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The original vision of Shopify, the story goes, was a shop.
Before the company adopted that name, it was called Snowdevil. And Snowdevil was an online store selling snowboards. That is a big leap to Shopify as a full-service e-commerce platform—especially when you consider the fact that the founders didn’t even initially plan to create their own software for it.
Some things sound like fate, however. When born-coder Tobias Lütke realized existing e-commerce services were not up to snuff for Snowdevil, the founders took a wild and prodigious turn toward what is now Shopify. Today, the Ottawa-based company is a smashing success under the reigns of Lütke, who took things public in 2015.
Lütke steers Shopify with consistent precision. His calm and calculated composure helped create an army of friendly and humble employees who are also clearly productive, as evidenced by Shopify’s sustained growth: revenue climbs year-over-year and the company’s stock price continues to rise on turn.
Even so, it’s not all about business with Shopify. Lütke possesses an understated sense of humour, and he’s not afraid to go out a limb in pursuit of success. Recently, he offered fresh graduate Kevin Ryoo an internship. The job offer was through Twitter, no less, and it was based on Ryoo’s performance as a professional StarCraft player.
“It’s insanely hard to become a pro in Starcraft—significantly harder than it is to get a degree,” clarified Lütke, a Starcraft fan, in a post on Reddit. “Shopify has a history of bringing in people by alternative proofs of doing something difficult.”
Ryoo is in good hands. Shopify’s internships are among the highest-paid in all of Canada.
Not a pro Starcraft player? That’s okay, you still have a shot. Shopify is hiring at the upcoming Tech Talent Toronto job fair, which takes place on November 6 at Steam Whistle Brewing in downtown Toronto.
Tech Talent Canada’s job fairs are unique recruiting events that connect a city’s fastest growing companies with the top tech talent in the city. Hiring companies have the opportunity to showcase their employer brand and pitch a crowd of skilled candidates on why they’re the best employer around.
For $20, attendees get a ticket, a drink, and a variety of delicious appetizers. And, of course, a chance get hired by companies like Shopify.
Just don’t forget your CV—or your alternative proof of doing something difficult.