Todd Freer, based in Calgary, is one of the firm's newest Equity Partners, (or "the newbie" as he is affectionately called). He is our technology issue's featured partner because he embodies all that the technology sector represents – change, innovation, and fresh perspective.
When we say, newest Equity Partner, we aren't kidding. While Todd has been with the firm since 2007, he was officially admitted to the partnership on January 1st of this year – less than 50 days ago. Prior to joining the firm, Todd was the Manager of Financial Reporting for a TSX listed entity. He saw pursuing his CPA as an opportunity to be continually challenged in his career – and he jumped at that chance.
Todd chose Crowe MacKay for the same reason his clients do. "I believe that Crowe Mackay provides a unique alternative to clients who may not be large multi-national corporations but are expanding or are considering expanding into new markets and regions around the world. The firm, either internally or through the Crowe Horwath International member network, possesses the expertise to ensure that clients receive the advice and services they require to be successful in an ever-changing business environment. At the same time, we continue to pride ourselves in providing personalized service to the many small and medium sized local businesses that make up the fabric of our communities."
Born and raised in Trail, British Columbia, Todd is nostalgic of B.C. winters but says of Calgary: "It is Canada's largest small town where a large proportion of the population are transplants from other regions of Canada. As a result, people are generally welcoming and friendly as everyone is attempting to build their social and professional networks."
Todd describes the technology industry in his adopted home of Calgary as "having grown over the last decade primarily in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. There are numerous companies which have become world leaders in energy technology as well as non-oil technology companies, such as Smart Technologies, which is known worldwide for its interactive whiteboards, branded Smart Boards. The combination of a highly skilled work force and the demand created by energy companies looking to cut production and operating costs has created new opportunities for innovation."
As is the case of many Crowe MacKay leaders, in addition to the technology sector, Todd works with a wide variety of clients in many different areas and says, "It is this diversity that I find to be the most appealing aspect of public practice." Not the stereotypical number cruncher, Todd is motivated by "the service-focused aspect of the business, the ability to form long-term mutually beneficial relationships with clients and the diverse nature of the business."
During his down-time, Todd prefers to spend time with his wife and two daughters, a trio that he calls "the sweetest and craziest girls I know". His dream is to take a prolonged vacation to Italy and Greece. As that might be a ways down the road, Todd is opting to heed some valuable advice: "Follow your dreams, but manage your expectations."