When I established SOTI over 30 years ago, I did not imagine it would grow into the billion-dollar enterprise it is today. What I did know, even back then, was that I wanted to create something meaningful, something built on a solid foundation of innovation, independence and long-term thinking. Along the way, I have learned a lot about scaling a business, staying true to your values and navigating challenges in a constantly evolving global market. My journey in building SOTI has been one of perseverance and unwavering belief in the power of patience, vision and relentless determination. There were no shortcuts, just countless late nights and an unshakable drive to turn an idea into a reality.
Independence as a Core Value
One of the defining decisions I made early on was to remain independent. Unlike many tech companies, I chose not to take venture capital funding. Why? Because I saw too many businesses lose control of their vision after accepting external investment. Venture capital often prioritizes quick returns over a business’s long-term growth and sustainability. I wanted to grow SOTI in a way that aligned with my values, not someone else’s timeline.
Remaining independent gave us the freedom to focus on what truly matters: creating solutions that our customers genuinely needed while building a company culture that reflects who we are. It has also given us the resilience to navigate economic downturns and achieve profitability for over 115 consecutive quarters. Independence hasn’t always been easy, but I firmly believe it’s been the key to our success.
Innovation That Anticipates the Future
From the start, I saw the potential of mobile technology to transform how businesses operate. In the early days of SOTI, when Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) were still the norm, I could envision a world where mobile devices would become mission-critical tools for industries like healthcare, transportation and logistics, and retail. That vision led us to focus on Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM), creating solutions that ensure mobile devices just work—no matter where they’re deployed. This empowers businesses to reduce downtime, troubleshoot remotely and ensure seamless operations.
Innovation at SOTI has always been about thinking ahead. It’s not just about asking customers what they need today; it’s about imagining what they’ll need tomorrow. Sometimes, that means taking risks and challenging the status quo. For example, a few years ago, we stepped away from the traditional analyst-driven approach to product development. Instead of following the trends dictated by industry reports, we doubled down on our instincts and invested in our products. That decision allowed us to reignite our creative momentum and deliver solutions like SOTI XSight, which combines operational intelligence with advanced analytics to help businesses optimize their operations.
A Long-Term Mindset
Building a sustainable business requires patience and a long-term perspective. I’ve often said that I run SOTI with the same principles our grandparents would have run their businesses—by spending wisely, planning carefully and prioritizing steady growth. That philosophy helped us navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. While some areas of our business, like the airline sector, slowed down, other areas such as home delivery, saw explosive growth. By staying adaptable and grounded, we were able to thrive during that period.
A long-term mindset also means focusing on quality and trust. At SOTI, we’re not just building products; we’re building relationships—with our customers, our partners and our employees. Trust is the foundation of everything we do. Internally, I believe in empowering my team and giving them the autonomy to succeed. Externally, we work hard to build strong partnerships with integrity and mutual respect. Whether it’s helping a partner through tough times or going the extra mile for a customer, doing the right thing is what keeps those relationships strong.
Lessons for Canadian Entrepreneurs
As a proud Canadian, I want to see more homegrown businesses succeed on a global scale. Canada has incredible talent and potential, but we must change our mindset to achieve lasting success. Too often, entrepreneurs are pressured to follow a playbook that prioritizes short-term gains over long-term vision. My advice is simple: be patient. Focus on building something that lasts. The big achievement is there if you’re willing to put in the work.
At the same time, we need to do more to retain our talent and technology in Canada. Our universities are producing some of the brightest minds in the world, but too often, that expertise is commercialized elsewhere. If we want to grow as tech leaders, we must invest in long-term strategies that keep innovation—and the people driving it—right here at home.
What Drives Me
When I look back at everything SOTI has achieved, I feel a deep sense of pride—not just in the company we’ve built, but in the values we’ve upheld along the way. My goal has never been to sell out or chase short-term wins. Instead, I want to leave behind a company that reflects a strong sense of purpose and integrity. I want SOTI to continue growing, driven by the same principles that got us here: independence, innovation and a commitment to doing the right thing.
Scaling a business isn’t easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. If there’s one lesson I hope Canadian entrepreneurs take from my journey, it’s this: Success doesn’t come from following someone else’s playbook. It comes from staying true to your vision, thinking long-term and never being afraid to challenge the status quo.
Carl Rodrigues is the founder, President and CEO of SOTI. Carl’s passion for innovation and focus on high-quality products and solutions have helped SOTI become one of the fastest-growing, profitable and self-sustaining companies positioned for growth worldwide. Carl is leading the company on a continuous path for growth and expansion. As a trailblazer in the industry, he has become a thought leader speaking on the topics of mobility and innovation, mobile industry trends, cybersecurity and entrepreneurialism.
