Team Sprout

The Seeker Solutions Team

Duncan MacRae: Founder, Director of Operations

Duncan grew up with the Internet. With keen interest, he watched the flow of online content increase from a modest trickle, to the overwhelming deluge of data we see today. Along the way, he came to believe that the glut of web pages, news, blogs and RSS content could be sorted more intelligently. So he founded Seeker Solutions, recruited some truly inspiring minds, and went on to develop the first iteration of a new paradigm in searching – an intelligent newsreader that grows to learn what you like, now lovingly referred to as “Sprout.”

Glen Hallam:Director of Technology

After studying computer science at UBC, Glen went on to develop many large technology infrastructure projects with such companies as Fujitsu and Research In Motion. When we found him, he was leading the IT infrastructure team at UBC’s Sauder School of Business. It’s anyone’s guess why he chose to join us, but we’re certainly glad he has. As our Technology Department’s lead, he’s been pivotal to the success of the company; plowing through an inconceivable amount of work, while never saying die.

Catherine Prestwich: Operations Manager

The first point of contact for the outside world, Catherine is nothing short of a den mother – keeping everyone focused on the prize, ensuring that the office continues to run smoothly, and managing an oft-unruly team of geniuses and dreamers. An avid reader, she’ll scan blogs and news articles spanning all manner of subjects, from today’s top headlines to dissertations on Eastern philosophy. Obviously, Sprout was designed with her in mind.

Alain Vandendorpe: Sprout Manager

Following the Software Design Bachelor of Computing (Honours) program at Queen’s University, Alain’s refusal to grow up led him to stay on and provide Desktop Support. Finally, after packing his things and moving out to the West Coast, we were able to hire him on as our Sprout Manager. And lucky for us, he remembered to pack his joie de vivre.

Chad Dunn : Network Technician

A Network Internet Support Specialist from CDI College, Chad’s technical acumen and impressive wit has made him an irreplaceable part of the Sprout team. Among his many talents, his ability to stay organized in the face of the software and business departments’ mayhem is truly inspiring. He was also voted “most likely to join the NBA” — although at our office, that’s not saying too much.

The Amazing Students of UVIC

Participating in the co-op program at the University of Victoria (LINK) since 2007, we’ve had the pleasure of working with some very talented young minds. Madeline Carson was our very first co-op student – inspiring us to continue with the program. Matthew Richards and Graeme Hill worked ceaselessly through the winter months, writing absolutely stellar code (while admittedly building the odd piece of IKEA furniture). And just this last summer, Katherine Along Chin and Naomi Aro found a way to keep up with us, despite our frenzied push towards the October launch of Sprout 1.0. Needless to say, we’re thankful for each and every one of these exceptional students, and look forward to continuing our involvement with the University’s Engineering and Computer Science departments.

To learn more about upcoming Co-op or Employment opportunities with Seeker Solutions, please contact us.