Jonas Software Solutions is ‘Building the Future’ in Nova Scotia
Friday, January 21, 2022
Opening an office in a new city and hiring a team is a tall order under regular circumstances, never mind during a global pandemic.
When Jonas Software Solutions chose Halifax, Nova Scotia as their new Canadian location in 2019, they had no idea the 2020 formal office grand opening ceremony would never occur. While COVID-19 threw a wrench in the plans for this global software company, it didn’t stop Jonas from establishing a presence in Nova Scotia, growing an in-person/remote team, and inspiring a migration of people to the province, eager to experience the ocean lifestyle while working for a top software firm.
Jonas Software Solutions, or Jonas, is global software company that focuses on mentorship and management through acquisitions and mergers. Born out of Constellation Software Inc., Jonas Software was founded in 2003 to work within the club and hospitality verticals. Today, Jonas operates in more than 60 countries and manages more than 110 individual companies under the greater Jonas brand.
“The focus of Jonas is really to assist small businesses in development through mergers and acquisitions,” says Halifax-based Operations Manager, Tim Richardson. “Jonas can meet most businesses wherever they are, with what they're looking for, be it coaching and mentorship, or even a transition strategy for owners looking to retire or move on to a new opportunity.”
Jonas Software Operations Manager, Tim Richardson, stands in front of a display showing various Jonas brands.
Using this model, Jonas has built a varied portfolio in industries spanning from construction to fitness, salons to venue management. Employees at Jonas are given the opportunity to find which project, industry and environment best suits their working style and needs. This can mean working with large teams on big projects, or smaller teams within specialized and niche industries.
The feeling is start-up but with the backing of a multi-national tech firm,” says Richardson. “Employees have the ability to be part of solutioning and are able to make a difference though the work they do. Flexibility and opportunity are important to Jonas.
It’s this dedication to flexibility that helped Jonas adapt as the global pandemic halted plans to recruit a team to fill their new space in downtown Halifax. With face-to-face connection impossible, the Jonas team found innovative ways to connect with their new Nova Scotia community and build a team, sourcing talent from across the province, as well as across borders. Through their dedication to a “remote anywhere” work style, within six months, the Nova Scotia-based Jonas team grew to 25 employees, providing an avenue for some provincial ex-pats to return home.
“We started hiring local and saw interest from people looking to return to Nova Scotia,” says Richardson. “We were able to hire a Nova Scotian based in the Carolinas. We hired in Calgary and Toronto, so those who moved away because of jobs could now move back.”
To date, Jonas has employed almost 40 people in Nova Scotia. With a goal to grow to more than 100 employees over the next five years, Richardson says hiring in regions across the province is key. Pandemic or not, creating a welcoming culture and building a connected team is a priority for Jonas as they intend to make their “remote anywhere” workstyle the norm for their Nova Scotia team.
“In 2019, when we chose to set up in Halifax, nobody saw anything like the pandemic coming. It taught us to be creative in how we connect,” says Richardson. “We hold events and get together as friends and colleagues. We have gone axe throwing and on a harbour cruise. Our team can be absolutely anywhere in Nova Scotia and still be close enough to be able to participate.”
Jonas team enjoying HFX Burger Week
Looking forward, Richardson is positive about Jonas' future in Nova Scotia, as Jonas continues to build relationships with the greater Halifax tech community and Nova Scotia’s post-secondary network, recruiting talented personnel to the Jonas team.
“Jonas is a software company, so of course we will always need people with skills in software,” say Richardson. “However, a lot more is needed to make our team successful. Customer service, sales and training, these are all essential parts of our team.”
When it comes to Nova Scotia, Jonas Software Solutions takes their company mantra, “Building the Future” seriously. With ambitious plans for growth, Jonas is truly living the "remote anywhere" work and lifestyle, and creating opportunity for Nova Scotians, wherever they are.