From capacitors to CEO: Read about Jonathan’s journey to launching his own company

Job: CEO of Extropic Energy Inc.; Vice President of Aurora Renewables

When did you first get interested in engineering?

My early engineering interest was inspired by my dad, who was incredibly multi-skilled—a Red Seal electrician, millwright and engineering technologist specializing in water utilities. His work always fascinated me. I vividly remember when I was about six years old and our family was moving from Squamish to Trail. After our moving sale, each of us kids was allowed to keep just one thing. I chose a box of capacitors and resistors. When I was 11 years old, my dad bought five 486DX2 computers and two printers for $10 at a local auction. 

That led me into computer programming, which later led into starting my own web development business during high school. 

When it came time to decide on a university path, I narrowed my options down to engineering or business. I ultimately chose engineering because I knew it would equip me with strong technical and problem-solving skills—skills that would be invaluable if I ever decided to start my own company. 

Tell us about your experience at UBC.

What really stands out to me is the level of collaboration. My cohort at UBC Okanagan was a close-knit group, and we tackled everything together. 

I deeply value meaningful relationships and meaningful work, and I was fortunate to experience both on campus. It was incredibly satisfying to see how, by working together, we could find solutions to any problem.

School of Engineering - UBCO

What was your path after graduating?

A summer job as a student led to a full-time position at a consulting firm right after I graduated. Two years in, I traveled to Saskatchewan for a project, and when I returned, I asked my wife how she’d feel about moving to Saskatoon so I could start an office for the engineering firm. We ended up spending seven fantastic years there, during which I also completed an MBA at the University of Saskatchewan.

After our son was born, we decided to move back to Kelowna to be closer to family. That’s when I joined CIMA+, Canada’s largest privately held engineering firm, to lead their Energy & Resources BC division. I enjoyed my time there, but I also had strong entrepreneurial drive. 

CIMA+

I wanted to make a bigger impact and implement solutions that combined engineering, business and what I like to call ‘the art of the possible’. This led me to launching Extropic Energy Inc in 2021. 

What does Extropic do?

We provide energy modernization solutions for projects across the entire spectrum, from individual buildings to entire energy systems. This includes everything from electric vehicle charging infrastructure to modernizing energy systems through battery energy storage and microgrids. A few recent examples of our work include developing the electrical master plan for UBC Okanagan, conducting a power grid resiliency study for the City of Penticton, and developing and implementing a solar and battery microgrid for the English River First Nations.  

Last year we launched a sister company, Aurora Renewables LP, which is jointly owned with the Des Nedhe Group, an English River First Nations company, to build battery, microgrid and solar projects. 

We have a great team of electricians, construction managers, equipment operators and others who build and maintain energy projects. We also do a lot of work together to build pathways towards energy sovereignty for Indigenous communities across Canada. 

Extropic Energy Inc Aurora Renewables LP

It sounds like being an entrepreneur helps you have a larger impact. 

Yes, I hope it does! When I was an undergrad, I read a great article in the IEEE by John McDonald who said that engineers often get stuck because they have great technical ideas and solutions but don’t speak the language of business that’s needed to get those ideas implemented. 

As engineers, we can have a broader impact by getting involved on the business side. We also need to get involved with policy development – policies have an enormous impact on the journey to energy modernization and resiliency. 

How did your UBC engineering degree help you develop the skills to succeed in engineering and business?

Although my education focused on electrical engineering, UBC exposed me to all the major engineering disciplines during the early years of study. That broad foundation has been incredibly valuable in my career. 

It’s helped me take a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving, which has served me and our clients well.

Our team doesn’t limit itself to electrical-only solutions. We look at the whole picture—considering all the sources and uses of energy. This comprehensive approach allows us to uncover solutions that are otherwise missed if we’re only focused on electrons.

electrical engineering at UBCO Foundation Year

What are the best parts of your job?

I love the entrepreneurial aspects of finding solutions to challenges and working with people on everything from policy to very technical details. 

I love being part of a team where we imagine what is possible and then actually implement it to make the world a better place.