Meet our Wolves’ Den Competitors: Patrick Mahaffy

Posted on Monday, March 21st, 2016

Patrick MahaffyThe Wolves’ Den is coming up on Wednesday, March 23! The Wolves’ Den is Algonquin College’s very own Dragon’s Den, and features five student entrepreneurs competing for legal help, seed money, and a mentorship opportunity.

Patrick Mahaffy is one of those competitors. Originally from Deep River, Ontario, Patrick’s business helps those with allergies determine which foods are safe to eat. But will the Wolves find it to their taste?

How did you come up with the idea for the Go-Free App?

I have lived my whole life with a life-treating allergy to tree nuts (basically any nut that is not a peanut). If that allergy didn’t make eating enough of a challenge, in 2008 I was diagnosed with celiac disease – an incurable diagnosis, but one which can be effectively managed though a strict gluten free diet. So, as a young adult moving away for college, simple day-to-day activities such as doing groceries or going out to eat with friends become next to impossible. I would have to read through every ingredient of every product to see if something was safe for me to eat. That is when I came up with the idea for the Go-Free idea, an app that would allow the user to scan a product and instantly know whether or not it was safe to consume without having to memorize (in my case) every possible ingredient that has gluten or nuts in it.

Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur?

Primarily, I have become an entrepreneur to create a solution that would ease the daily lives of the rest of the population living with the same challenges as myself.

Secondly, I feel that being an entrepreneur is an exciting choice that strays from the normal 9-5 job that many may find comforting and secure. The thought of a classic 9-5 job is purely unsettling.

What have you learned in your studies, and as an entrepreneur?

In the international business program at Algonquin College, I have obtained skills and knowledge that are the backbone to any business, such as basic accounting, marketing, and creating and executing a proper business plan, in addition to skills and knowledge specific to my major of international business such as international market research, global supply chain and corporate finance. As for the skills I have developed by becoming a young entrepreneur: the drive and need for successes, and overcoming the next block in the road as well as the importance of networking and building and maintaining relationships.

What resources have you tapped into within the College? How are you preparing for the Wolves’ Den?

I recently realized how many resources are available at Algonquin College, thanks to one on my professors who pointed me in the direction of the entrepreneurship office, which is currently my favorite. As for preparation for the Wolves’ Den I just had my first meeting with my mentor last week and have a few scheduled for next week, in addition to the help being provided by a select group of professors and friends.

Good luck to Patrick and all our Wolves’ Den competitors! Check back for another profile soon. Join us March 23 at 11 a.m. in the AC Hub to cheer them on!

 


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