Catching Up with David Ross: TEC Member Story Update
Back in 2016, we spoke with David Ross, CEO of Ross Video, who was then navigating the transition of leadership from his father while scaling the family business from a small team of 25 to nearly 700 employees worldwide. Now, Ross Video has continued to grow exponentially, nearly doubling in size since then. We reconnected with David to hear about the major developments over the past few years and what the future holds for him and Ross Video.
Ross Video’s Rapid Growth and Expansion
Since our last conversation, Ross Video has seen tremendous growth, largely driven by strategic acquisitions and increased investment in both sales and marketing. The company also doubled its spending on research and development to stay ahead in a highly competitive market. David states that the constant reinforcement of best practices through TEC Canada has helped Ross Video refine its approach to growth, optimize internal processes, and maintain focus on the quality of its products and services.
Leveraging TEC’s Support in Times of Change
The insights and guidance gained from David’s TEC membership have been crucial in navigating the company’s rapid expansion and the challenges that came with it. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ross Video shifted to a hybrid work model. However, by leveraging discussions with his TEC group, David was able to find the best way to implement this new approach, allowing employees flexibility in their work arrangements while maintaining productivity levels. The TEC community provided valuable perspectives on balancing employee autonomy with company goals, ultimately reinforcing Ross Video’s more liberal stance on hybrid work.
Preparing for the Future: The Path to an IPO
Looking ahead, Ross Video is planning to go public within the next few years. David is candid about the complexities and challenges that come with preparing for an IPO, from regulatory hurdles to market expectations. He has found the experience of TEC members who are already public company CEOs to be especially beneficial during this period, using their knowledge as a critical resource in decision-making. Furthermore, two TEC members in his group have joined Ross Video’s board, providing David with trusted advice that has proven invaluable in steering the company through this potentially transformative step.
Strengthening Connections within Canada’s Tech Community
David remains actively involved in Canada’s tech ecosystem, particularly through his engagement with organizations like Invest Ottawa. He finds that TEC has filled the gap once occupied by traditional networking events, offering meaningful connections and engagement on a national scale.
Achievements and Recognition
David’s leadership continues to garner recognition: CEO of the Year in 2016, Ottawa Company of the Year twice, an honorary doctorate from the University of Ottawa, and a Lifetime Fellowship with the Canadian Academy of Engineers and SMPTE Engineers. Despite these accolades, and being 100x from where they started, David remains focused on what’s next.
