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Hometown boy named one of Canada's top entrepreneurs

Dave Wilkin believes his northern upbringing is part of what made him into the 23-year-old success story he is.
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Dave Wilkin went to to become the founder of a nationally recognized company after spending his childhood in Greater Sudbury. Supplied photo.
Dave Wilkin believes his northern upbringing is part of what made him into the 23-year-old success story he is.

The founder of Redwood Strategic was recently named one of the country's top entrepreneurs under the age of 30 when he won a FuEL award from Profit Magazine.

Wilkin, a Lively District Secondary School graduate, has only good things to say about living, learning and growing in a small town.

“It sets you up to be a successful person because your priorities are right,” he said.

“All students in northern Ontario have a really unique and powerful opportunity to go out and start companies.”

Wilkin said spending his childhood in Greater Sudbury taught him the value of community mindedness and putting people first — characteristics that have helped him prosper professionally.

In the last two years, Wilkin has been at the helm of his growing company. Redwood Strategic, a social media and experiential agency specializing in youth and campus engagement, has tripled in size in the last six months. Two of its largest customers have recognized the company as a global best practise.

One of Redwood's premiere innovations is CampusPerks, the country’s largest network of student influencers, integrating brands into the everyday community life.
Starting a business wasn't necessarily something Wilkin planned to do.
After high school, he opted to study biochemistry at the University of Waterloo, thanks to the “two best science teachers in the world at Lively.”

Wilkin said he didn't really know of the opportunities available in the marketing sector, but quickly found them.

After all, communicating with youth and students in a way they understand has always appealed to him.

Following his passion marked the birth of Redwood.

“You literally do something because you love to do it ... (and) all of a sudden you have a company,” he said.

“Every day I wake up excited to work with an amazing team, pushing my growth strategy into new markets and helping other youth achieve their own entrepreneurial passions.

“The fun has just begun,” he said.

For more information on Redwood Strategic, visit www.redwoodstrategic.com.

Posted by Mark Gentili

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