#OttawaInc: TradeDesk

Jun 14, 2016

 


Date company founded: 2015

Current number of employees: 14

What they do: Work on-demand


The on-demand workforce is becoming very prevalent in today’s society. Consumers want fast, convenient services and hordes of temporary employees are lining up to fill their demands. Need a ride? A contracted driver will arrive at your doorstep within minutes. Having trouble building your Ikea bookcase? A personal handyman can come to your house to assemble it for you. Yes, the industry is filled with services & workers that are vying to meet the needs of consumers.  But what if you’re a company that’s in need of a part time worker?

TradeDesk is the next up-and-coming contender in the on-demand marketplace. They service the trades industry to connect skilled job seekers such as electricians, labourers, and welders with employers on temporary job sites; and address the ever growing need for on-demand employees. Their platform makes it simple to either find or provide work and specifically focuses on the materials handling sector.

We sat down with Matt Thibeau from TradeDesk to discuss the new company and his thoughts on its impact on the North American materials handling industry over the next five years.

Say I don’t work in technology – can you explain to me what TradeDesk does?

Matt Thibeau, Digital Marketing Coordinator

Matt Thibeau, Digital Marketing Coordinator

TradeDesk is the solution for workforce demands in the trades industry.  Whether you’re looking for a job, an existing TradeDesk employee, or an established business looking to outsource your skilled labor staff—our goal is to streamline the employment process and make things easier for everyone.

What problems do you solve for your clients who are employers? How about job seekers?

TradeDesk recruits candidates, screens them for their work experience and police background checks, and then pay them on behalf of employers. This means that businesses don’t have to worry about the stressful process that goes into the recruitment and will never be understaffed.

As for job seekers, TradeDesk offers an exciting opportunity to take control of their career in the trades. We attract some of the top employers in the industry; providing abundant employment for skilled job seekers.

What was the “Eureka!” moment that sparked this idea?

The trades industry is in need of a change. Companies are hiring individuals on short-term contracts to complete specific projects. They are looking for reliable, fast, and on-demand labor to fulfill their staffing demands. After witnessing the success of Uber and other on-demand apps, it only made sense to translate that business model into the trades industry. Thus, TradeDesk was born.

TradeDesk Job Board

TradeDesk Job Board

 

What words would you use to describe the Ottawa Ecosystem?

The Ottawa business start-up ecosystem is in constant growth.  We are very fortunate as a business to be based in Ottawa as we have a tremendous amount of resources and external support to help us transform.

Can you highlight some ways working with IO has helped your business evolve?

Invest Ottawa is an amazing resource for start-up companies to get on their feet. Currently, TradeDesk is involved in the incubator program which entails company free office space and invaluable management training.

Screen Shot 2016-06-13 at 9.35.39 AM

Dave Ker, Chief Technology Officer

How did you hear about Invest Ottawa?

Dave Ker (CTO) have had a long-time relationship with Invest Ottawa, utilizing its services in one of his previous businesses, prior to his involvement with TradeDesk. As for myself, I have been a loyal attendee of the many business & marketing seminars.

How do you think TradeDesk will impact the Materials Handling industry over the next 5 years?

Over the next five years, TradeDesk can be seen creating an overhaul in the materials handling industry. Because we take care of the administrative duties involved with hiring temporary employees (screening, hiring, paying, etc.), we’ll be providing faster and more reliable staffing to businesses in Ottawa. We can tailor the skill sets of our job seekers to that which our employers need, and ensure that the best match is made for their available positions. Businesses simply won’t have to worry about open job vacancies and stunted production.

What’s more, we will be seen simplifying and streamlining the employment process within the industry and making our users happier for it. I’m very excited about the coming years and TradeDesk’s prospective impact on the city.


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