Farewell.
In the last leg of our four-hour Board Meeting on June 23, 2020, I played this video; in my mind the only decorate way of announcing one of the hardest decisions of my life. As I turned back towards our Board, so began the ‘ugly crying’ phase of saying farewell.
I have been building Co.Labs for almost 7 years of my life. Very few people know the true story of how Co.Labs was built, something I shall document in its thematic entirety one day. In short, it took 3.5 years to get the idea funded and 3.5 more years to build it to where it is today. I wouldn’t change a thing. It has been the greatest honour of my life to be a part of this journey with all of you; one that has transformed our community and economy for years to come.
I wanted to be a part of building Co.Labs for one reason, I wanted it for myself as much as I wanted it for our community. The idea of a place where the entire ethos was to support those who dare to envision a different future was something I coveted greatly. I wanted to meet people who were endeavouring on the same path as me so that it would perhaps not feel as crazy as those around me pontificated. Thus began a journey of a thousand miles to build what most at the time deemed unconscionable. Yes, I am being hyperbolic, but I have a penchant for the dramatic and if you sat in some of the conversations I did years ago you may feel similar. It was like warfare trying to convince certain people that a place like this was not only possible but essential to the future prosperity of our community. Few industries or opportunities are as accessible as technology for those with daring ideas. We need to support those individuals in order for them to see our community as a place where they can build their future.
Since the day we opened our doors I have since felt, at all times, a sense of belonging. Co.Labs is not just a series of programs or events, it is a place where individuals with a certain disposition and outlook on the world gather. A place where they can be challenged, supported, and encouraged by one another. This is the ‘royal jelly’ which has made Co.Labs so special. To be a part of something beyond yourself whilst simultaneously pursuing your vision for the future is a feeling like no other.
So why now, you may ask yourself, am I choosing to move on? In the famous words of Harvey Dent (Batman: The Dark Knight — 2008) “You either die a hero or live long enough to become the villain.” Co.Labs has become something that I had never thought possible, yet there is still much work to be done. The future of our community requires years of steady leadership and continued momentum to reach the next level of our combined potential. I have learned everything I can from this experience and must now hand it over to the future leaders of our community to forge onward.
Rome wasn’t built in a day and it took courage and fortitude from visionaries to make it a reality. This community we have built, it is special, and something to be both cherished and protected. I will never forget being asked by a VC from Toronto if “we have internet in Saskatchewan” just four years ago. Today, we stand tall having built companies and founders that rival the best in Canada. Importantly however, we did it in a way that maintained our integrity and kindness. This is our proprietary advantage, to care for and push one another to greatness, in unison.
In the handful of conversations I have had privately over these last few weeks, I have been asked the same question “what’s next?” The honest answer is I don’t know. I have had one goal for 7 years and that was to reach this moment. When I look back at my Resignation Letter from the University of Saskatchewan Junior Chamber of Commerce (I know, dreadful name) just 4 years ago, I am both proud and sad. My closing statement in that Letter speaks of my vehement dedication to the idea of building a ‘technology incubator’ for our community with such angst and determination. I am proud because I did what I said I was going to do, against all odds, however, I am sad because of the anger I felt at that moment. I wrote that letter after two years of consistently being told ‘no’ and being considered too young to build something of significance. A large part of my resolve was powered by my anger and desire to prove everyone wrong. My last Medium article Taking myself off autopilot was not just written so that others could learn from my experience and mistakes, it was a manifesto of the decisions and motivations that led me to where I am today.
Thus, this next phase of my life must be driven by my passion and curiosity, not by my desire to ‘prove myself’. That is the truth of it. I intend on getting to this point by making the hardest decision of all, willingly separating myself from the organization that has formed so much of my identity. This will allow me to make myself available to the ideas, problems, and opportunities the world has to offer; a ideation sabbatical, if you will. Everything has changed in the last five months and this ‘great pause’ is a moment that has granted me the opportunity to reflect on my past, present, and future. We must not waste this opportunity which has arisen from tragedy, life is too short.
Finally, the most important part of this Letter is to say thank you. The list of those who built Co.Labs is unfathomable. For without each founder, funder, developer, marketer, bureaucrat, and member of our community Co.Labs would be but a building. Buildings do not build communities, people do.
To some of the first founders to trust us years ago Serese Selanders, Ryan Quiring, Roshan Thomas, Ryley Iverson, Conrad Neufeldt, and Corey Edington as well as those who have been a part of Co.Labs since, thank you as you are the reason why we are all here.
To our funders Wes Jickling, Tina Beaudry-Mellor, Doug Zolinsky, Jennifer Stelzer, Van Isman, Brad Wall, Joe Gill, Sean Makahonuk, Alix Hayden, Tom Kishchuk, Brendan Reding, and Jackie Prenell thank you for taking a chance on us.
To our Board Members Katherine Regnier, Jeff Dyck, Greg Sutton, Ian Meier, Jacqueline Cook, Andrée Carpentier, Romeo Iula, and Mindy Loverin thank you for supporting and leading us through these last few years.
To our Team Cloe Ye, Graeme Jobe, Aditi Chadha, and Dallas Price thank you for your dedication to our mission and for all of the long nights and 2 am Slack messages you had to endure.
However, I would be remiss to not acknowledge those whose contributions were immeasurable. To three of the most important people in my life, I now speak to you directly. To Katie Dutchak, thank you for being here to support me through every element of the last 7 years, you saved me more times than I can count. To Kari Harvey, thank you for putting up with me and for your guidance, I would not be the leader or man I am today without you. To Alex Shimla, thank you most of all, as you are the reason why Co.Labs exists. I hope to one day repay you for the role you have played in my life, both inside and outside of Co.Labs.
“If not us, who? If not now, when?” — Probably JFK
Sincerely,
Jordan Dutchak
