GRANT FURLANE: A LEADER BEYOND CONVENTIONAL BOUNDS

They say, “Leaders are made, not born.” Much like empires, companies come and go, but the deeds of their leaders last a lifetime. Looking back over the last ten years, the business community has become more welcoming. And it was the efforts of business veterans, which transformed the business landscape, paving the way for others. They’ve led companies in innovation, helped people see and believe in a goal, and set an example for their employees. Since digitization, leaders have focused more on refining their business. In fact, keeping technology in the centre, they are redefining the principles of business and leadership. And examples of such idols range from Tim Cook, Elon Musk, Jeff Weiner, etc. While some leaders are well-known, other technocrats or leaders, despite their global significance, deserve greater recognition.

Business Talk Magazine, in this edition, “Influential Business Leaders of the Year 2021,” aims to set the stage for such prolific leaders. This brings us to Grant Furlane, CEO of LocoMobi World Inc. Mr. Furlane is a technocrat and a multi-disciplinary leader whose passion for innovations has set several benchmarks in the industrial circuit. The following read is his story and insight to his company, LocoMobi World Inc., a technology firm defining the smart city vision.

GRANT FURLANE: A TRUE VISIONARY

A former President of the Canadian Parking Association, Mr. Furlane is a highly regarded figure in the smart city paradigm. He has over 40 years of experience with specialization in Smart City Transportation, Network Security, Cloud Computing, Loyalty programs and Parking, Transit and Tolling industries. He has worked on technology projects of over $600 Million investments and has led several initiatives for IT magnates. Mr. Furlane has served as the Co-Chairman of the first World Symposium on Intelligent Transportation System. He was a guest contributor of infrastructure at the United Nations congress. Mr. Furlane has also served as Chairman to the Neurological Hospitals Centers for Disability and the Board of Governors of Ontario Junior Hockey. And has investments in the entertainment and sports industries. Moreover, he has strong business ties and investments in China with channels in both import and export. 

Parallelly, he is a serial entrepreneur who invests and assists startups to rollout successful executions. He is the brilliant brain behind three transportation technology companies standing at the forefront of vehicle tracking and monitoring. His technology expertise and international scope have enabled his companies to develop integrated control systems for major airports, hospitals, and parking lot management companies. He’s also an expert in Threat Prevention Automation, which combines Artificial Intelligence and Machine Vision.

LOCOMOBI: A DYNAMIC SMART CITY INNOVATOR

After an avid period of empowering startups, Mr. Furlane co-founded LocoMobi with two partners. He envisioned a congestion-free world, where people could travel more efficiently and without distress. And his vision turned LocoMobi into an innovative endeavour. The Company specializes in creating disruptive solutions through innovative hardware and cloud-based technology to address emerging Smart city needs. Its offerings are tailored to parking, tolling, transit, storage, asset tracking and threat management sectors. By simultaneously focusing on multiple synergistic industries, LocoMobi is better able to realize its vision of creating fully connected cities globally.

OVERCOMING THE HURDLES

Mr. Furlane and his innovative venture tasted the fruits of success through simultaneous endeavours. Putting together a team with the same level of enthusiasm and quality to carry out his vision was difficult at first. Another concern was rolling out products and services in a timely and professional manner. But adapting to a style that addresses the needs of clients and the team itself helped in moving. Mr. Furlane believes that to build a like-minded team, all it needs is listening, a clear understanding of meeting deadlines and the required support to do so. “We like to share our journey, and the keystone has been a skilled listener,” says Mr. Furlane. With a goal-oriented team, it is easier to sell products and services; and the resultant outcome helps in raising capital, cash-flow and further improves execution/delivery plan to overcome bottlenecks and unneeded setbacks.  

Working as a team, LocoMobi is constantly looking for new business opportunities to keep investors and strengthen itself by applying new technologies, such as AI, ML, and more. LocoMobi will evolve to serve multiple industries as the global landscape changes, switching from one market to the next. Its ability to adapt has been its biggest companion. It helps in executing strategies and attracting investors by adapting market trends and a robust set of hardware and software – fully integrated into the cloud.

WHAT POWERS HIS FORTE

Using passion – to build a community, which can welcome more like-minded individuals has been the founder’s greatest achievement. His journey hasn’t been lean, but struggles and sacrifices have helped him stay on track. He believes in teamwork and has welcomed the right financial partners who support and value his vision. For starting a business, it’s common for good ideas to go unnoticed by giant corporations. Mr. Furlane had to chase his dreams and make tough decisions that he had to bear with the consequences of. “It can be a tough route as we do not have the support mechanisms we all turn to when we hit roadblocks, but we learn,” he explains. At an early stage, he used to set goals, reach them and then set new goals. The process motivated him, and as he got older, he looked at solving personal goals with the same approach. He believes personal goals hinder business goals, and solving them will help in managing the rest. 

He further applied the same approach with his team, balancing their personal and financial needs to meet the ultimate goals. Mr. Furlane sees each team member as his source of motivation. Through LocoMobi, He offers them a path to grow and encourages them–never to stop or give up, just like himself. He also puts effort into instilling creative thinking, giving insight into performance. His company has its own psychologists/ performance coaches, and he sits with them and encourages expression and things they are passionate about. 

AN OPEN HEART TOWARDS LIFE

“Work is fun, so I think I am always working in my mind.” Stating this, the founder still keeps a welcoming attitude towards life and its opportunities. He loves boating, working out, spending quality time with his family, and most importantly, his Dogs. He also loves helping the less privileged and has chaired many charities and foundations, such as Have a Heart for Down Syndrome and the Children’s Center for Disability.

MESSAGE TO ASPIRERS

Be a great listener and then lead with decisions that make sense. Second, you must read. You need to be aware of the work as the world is shrinking with the internet and social media, including how to lead. Information is king. And, of course, get involved in charities and help people as it teaches so much about people and leadership.”– Mr. Grant Furlane

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