Owners: Dustin Cassar & John Vandermeer
Location:  Vancouver, BC

The Business

Quicktech offers managed IT services and support for business and residential clients in Vancouver, BC.

The specialists eliminate the need for a business to have an in-house IT department by providing complete managed IT solutions including technical support, network maintenance and troubleshooting, data protection and more.

Residential customers receive computer maintenance, antivirus program installation, and technical support.

The Founders

Having known each other since the age of 14, Dustin Cassar and Jon Vandermeer had always talked about going into business together. After starting a web development company in high school and publishing several websites, they took separate career paths with plans to work together again some day.

Dustin worked as a technician at Quicktech, which was started by three university students as a part-time business endeavor.  Cassar and Vandermeer ended up purchasing the company and moved into developing the client base, which has grown ever since through referrals.

The Small Business BC Connection

Cassar and Vandermeer found the blog articles on the Small Business BC website to be great resources for useful business-related information.  They also enjoyed being part of Small Business BC’s Successful You contest, which was both fulfilling on a personal level and provided a great marketing boost for their company.

In 2011 Quicktech won the Best Company award at the Small Business BC Successful You Awards, which took place at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver.

Entrepreneurial Advice

If you’re thinking of starting a business in Vancouver, Cassar and Vandermeer stress the importance of social networking.  Since the vast majority of their clients have come to them through word-of-mouth referrals, nurturing relationships with current clients has been essential to success.

They advise that as a new business owner, you should get out and network with as many people as possible. Introduce yourself to everyone, since you never know whom you will meet and how they might be able to help you in the future, whether through business, referrals or mentoring.