“Making this world more sustainable, one kilowatt at a time”.
Javier Ojeda, MBA(L) Candidate, (Class of 2022)
Javier Ojeda, MBA(L) Candidate, (Class of 2022)
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Javier Ojeda’s shares his experience in starting a new business in sustainable engineering and becoming self-employed after sixteen years of work experience in the industry.
Javier is currently in his final year of Dalhousie’s MBA, Leadership program through CEGE. With experience in Engineering, Project Management and Business Administration, Javier will have plenty to offer for his business and in growing his network.
Javier Ojeda
“Start where you are with what you have, knowing that what you have is plenty enough” – Booker T. Washington
After sixteen years working in the industry in different roles, I’m starting a company focused around sustainable engineering. I have plenty on hand which include an office in my basement here in Halifax, my old laptop and a PC that I assembled myself. Of course included are my experience and knowledge of 16 years on renewables (especially in hydroelectric power plants), energy efficiency, and the support of a growing network. Factor in my learnings from the MBA program here at Dalhousie, and the many people that support me and help me in making this world more sustainable, one kilowatt at a time. What I know are engineering and project management, what I hope to gain is a business that can make a difference.
Earlier this year I have been very excitingly putting my MBA skills and experience to the test by signing a collaboration agreement with a fellow local consulting firm, and several independent consultants, locally and abroad. I’ve been having meetings with potential clients, old school coffees, virtual ones with old and new friends, attending several virtual events, reading several RFPs, starting to prepare proposals, building teams for those proposals, reaching people here and outside here. There will be plans to grow the team as I recognize that by no means is this a solo job. As I balance out my MBA learnings this year while taking on the challenges of starting a new business, I’m reminded how great the CEGE program is with its flexible/blended delivery. In the meanwhile I’ve been renewing my safety certificates, purchasing PPE, preparing the budget for the year for tools, equipment and software, preparing the budget, revising the budget…and revising the budget 3 more times!
With my confidence to pursue this entrepreneurial venture, I’m really excited for what is coming. I trust in the support of my network, the community and my experiences to thrive as another small business.