Left to right, Musharaf Syed, Tobyn Sowden and Aisha Yang (CNW Group/EY (Ernst & Young))
VICTORIA – Redbrick CEO and founder Tobyn Sowden has been named Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 Pacific Overall Award winner at an October 26 gala celebration in Vancouver.
Redbrick is a group of software companies that provide shared services to digital entrepreneurs, and Sowden was one of nine individuals honoured at the awards event.
Redbrick is home to innovators with a mission to build, acquire and scale companies that empower digital entrepreneurs. Through its suite of shared services — from digital marketing to finance and culture initiatives — Redbrick provides the tools entrepreneurs need to scale at all growth stages.
With its portfolio of companies, including Animoto, Delivra, Leadpages and Shift, Redbrick streamlines resource management and removes the biggest pressures from the shoulders of growing businesses. Starting as a marketing agency, it has evolved and earned recognition by PROFIT 500 as the 5th Fastest-Growing Company in Canada and as one of Canada’s Top Small and Medium Employers.
“As a seasoned entrepreneur, Tobyn uses his knowledge to help other innovators succeed by guiding them through the complex stages of growing their businesses with strategic advice and services,” shares Anita Chang, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Pacific Program Director. “His visionary approach and commitment to equipping entrepreneurs with comprehensive services truly capture the spirit of ground-breaking entrepreneurship.”
As a B Corp certified leader, Redbrick is at the forefront of sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation. Its Digital Scope initiative and partnership with the University of Victoria’s “INSPIRE: STEM for Social Impact” program are key in reducing environmental impact and advancing the shift toward carbon neutrality. Redbrick also promotes diversity and inclusivity through its DRIVE network and supports community initiatives, embodying a comprehensive approach to corporate responsibility.
“Tobyn’s recognition is a testament to his impactful leadership and innovative vision,” says Chang. “His visionary approach has not only driven Redbrick’s remarkable success but has also set a new standard for excellence in the tech industry. We’re excited to celebrate Tobyn’s achievements and those of other visionary entrepreneurs who are shaping the future across diverse industries like manufacturing, real estate, technology and fashion.”
Other award winners included Joshua Gaglardi of Orion Construction.
As the Pacific region’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024, Sowden will next compete with winners from the Prairies, Ontario, Québec and Atlantic regions for the national honour of Canada’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024, which will be presented at a celebration on November 26 in Toronto.
In June 2025, Canada’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 will then move to the world stage to compete with more than 50 other country recipients for the title of EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ hosted in Monaco.
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program spotlights entrepreneurs across. The 2024 Pacific independent judging panel comprises Ryan Barrington-Foote, President of Jim Pattison Group; Christine Bergeron, President and CEO of Concert Properties; Curtis Braber, CEO of BE Power Equipment; Abi Coman-Walker, COO of Acuitas Therapeutics; Stephen Lee, CEO of Musqueam Capital Corp; and Bill Tam, Founder & Managing Director of ThoughtBridge.
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