At the age of 16 Patrick began planning his first business entrepreneurial venture. Modelling an already successful business model, Patrick wanted to delve into the mobile ice cream vending market.
In April of 2012, Patrick pitched his business idea to the "Laker's Den" competition hosted by Nipissing University and the North Bay - Parry Sound Business Centre. Modelled after the CBC hit show Dragon's Den, the Laker's Den hears business pitches from young entrepreneurs looking to get their businesses off the ground.
Facing stiff competition from as far away as Kitchener, Ontario, Patrick's Ice Cycle pitch to sell ice cream from door to door took top honours and won him $5000 cash, a $2000 radio advertising package, $1000 towards financial planning/tracking software, pre-approval for $150 000 in low interest loans, and approximately $35 000 in business grants.
Patrick is currently designing a prototype for an ice cream vending bicycle. His affinity for design and his natural understanding of engineering concepts will no doubt make his designs one of a kind.
His plans for the future?
"I'd like to stay in business and grow Ice Cycle. It is a successful business model and I want to capitalize on the opportunity to make money."
Given Patrick's track record so far, his stock broker is likely to become busier with Patrick's accounts.