In an interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Todd Scheven, President of Findan Software Inc, shared how a collaborative opportunity with a partner led to the founding of Findan Software in 2018. Driven by a passion for technology and problem-solving since his teenage years, Todd emphasizes the vast potential of custom software to solve challenges and deliver revolutionary results. One such achievement was the automation of a national telecommunications company’s contract process, reducing completion time from weeks to minutes. Scheven highlighted the importance of partnerships, like their collaboration with Xerox to develop the Intelligent Filer tool, which showcased the innovation and collaboration between both companies. He advises aspiring entrepreneurs in tech to remain flexible, find unique value propositions, and leverage local networks, emphasizing that adding value to people’s lives is crucial for success.
Todd Scheven’s fascination with technology began at the age of 14 when his
Canadian high school introduced its first computer. His passion for computers and
software blossomed, and by the time he was 15, he was already programming
electronic cash registers. Despite pursuing a post-secondary education in
business, Todd’s love for technology remained unwavering, and he has enjoyed a
successful career in the industry since the late 1980s.
In 1994, he founded his first company, a value-added reseller of software called
LANslide Integration Services. In 2012, he established a SaaS company, and both
companies continue to thrive today. In 2018, Todd co-founded Findan Software
Inc., now a leading North American custom software development company
recognized as an official Xerox Personalized Application Builder. Findan
Software’s partnership with Xerox has yielded numerous innovative applications
featured in the Xerox App Gallery, enhancing the functionality of Xerox products.
Notably, the company has pioneered several ConnectKey applications for Xerox
multifunction printer (MFP) devices, solidifying its reputation as a trusted industry
partner.
Todd’s entrepreneurial spirit and expertise continue to drive innovation in the
technology sector, and he remains just as fascinated by computers and software
as ever. Outside of work, Todd loves spending time with family, fishing, trying the
beers of the world, aviation and pickleball.
Your fascination with technology began at a young age, leading to a successful career in software development and entrepreneurship. What inspired you to start Findan Software, and how did your early experiences influence your approach to building the company?
Opportunity was the spark that led to the creation of Findan Software. My business partner at the time, Doug, had an existing relationship with a large multinational organization. They brought a challenge to him, and Doug called me to brainstorm a solution. By that point, I’d worked with Doug on and off for around 15 years. He called me up and said, “I’ve got this opportunity, but I’m not sure what to do with it. Do you think you could give me a hand?” I was already working with Hunter [now a Project Manager at Findan Software and my business partner], so Hunter and I put our heads together and determined we could help solve the problem and add some value. From there, Findan Software was born!
Software development has inspired me for most of my life. The fact that you can literally create something from nothing has always struck a chord with me. From the age of 14 or 15, I’ve been captivated by computers and their power to transform lives and the world. Findan is an extension of that early fascination. We keep an open mind and aim to work with talented people who can deliver adventurous solutions to challenging problems.
What do you see as the most significant benefits of custom software, and can you share an example of how it’s helped a client achieve their goals?
The specific benefits vary by project and client. Custom software can help improve efficiency, enhance business processes and boost a company’s bottom line, but ultimately, the sky is the limit with custom software. It’s not an exaggeration to say that we can help people bring their dreams to fruition — and that’s a pretty significant benefit! It also has the power to improve lives and change the world. It can be revolutionary. For instance, look at Google. Two guys had an idea, and they basically built custom software. They built an algorithm. Google is now one of the largest corporations in the world, but it was once just somebody’s idea that they dreamt up and built. The possibilities are endless!
I’d like to think that every piece of software we’ve built has helped customers achieve their goals! However, to be specific, we completed a project for a national telecommunications company. Every time they opened a new corporate store, they had a massive amount of back-and-forth on contracts. Multiple people in their organization needed to review and sign it, and then it needed to be escalated and couriered to someone else. From there, it was couriered for another signature, say from the regional manager, and then perhaps to the new location for the owner’s signature, etc. You get the picture. It was very time-consuming and expensive for them. It was a process that was also, in some cases, prone to failure.
We were able to automate that entire process for them, turning a long and tedious process into something short and smooth. The entire process can now be completed in minutes instead of days or weeks!
Since its founding in 2018, Findan Software has gained a reputation for innovative solutions, especially through your partnership with Xerox. What milestones or achievements stand out in the company’s journey, and how do you envision its future growth?
The Xerox Touchless Access App stands out. As a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Xerox saw a need in the market, and we were able to develop and deploy an app that enabled touch-free use of millions of Xerox devices around the world. In doing this, we also helped Xerox maintain its position as a market leader. It was also a pivotal moment for Findan, as we were able to show Xerox what we were capable of, which helped our relationship blossom.
In terms of future growth, we’re continuing to expand our client base across North America. We’re actively looking for interesting projects that align with our skillset. Whether it’s automating processes and workflows or building a platform from the ground up, we’re excited for a future where we’ll continue helping organizations reach new heights.
Your partnership with Xerox has resulted in the creation of the Intelligent Filer tool, which has been well-received. Could you describe the collaborative process with Xerox and what this partnership has meant for both companies?
We really value our partnership with Xerox. Over the years, we have built a very close relationship with many of the Xerox team members, and the process is highly collaborative. We’re in regular contact, meeting at least once a week, so even though we aren’t in the same building, we can work together to achieve great results that help showcase the innovation and qualities of both organizations.
As a successful entrepreneur with decades of experience in the software industry, what advice would you offer to aspiring entrepreneurs or those looking to enter the tech sector? How can they navigate the challenges and find success in this competitive field?
Technology is changing rapidly, so traditional routes into the field may not be as valuable as they once were. Try to be flexible and open-minded and consider where your path may lead you one, two, four, and ten years from now. I also recommend finding ways to connect with local groups in your community. You never know who you might meet while playing pickleball, chess or volunteering at an animal shelter.
In terms of a path to success, try to find something that nobody else is doing, or find something that somebody else is doing and then do it better. If you can add value to people’s lives, you have a good chance of finding success.
