WINDSOR, ON – MLVC Technologies Inc. has been a member of EPICentre’s incubator since September 2014. They moved from the Industrial Courtyard to EPIC Innovation in January 2015.

MLVC Technologies specializes in roofing material quantity estimations. MLVC Technologies produces custom-tailored reports that are specific to its customer’s roofing material specifications. By implementing 3D modeling software and aerial photography, MLVC Technologies is able to provide accurate and detailed roofing material reports for its customers complete with visual renderings of both existing and proposed properties.

Anthony Puzzuoli and Bora Lee, our EPICentre student ambassadors sat down with Vincent Colussi from MLVC Technologies Inc.  for a brief discussion:

1) How did you come up with your idea? How did you start-up your business? Is it a partnership?

Matthew [Lapain] was working as a co-op student for Enviroshake Inc. During this time, he was researching how to source the materials for their synthetic roofing shake product in efforts to reduce their cost. Enviroshake Inc. asked Matt if he could complete roofing material estimates for them. He agreed, and saw how much potential was available in this and therefore approached me to help him out. We initially completed things the old-fashioned way, by using pencils and rulers and printed blue prints as most contractors do. We enhanced the experience by digitalizing everything, and saw that the process could be sped up greatly if we could figure out how to use software to complete everything for us. After months and almost years of work, we finally had a process that was much more efficient, and eliminated the need to send a physical print whatsoever.

2) What is the most valuable trait/skill a young entrepreneur should have?

Stress management, and time management. If a young entrepreneur cannot cope with the stresses of multitasking, especially those trying to start up a company along with completing a University education, then they will have an extremely difficult time making ends meet. It all boils down to time, as there are only so many hours in the day. If you are organized, and efficient, then this isn’t even a challenge! This ties into the last strength, confidence. Believe that you can do what you’re doing, and that you will succeed. The moment you feel defeated is the moment your efforts will begin to fall apart before you.

3) How does the EpiCentre support/advance your ideal company? Have you received any help from a mentor? If yes, what did they help you with?

EpiCentre provides a perfect space and environment for interaction. Meeting rooms are available, and a clean and professional environment encourages outside customers to take you more seriously, rather than working in your parents’ basement so to say. We have worked with a mentor, Mr. Gerry Simpson, who opened up our eyes to our financial situation and strengths. We now have a key plan in place, and can see where our potential strengths and weaknesses are. We also consider threats and opportunities we fell blind to before meeting with him, overall direction for a business plan and an overall strategy has now been achieved.

4) What stage is your business currently at?

We are in the innovation stage. We have our service, we have our process established, now it’s a matter of fine-tuning things and making it even more efficient. Once our schooling is complete, we can focus on expanding to multiple customers and broaden our overall customer base. We are setting up for a near-future expansion.

5) Do you have any recommendations to young local entrepreneurs?

Go for it! Just stick to your guns, and don’t doubt yourself. Anything is possible if you make it possible. And with this at the forefront of your mind, you will succeed. Don’t be scared to take risks, and have patience. Things take time, and you may not get what you were looking for right away but it can still always come as long as you are persistent. Take action on your ideas, don’t let them remain as simple dreams and “what ifs.”

6) What was the hardest obstacle you had to face to progress your business idea?

Time. Time is a valuable thing, and there is only so much you can do in one day. Sacrifices may have to be made, but the future rewards will always outweigh your present efforts. Being able to stay on top of everything (school, other jobs, family, whatever the challenge may be) is absolutely critical. If you can manage your time, you can manage a business and succeed.