Drew joined Commerce Decisions in July 2019 and is based in Ottawa.
In this blog we get to know a bit more about Drew and his role in leading service delivery across our North America hub.
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Why did you decide to join Commerce Decisions?
I was once a client of Commerce Decisions when I worked in Capital Project Delivery for the Royal Canadian Navy. I found that I was fascinated with detailed sensitivity analysis and the structured criteria development process. It just so happened that as I was looking for a career change, Commerce Decisions was looking to expand in Canada. It was a great opportunity to leverage my experience in complex project delivery while expanding my knowledge and skills, all in the service of clients like National Defence. What really made the decision easy was the team – it’s really an amazing crew.
What are your main responsibilities?
I am the lead for our service delivery in North America and the face of Commerce Decisions to many of our clients. This includes strategic evaluation design, structured criteria development, weighting, and sensitivity analysis.
What is your current focus?
I am busy serving our clients on some of Canada’s largest and most complex defence procurements, while expanding our service offerings in areas like training and process design. I am also working to deliver successful social value into our customers’ projects, alongside evaluation best practice.
Which elements of this role do you particularly enjoy and why?
I love how each day offers new challenges. I also really love seeing our advice result in better outcomes for our clients.
What have you enjoyed most so far about working at Commerce Decisions?
The team. This includes my fellow consultants as well as our client project teams.
If you could summarise working for Commerce Decisions in 3 words, what would they be?
Professional, Focus, Respect.
What’s your background?
I left home in Northern Ontario at 18 to join the Navy and see the world. Then I spent the next 23 years doing just that as a Combat Systems Engineering Officer. I have an academic background in mathematics and computer science, but also studied weapon system design and strategic studies at the Masters level. I retired from the Navy in 2019 and joined Commerce Decisions.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love canoeing and camping with my family. I’m also passionate about cross-country skiing.
What was your first job?
I worked at a pizza joint in North Bay. Worked my way up from dishwasher to Assistant Manager. Taught me the value of hard work and a good education.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
My first Executive Officer onboard HMCS ALGONQUIN told me before giving a traditional toast of the day: “When public speaking, be witty or be brief.”
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
Going for a walk every evening with my wife after the kids are in bed.
What’s one thing you’re learning now, and why is it important?
I’m learning how to housetrain a puppy – so I can stop cleaning the floor!
Find out more
If you would like to find out more about how we can support your strategic procurements in the North America region, please get in touch via email.
You can find more information about the Commerce Decisions team, including details of our current vacancies, on our Careers page.
