Last night at the ICED Rural Innovation Conference, attendees enjoyed an insightful evening with Jeff Sandquist, a hometown hero who has made significant strides in Big Tech. From his roots in Estevan to leading roles at Microsoft, Twitter, and Automattic, Sandquist’s journey was both inspiring and enlightening.
Growing up in Estevan, Sandquist witnessed technology’s evolution from a local to a global force. His return to his hometown provided a rare glimpse into his career, delivered in a conversational style reminiscent of the sportsman dinners he attended while growing up. “I’m from Estevan. I am who I am because I grew up here. I want to give people an insight into a couple of things,” he shared.
The conversation, led by John Gormley—an esteemed broadcaster with a 25-year career on CKOM Saskatoon and CJME Regina—added a dynamic edge to the event.
Sandquist highlighted the potential for rural areas like Estevan to leverage technology for economic growth, emphasizing the importance of integrating tech into sectors like agriculture and power generation. “I think those tech companies are going to come out of the rural areas. There’s a lot of opportunity for tech in rural communities,” he noted. He encouraged entrepreneurs to view technology as a tool for differentiation. “Optimism is a force multiplier. Know the story of what you want to become in your business,” he advised.
Addressing the challenges faced by rural areas, Sandquist pointed out the need for high-speed internet and broader community support.
The event also celebrated local tech students at the Innovation Center in Estevan. Sandquist expressed his pride in their achievements, stating, “So many emotions. Just so proud to see the things that they’re doing.” Reflecting on his journey from a support role at Microsoft to a successful career in web programming, he shared, “It was an interesting ride. I went to the United States on NAFTA, actually, is what I moved down into. And at Microsoft, my first job was answering the phone and support.”
Sandquist’s pragmatic approach and small-town sensibility were evident. He also praised the community’s resilience, stating, “People in this town don’t wait for somebody to come in to help, they help themselves.”
The evening highlighted the remarkable intersection of rural resilience and technological innovation, serving as a powerful reminder of the potential within even the smallest communities.