Mat Neale

WHAT GOT YOU STARTED?

by Burke Campbell 

Published in the Financial Post

 June 1, 2009

Mat Neale is founder of Guided Discovery  ( www.guideddiscovery.ca ). Guided Discovery, located in Vancouver, offers outdoor adventures, guiding participants with the use of GPS (Global Positioning System) technology. Mat Neale tells the Financial Post what motivated him to become an entrepreneur.

Youth: “I grew up in the Vancouver suburbs, with my father taking me on camping trips. At age 13, I kayaked the Yukon River. Later, in Portland, Maine, I taught white-water kayaking.”

It all fits: “I worked for a company that sold handheld GPS units, and gave classes in their use. I developed a series of geocache adventure packages for groups to explore terrain while finding clues leading to prizes or treasures.”

Do it: “Trained as an outdoor guide, I realized you could create a business by targeting a niche market.”

Pick your challenge: “I create group outings for recreation, corporations, or education. For instance, I can design a family adventure, appealing to all – grandparents, parents, and teens, or take a marketing group on a team-building expedition.”

Pioneering: “GPS is now reliable and flexible. At Guided Discovery, we’re using it innovatively, exploring its many applications.”

Passion: “I work with a great team of people. I love what I do, and learn from each experience.”

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