We have run our race and won. Let us help you win yours.
Exec Summary: We are retired executives, entrepreneurs, engineers, and tradespeople with decades of experience in business, skilled trades, and manufacturing. Our mission is to share our knowledge and support startups through our workshop facilities, helping them develop prototypes. By passing on our expertise, we aim to equip the next generation to rebuild lost manufacturing and keep Canada competitive in a changing global economy.
Our generation had great career opportunities at a time when Canada made more of what it consumed. We knew education alone wasn’t enough—we needed jobs, career paths, and opportunities for our children when they entered the workforce. But today, political decisions and successive free trade agreements have eroded our manufacturing base, leaving our children under-employed and all of us vulnerable to the whims of foreign powers like China, India, and the U.S.
We need to face this reality head-on. Isolationism won’t fix it. Instead, we must strategically rebuild our industries—reducing imports, increasing exports, and reclaiming our independence. The Men in our Shed remember how. Canada’s brand is strong, and it grows even stronger as we stand against economic tyranny.
Canada is at a turning point. We all need to act—some on a big scale, others through grassroots efforts.
Our education system has neglected skilled trades, creating a major economic gap. Our members stand ready to pass on their expertise, ensuring Canada remains competitive in the global economy.
The Ottawa Maker’s Shed: Building, Mentoring, Leading
We are entrepreneurs, engineers, tradespeople, and executives with decades of experience across high-tech, skilled trades, manufacturing, and business. Our city—and our Shed—is rich with military and high-tech retirees, all ready to pass on hard-earned wisdom.
Our mission is clear: to share our knowledge and skills with the next generation, ensuring Canada remains competitive in a changing global economy.
Skilled trades are in crisis, and we’re here to bridge that gap, ensuring the next generation is equipped to rebuild what’s been lost.
Our approach:
- For Teens: Inspiring talks and hands-on STEM projects—like building radio telescopes in 2025—to show them Canada can compete globally.
- For College and University Students: Our Presentation “If you can't find a job, make one”—100+ practical ideas to launch a career.
- For Startups & Small Businesses: Hands-on mentorship, prototyping, and real-world business guidance.
We still have gas in the tank.
It’s up to you to ask.