Like most entrepreneurs, I had always dreamed of starting my own company. The thought of working for myself was very appealing, but also nerve-racking. I grew up watching shows like Dragon’s Den and the American version, Shark Tank. For those of you who have not seen them; they provide entrepreneurs the ability to pitch their businesses to self-made million/billionaires.
They are then critiqued and questioned by the panel and if all goes well, an offer is made and the Shark/Dragon buys into the company. This became a dream of mine; to work for myself and become financially stable enough to give back to my community and help those who were just starting out.
One weekend in 2016, we attended a family wedding in Blue Mountain, Ontario. While touring the Village, we stumbled upon the starting line of a long-distance bike race. While we watched the athletes get ready to go, I witnessed something that would change my future. It almost happened in slow motion, a moment that I will never forget. A gentleman with an expensive bike removed his iPhone, watch, jewelry and car keys from his pocket. He then tucked them into his backpack that had been left resting against a chain link fence. He buried down to the bottom of the bag, like a squirrel hiding a nut, and then covered his most cherished possessions with some clothing from his bag. He then walked away, got on his bike and took off.
I pointed this out to my wife and we both laughed. We both looked around and noticed it was not only this man doing it but other athletes as well. I couldn’t believe what we were witnessing. It was almost humorous to think about. Then I thought about the hundreds of times that I had done the exact same thing. I guess we never think about being a victim until it happens and we return to find our things gone.
When we returned home, we began our research. It became apparent that there was a gap in the market. Limited options existed that provided the mobile protection and security that we envisioned. Our customers would be able to secure and protect their valuables while they are out and about or while their stuff is left unattended. I thought to myself, there has to be a better way, “the Havlar way”! That is when Havlar was born.
Daryl Gibson
President