Entrepreneurship was something Robert Gierkink (Business Management ’86) was interested in at an early age.
He went on to launch the Air Miles Reward Program in Canada, co-founded two other top loyalty programs in the world, and created the consumer data collection company Datalogix (later acquired by Oracle).
He is now helping the next generation by investing in early stage technology companies as an Entrepreneur in Residence at General Catalyst Partners.
Despite his busy schedule, Gierkink welcomed the opportunity to give back to his alma mater by participating as a judge in the 2023 Slaight New Venture Competition.
You were involved in creating six companies. What sparked your interest in entrepreneurship?
Gierkink: I grew up on a farm my father managed which raised thoroughbred racehorses and sold them. I noticed that most of the people who owned thoroughbreds were entrepreneurs, so I wanted to model what those successful people had done by doing something entrepreneurial.
Why did you decide to apply to TMU?
Gierkink: I applied to TMU because you’re taking practical business courses from the first year, such as Marketing, Accounting and Business Law, while other schools required you to take general English or Arts classes. This allowed me to hit the ground running.
What was your fondest memory of TMU?
Gierkink: Living downtown, handling a full course load and playing Junior ‘A’ hockey for the North York Rangers during my second year taught me how much I could accomplish if I worked hard.
You co-founded three of the world’s largest cross-merchant loyalty programs. How did it all get started?
Gierkink: In my second year at Harvard Business School (HBS), I got a call from a recruiter for a startup that would be operating in the U.S. and Canada. They were looking for a Canadian at HBS with previous sales experience, and I fit the bill. The project turned out to be Air Miles.
How does starting a business in the 1990s differ from starting one today?
Gierkink:There were few venture capital funds back then and there weren’t as many startups. Opportunities available today at places like TMU’s DMZ are a huge help for entrepreneurial students.
What advice would you give current students at TMU?
Gierkink: Take advantage of this dedicated time to be a student. Once your career starts, you’ll have other demands and won’t have the same opportunities to learn.
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