Our History
Our Journey: A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence
The Beginning: A Vision Born from Challenge
SolidCAD’s remarkable journey into the world of technology and consulting began with the vision and perseverance of its founder, Michael Kugan. An immigrant story of resilience and ambition. Michael Kugan arrived in Canada 35 years ago, where he embarked on a journey that would redefine his life and the tech landscape. After months of job searching, his persistence paid off when he secured a position at Magna International. There, he enhanced his skills in quality control and worked across various divisions until 1994. It was during this period that an opportunity arose—a chance to co-find a small Autodesk reseller company with a partner. But life had other plans; the venture fell through, leaving Michael without a job and at a crossroads.
It was in this moment of uncertainty and desperation, fueled by the need to support his family and carve out his own success, that Michael’s entrepreneurial spirit was ignited. Armed with the technical knowhow and customer service experience, but limited resources, he set out to create something of his own. This was more than a business venture; it was a personal mission to establish his identity in a new country. After relentless hard work and multiple negotiations with Autodesk, Michael’s vision materialized into SolidCAD in May 1996, marking the birth of Autodesk’s newest Canadian reseller in Ontario.
Carving a Niche: Client-Centric Focus and Growth
Under the leadership of Michael Kugan, SolidCAD carved its niche in the Ontario market, initially focusing on providing Autodesk software to small and mid-sized manufacturers with an unprecedented customer-centric approach. These formative years were marked by Michael’s incredible dedication, often working tirelessly each week, to establish a reputation of excellence and reliability. This unwavering commitment led to the assembly of a like-minded team, a vital step that was as challenging as it was necessary. The turning point came with the strategic partnership with Paul Forman and Caddgroup Inc. Educational Services, bringing onboard key members like Dave Leest, our current VP of Professional Services. Together, they shaped SolidCAD’s trajectory, blending shared visions into a powerful force driving the company forward.
Expanding Horizons: Strategic Partnerships & Acquisitions
The entry of Paul Forman in 1999 marked a significant expansion into the architectural market and laying the early groundwork for the client success focus clients feel today. SolidCAD took another major leap by acquiring Autodesk assets from CAD Micro Solutions. This acquisition wasn’t just about expanding our service offerings; it brought in a wealth of talent and expertise, particularly in the civil engineering sector. This influx of seasoned professionals was instrumental in SolidCAD achieving the Autodesk Platinum Partner status, a recognition we proudly maintain today.
Becoming part of the Cansel Group of Companies
In 2015, SolidCAD’s journey took a pivotal turn as we joined forces with Cansel, leading to a significant alliance that saw Cansel a majority shareholder. This strategic partnership, fueled by Cansel’s CEO Lovett Lewis’s and SolidCAD’s president Michael Kugan’s vision, allowed SolidCAD to retain its unique identity and autonomy while gaining the strength of national reach. Our bond with Cansel, a company already adept at navigating the Autodesk landscape through acquisitions like Global CADD Systems and Le Groupe Buscom, was more than a merger; it was a meeting of minds and missions. Lovett Lewis recognized how SolidCAD, with its robust Autodesk portfolio, complemented Cansel’s survey and civil engineering focus, broadening the client base and enhancing value for both entities.
New Growth and expansion across Canada
The decision to merge with SolidCAD was as deliberate as it was strategic, aimed at providing unparalleled value and a consistent approach to clients in line with Cansel’s principles. Even before our integration, Cansel had been shaping its trajectory in the Autodesk business yet sought a brand that could singularly represent that unit. SolidCAD represented the perfect fit, a brand worthy of retaining its name and legacy in the market. Following the merger and being named SolidCAD, a Cansel Company, we experienced substantial national growth. Our team expanded across various industries and geographic locations, enhancing our ability to serve clients with multiple offices more effectively. This expansion not only reinforced our commitment to providing top-tier service nationwide but also earned us the prestigious title of a National Autodesk Platinum Partner.
The merger enriched our team with exceptional talents like Alex Laporte from Le BusCom Groupe. Alex’s expertise in the Quebec market and his knack for crafting tailored solutions have been instrumental in fortifying our position as a proudly Canadian company, serving clients in both of Canada’s official languages. Over the years, with more than 15 acquisitions, SolidCAD has continuously expanded across Canada, growing in talent, expertise, and industry knowledge. Each acquisition has been strategic and a step towards enhancing our capability to provide innovative solutions and exceptional service to our clients.
Establishing a Key Differentiator: The Power of Teamwork
Since its inception, SolidCAD has been defined by a culture of teamwork, ingrained in its very foundation by Michael Kugan through a groundbreaking compensation model. This model went beyond ensuring fair rewards; it fostered unity and a shared sense of purpose among team members. Standing out in a competitive industry, SolidCAD’s commitment to collective effort has consistently led to superior performance and client satisfaction. This collaborative spirit has not only fueled innovative and practical solutions but has also earned the appreciation of clients who recognize the synergy and problem-solving capabilities of our unified teams.
Transitioning to Consulting: Adapting to Change and Focusing on Solutions
As Autodesk’s business model evolved, SolidCAD adeptly shifted from transactional interactions to a consultative and solution-oriented approach, reinventing itself from a software provider to a strategic consulting partner. Embracing collaboration, SolidCAD provided a platform for team members to contribute ideas from diverse backgrounds, shaping the company’s consulting services. This evolution transformed SolidCAD from a software reseller to a provider of comprehensive solutions and high-level consulting, significantly impacting clients’ businesses.
SolidCAD’s story is not just about technological growth but has always been about fostering a supportive and inclusive culture. Integral to the company’s identity is the focus on employees and community engagement. SolidCAD built a culture of open innovation, nurturing an environment where diverse ideas fuel dynamic and innovative growth. This approach has led to the development of new products, proprietary services, and a diverse technology portfolio. This culture has enabled SolidCAD to evolve into a multi-dimensional business that thrives on embracing varied perspectives and experiences, ultimately driving expansion into new service areas.
Embracing a New Era: A Visionary Leadership Transition
As SolidCAD embarked on its next chapter, the baton of leadership passed from Michael to Marcus Tateishi, a leader with a vision perfectly aligned with our legacy. Marcus didn’t just step into this role; he was a natural fit. With his roots deeply embedded in the Autodesk business and his experience as SolidCAD’s Partner Manager, he was already part of our story. He understood the nuances of SolidCAD our unique culture, and the values we hold dear. This deep understanding and shared vision made him the ideal choice in leading SolidCAD into its next phase of growth in an increasingly digital world. Under his leadership, SolidCAD is not only continuing Michael’s legacy but also branching out into new realms of innovation and thought leadership, ready to conquer the challenges of digital transformation.
Looking Ahead: Embracing Change and New Horizons
In the last five years, SolidCAD boldly stepped into the consulting domain. This part of the journey was marked by growth, learning, and a commitment to improvement. New strategies were formulated, less successful ventures were reshaped, and significant investments were made in internal systems. This phase was about SolidCAD adapting and thriving in an industry that never stands still.
Our journey has evolved, but our core remains the same. These historic roots are what define us and drive us to excel, ensuring that we’re not just meeting our clients’ needs, but surpassing them in the ever-changing digital landscape. We stand as a testament to over 25 years of history, relentlessly dedicated to innovation, quality, and excellence.
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