SolidCAD Announces the Retirement of Founder and Long-Standing President, Michael Kugan

June 16, 2025 – Toronto, ON — On March 31, 2025, SolidCAD officially marked the retirement of its founder and long-time President, Michael Kugan, closing a remarkable chapter in the company’s history. His retirement was honoured on June 12^th with a special celebration alongside close friends, longtime colleagues, and family members who have been part of his journey throughout the years.

Michael founded SolidCAD in May 1996, beginning with just two employees and a bold vision: to support Canadian manufacturers with cutting-edge design technology and services. Over the years, SolidCAD has grown into Canada’s largest Autodesk Platinum Partner and the country’s only Sapphire Bluebeam Partner, becoming a trusted leader in digital transformation across industries like manufacturing, architecture, engineering, and construction.

Under Michael’s leadership, the company saw several pivotal milestones — from its 1999 merger with CADDGroup Educational Services, which expanded its reach into the AEC market, to the 2015 merger with Cansel, which set the stage for future growth. After stepping down as President in 2020 and passing the torch to Marcus Tateishi, Michael remained actively involved in an advisory role, continuing to support the company through periods of industry-wide change.

Reflecting on his retirement, Michael shared:

“Every happy story eventually ends, and so my direct involvement with SolidCAD has come to a close. When I started the company nearly 30 years ago, I never imagined it would become the largest Autodesk partner in Canada and such an influential player in our industry. That success has only been possible because of the incredible team — competent, motivated, and driven individuals who believed in our vision and carried it forward. I’m filled with pride and gratitude for what we’ve built together, and I know SolidCAD is in capable hands as it moves into the next chapter.”

As SolidCAD approaches its 30th anniversary in 2026, Michael’s retirement marks the end of a foundational era — and the beginning of a bold new one. With a strong leadership team in place and a renewed focus on innovation and growth, the company is well-positioned to continue its legacy of excellence.

We thank Michael for his years of leadership, vision, and unwavering belief in people as the heart of the company’s success. His impact will be felt for years to come.

About SolidCAD

SolidCAD is your partner for technology consulting and thought leadership. Our mission is simple yet profound: we empower you to “Design, Collaborate, Make, and Manage,” while driving Digital Transformation across diverse industries. We understand the unique challenges businesses face. Our commitment to staying at the forefront of emerging technologies and trends ensures that our clients have the tools they need to stay competitive in an ever-evolving landscape. We are driven by the belief that every project holds the potential to change the world, and our vision is to be the catalyst that turns these possibilities into realities.