Vanguard Magazine

42 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 www.vanguardcanada.com See the full interview online She was only 27 when Nicole launched OMX in 2012. The online procurement exchange platform is the only one in the world, according to OMX, which man- ages "offsets" or obligations government contractors have to invest in local econo- mies as part of the contract. The platform also generates real-time analytics of data that enables governments to understand the economic impact of procurement de- cisions. Since its inception, OMX has evolved into a powerful online marketplace with subscribers from the world's top defence, aerospace, and shipbuilding sectors, as well as tens of thousands of local suppliers around the globe. Before heading OMX, Nicole launched Tiburon (the Spanish word for shark) in 2008. The offshore manufacturing firm based in the Dominican Republic sold shelter components for government con- tractors during the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. During this time, Haiti was struck by a killer earthquake. Nicole founded a non-profit organization called GlassFrog which provided aid to victims of the ca- tastrophe. Later on, Nicole integrated Tiburon into the family business, GMA. In 2011, she led the sale of both companies to a private equity firm. We asked Nicole a few questions to get to know her better. Q How did you start out in this industry and how has brought you to where you are today? The first business I started was called "Ti- buron" which is the Spanish word for the only animal that could kill my family's business (GMA), our biggest competitor, Saab Barracuda. I took out a loan and opened an offshore manufacturing business manufacturing subcomponents for large shelter building, camouflage nets and vehicle components. We had about 70 Dominican employ- ees. I lived on the beach and had to learn "shop floor" Dominican Spanish if I want- ed to make our deliveries to the U.S. De- partment of Defence on time during the height of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. That business was a sudden and imme- diate lesson in the stark realities of entre- preneurship, which essentially come down to one lesson: deliver and watch cash flow. Q What was your "aha" moment? I don't believe in "aha" moments…The true creative geniuses understand that be- ing a "game changer" is actually a long (often boring) process of constantly en- gaging potential users, listening, chang- ing again, seeking help and advice from everyone around you and constantly re- creating. But to answer your question, I found myself suddenly without a job after sell- ing to a private equity company. I was passionate about helping up the ante for Canadian industry in government pro- curements. I knew I loved that mission, I just had no clue how I would get there in the beginning. One step at a time led us to where we are today. Q What do you think our readers can take away from this? If you are not moving forward, you are moving backwards. We can't just throw our hands up and say "well the defence industry will never change." The truth is we are the most innovative sector in the world. Technology is changing exponentially… I am confident that if you embrace that change, despite ridicule, you will win in the long run. Q What was the best advice you ever received? Act as if you have to do a lot of pretend- ing and have the confidence to fake confi- dence in the beginning. Q What people or organizations do you believe best embody the innovator mindset? Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX. Q Any parting advice? We all need to work together to solve the big challenges coming up next. niCole Verkindt FOuNDER & PRESIDENT OMX (thEOMX.COM)

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