ProSmart Sports is an innovative sports tech company that builds social platforms for sports communities. These platforms are designed to help players, coaches, teams, and leagues easily communicate, access, and share information. The ProSmart team operates like an extended and interconnected family. Co-founder Ty Summach believes this combined with their fast-moving, collaborative process and ‘go-for-it’ attitude is the winning formula for future success. We recently caught up with Ty to talk growth, going public, and making power moves.
Q. Why do you love working for ProSmart?
A. The thing that I enjoyed the most about working for Disney Interactive was that our sole purpose was to build safe and responsible online communities for families. I carry every bit of that mindset into my role at ProSmart, but now it’s directly tied to my personal love for sport. Combine that with a strong passion for entrepreneurship and you can see why it’s a perfect fit for me.
Q. What kind of team growth do you predict in the next 2 to 5 years and what do you see for the future of your company?
A. A lot has changed over the first 3 ½ years since we decided to incorporate the company. Like many local startups, it began with my co-founder (Alan) and I crammed into a tiny office for the first 10 months at Accelerate Okanagan. We did whatever it took to bring this idea of ours to life. It wasn’t easy, but since then we’ve expanded to 17 staff members across 3 different offices (Kelowna, Vancouver & New York) and plan to add 5 more staff members over the next 6-12 months. We’re going to be making some really bold moves over the next 12 months. From a hiring standpoint, I’m definitely interested in adding big thinkers who are looking for an opportunity to do the best work of their careers.
Q. What else are you looking for in an applicant?
A. Over the next 6 months, we’ll be heavily focused on bringing in a few more software engineers within the Product Team. Beyond that though, our recruitment strategies will certainly shift heavily towards our Growth and Operation Teams. I firmly believe that cultural fit is the glue that holds an organization together, so it’s a key trait we look for throughout the talent acquisition process. To us, cultural fit is the likelihood that someone will reflect and/or be able to adapt to the core beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours that make up ProSmart. If you assess cultural fit throughout the entire recruiting process, you will hire professionals who will flourish in their new roles and drive long-term success for the organization.
Q. Can you describe your company culture?
A. Our culture is always evolving, but we strive to behave like an extended and interconnected family. This means taking ownership, moving quickly and getting things done. Being collaborative, open and succeeding together. Being bold, taking smart risks and continuously innovating. Demanding excellence and integrity. Leading and acting with enthusiasm and passion. Lastly, having fun and enjoying the ride as our big bets play out.
Q. What benefits do you offer that you find the most enticing for new employees?
A. We offer a solid variety of benefits in order to ensure we’re a competitive employer, but the opportunity I’m most proud of is our Employee Stock Option Program. Every person at ProSmart has the opportunity to become an owner.
Currently, ProSmart is looking to fill four specific roles:
To learn more about this local success story, find them online or connect with them at our one of our upcoming events.
