business, what types of problems a young business might experience, and the ‘startup’ mentality that is required.
MBET students can roll up their sleeves and do whatever job is necessary, from scratch, to get the job done – and I think that's unique to MBET grads."
If you could talk to yourself before you started the MBET program, what advice would you give yourself about the entrepreneurial lifestyle?
I think I would give myself a heads-up on the sacrifice I was about to make. I did not realize what shoe-string budget truly meant or that Friday nights would be spent on commercialization planning and robotics testing, rather than at the pub. Of course, in retrospect, this is the story of Clearpath.
It’s the journey that’s made it fun, challenging, and exciting, and I wouldn’t change any of it."
If I could give advice to current MBET students who are thinking about starting a business, I'd say stop thinking about it and just do it. Also, it's critical to have business partners to create a balance of skill sets and leadership – you want to have the right people standing with you during difficult times, making it less about the result and more about the journey.
Meghan Hennessey, Marketing Communications Coordinator at Clearpath
I like to be in a fast-paced environment and have lots to do. Since Clearpath is growing quickly, my to-do list never runs short, and it's great! From a communications standpoint, there is always something exciting going on at Clearpath. The team is another reason I love working here - at Clearpath Robotics, you don't really work 'for' anyone; you work 'with' everyone.
How did MBET prepare you for a career in a startup?
MBET taught me that a successful business requires balance between the science and the creative. Bringing a skill set of marketing and communications, I enjoy taking initiative in the ‘creative’ world, while my engineering co-workers can focus on the ‘science’.
What would your career look like if you hadn’t taken the MBET program?
I don’t think I’d be working at Clearpath Robotics because I would not have engaged in the network I built through the Conrad Centre to make it to this stage in my career. I think I might have become complacent if I hadn’t pursued my MBET degree.
If I learned anything from the program and its mentors, it is to push yourself to new heights daily because you will be amazed at what you can do, who you can meet, and where you can go."
If you were a robot, what would your name be, and what would be your robot superpower?
If I were a robot, I'd be MegComm6000 - I'd have six arms (with digits) so I could respond to emails, draft upcoming blog articles, and white-board the next marketing strategy, all at the same time! A built-in GPS would be useful and for the sake of 'fun', I'd have thrusters in my feet and a jet pack built into my back so I could fly.
Blyth Gill, Commercialization Manager at Clearpath
My exposure to the many different types of businesses and job experiences would not have been the same had I not enrolled in the MBET program."
What would your career look like if you hadn’t taken the MBET program?
Without MBET, I would not be connected with Clearpath or the many hundreds of influential entrepreneurs in the Waterloo region. MBET enabled me to build a very strong entrepreneurial network.
If you were a robot, what would your name be, and what would be your robot superpower?
If I were a robot, my name would be “Bill Murray” and my super-power would be to walk around and say random things in public places that would make people laugh hysterically.
Adam Gryfe, Business Development Manager at Clearpath
I discovered Clearpath during my experience at the Conrad Centre doing my MBET - it was my commercialization practicum project. Through the practicum project, I came to know Clearpath as a young, exciting company on the cutting edge of robotics; a field that hits on my passion of transformational technology.
How did MBET prepare you for a career in a startup?
MBET exposed me to the challenges of start-up life. By providing a safe environment to experiment with ideas and execution, I was able to test my skills in the world of startups. This gave me the confidence that I could succeed in this world and enabled me to continue along the startup path.
The program also gave me a unique ability to experiment with my own startup while simultaneously working alongside Clearpath during my practicum. It also provided me with personal access to mentors who were experiencing the same challenges I was facing.
What would your career look like if you hadn’t taken the MBET program?
Without MBET, I would likely still be at a large company working as a cog in their machine.
I credit MBET with giving me the confidence to take the leap into the world of startups, which has led me to a much more rewarding career than I may have otherwise carved for myself."
I would be Maverik-tron: a robot with a good heart that plays by his own rules ;)
About Clearpath Robotics
The success story of Clearpath Robotics showcases the entrepreneurial drive and spirit that MBET aims to foster in each and every student. Clearpath's story is one to be celebrated. We at the Conrad Centre know that there are many more success stories to be written about this exciting startup -- so stay tuned!
Meghan Hennessey, Blyth Gill, and Adam Gryfe at an MBET alumni event.