Canada isn’t just limping—it’s crying for help.
And I’ve decided to try and help it. A little. While still making moves to the U.S. and Spain. Let me explain.
I’ve started thinking about Canada, the U.S., and Spain as people. It’s easier to frame decisions that way.
Let’s personify it:
- Canada: The guy who’s got talent, but won’t invest in himself. Won’t hire a coach. Won’t get therapy. Keeps showing up late and blaming traffic.
- U.S.: The dude who hired 3 trainers, has a 5-year plan, and even if he trips, he still lands 10 feet ahead.
- Spain: The retiree recovering from rock bottom, taking long walks, sipping espresso, and quietly rebuilding.
As I look at where to invest my time, money, and energy, that framing helps.
And while Canada was on my “cut list” a few weeks ago, something changed.
What If the Problem Is the Mirror?
If Canada has a productivity crisis (and it does), then it’s not just “the country” — it's the sum of the businesses within it.
So if I’m a Canadian entrepreneur…
…then maybe the crisis is also mine.
Maybe our company’s productivity is lower than it could be.
Maybe our growth is slower than it should be.
Maybe the people we’ve been hoping would walk in the front door… aren't coming.
And if the country’s out of breath — the businesses inside it need to check their own oxygen masks first.
Inspired By Elon Musk… Weirdly
Earlier this week, I heard Elon Musk say:
“I’m done trying to fix it. I gave my best to influence government. Now I’m just going to build.”
He realized what most entrepreneurs eventually do:
You can’t out-talk inertia. But you can out-work it.
So instead of lobbying, he’s going to scale.
And he knows they’ll tax him.
And he knows they’ll misunderstand him.
And he’s going to win anyway.
That hit me.
I’ve been pulling back in Canada.
But maybe the better move is to build better.
Not for the country. Not for politicians.
But for the people in our company who need a path.
Doubling Down on People (Not Policies)
Our construction company doesn’t run on AI or fancy machines.
It runs on people who show up, sweat, and learn.
We’ve been investing in a Mexican labor company.
We’re trying to build the workforce we need from scratch—because job boards aren’t cutting it, and the market is tapped out.
And you know what?
That long play might be exactly what Canada needs more of.
Not billion-dollar moonshots.
Just a bunch of us building quietly, intentionally, consistently.
Because when you lift one person up, and they become productive, that echo touches:
- Their family
- Our business
- The economy
- The culture
It adds up.
What’s My Role as a Canadian Entrepreneur?
Some people invest in equipment.
Some in real estate.
Some in AI tools.
Me?
I invest in people.
It’s slower.
It’s messier.
But in a country with a productivity problem, people-first businesses might be the only real answer.
So here’s what I’m committing to:
- Narrowing the markets we serve
- Becoming the best in that narrow space
- Creating meaningful, scalable opportunities for the right people
- Sharing what I learn — so other builders can do it too
Because I don’t want to just survive the decline.
I want to be the reason it reverses.
Still Going to the U.S. and Spain?
Yes. 100%.
We’re still pursuing our E-2 visa.
We’re still spending 90+ days a year in Spain for clarity, mission, and pace.
But Canada?
It’s not off the list.
It’s just off the pedestal.
And maybe… that’s the right place for it now.
Final Word for Builders
If you're like me—trying to make something, raise a family, build a future—you know what this feels like:
“One step away from being a psychopath.”
That’s what someone told me this week.
Because we keep going—without any guarantees.
Without clear rewards.
Fueled only by belief and grit.
And that’s why I keep recording these episodes.
So you know you’re not alone.
Let’s build anyway.
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