Pierre Gaudet

Building Businesses

Pierre has founded and scaled multiple businesses throughout his career. His entrepreneurial journey began in his early twenties and has included ventures in manufacturing, education, technology, and sustainable mobility. This diverse experience has given him a unique perspective on business development across different sectors and market conditions.

One of his notable achievements was building and selling a manufacturing business in China, where he scaled operations from 30 to 120 employees while navigating the complexities of cross-border commerce and cultural differences. This experience taught him valuable lessons about adaptability, resilience, and strategic growth that he now brings to his advisory work.

As CEO of SMTEV, a Canadian electric mobility business, Pierre led the company through a period of significant growth, developing innovative green transportation solutions while building sustainable business models. His hands-on leadership style and focus on both operational excellence and strategic vision have been hallmarks of his entrepreneurial approach.

Global Perspective

Pierre's decade in China gave him firsthand experience in navigating international markets, building cross-cultural teams, and managing global supply chains. During this time, he developed expertise in manufacturing operations, quality control systems, and international trade regulations that continue to inform his strategic approach today.

Beyond China, Pierre has worked with businesses and organizations across North America, developing a nuanced understanding of regional market differences and regulatory environments. This international experience allows him to help organizations identify global opportunities and navigate the complexities of cross-border operations.

As part of his work with PhilanthroBit, Pierre leverages this global perspective to help nonprofits and purpose-driven businesses develop sustainable funding models that can work across different cultural and economic contexts.

Professional Qualifications

Pierre is a Certified Sommelier, having graduated from the Algonquin College Sommelier Program. He further enhanced his wine expertise through studies at the prestigious Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), developing a comprehensive understanding of global wine regions, tasting methodologies, and wine business fundamentals.

As a Bitcoin professional from 2016-2023, Pierre operated as a Bitcoin miner, building a datacenter to process Bitcoin transactions and support the Bitcoin network. This practical experience informs his educational work, where he provides training on Bitcoin and digital assets to organizations including the U.S. Commercial Service and the Ottawa Catholic School Board.

His combination of formal education and practical experience across multiple industries allows Pierre to bridge theoretical concepts with real-world applications in his advisory and educational work.

Future-Focused Solutions

As CEO of Smart EV Mobility Inc. (SMTEV), a Canadian manufacturer of electric mobility products, Pierre led the development and commercialization of cutting-edge electric mobility solutions including e-bikes, e-scooters, and hoverboards. This experience in the green technology sector gave him valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of building businesses that balance environmental impact with financial sustainability.

This role built upon his extensive experience running a Chinese factory that specialized in mobility products, where he gained comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing processes, supply chain management, and international distribution networks. His journey from China to establishing SMTEV in Canada was featured in the Ottawa Business Journal.

The SMTEV store opening in November 2016 was attended by former Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, highlighting the local impact and recognition of Pierre's sustainable business initiatives. View the store opening video.

Empowering Entrepreneurs

As Director of Educational Services at Ottawa Community Loan Fund (OCLF), Pierre has developed and implemented comprehensive entrepreneurial training programs that have helped hundreds of aspiring business owners from underserved communities launch and grow successful ventures.

Pierre regularly serves as a judge for business competitions and startup pitch events, where he provides valuable feedback and mentorship to early-stage entrepreneurs. His judging approach emphasizes practical business fundamentals, sustainable growth strategies, and clear value propositions.

Through one-on-one mentorship and group workshops, Pierre has helped entrepreneurs across diverse industries refine their business models, develop effective go-to-market strategies, and navigate the challenges of scaling operations. His hands-on approach and focus on actionable advice have made him a sought-after mentor in the entrepreneurial community.

Cultural Exchange

During his time in China, Pierre co-founded a wine education and distribution business with Dawna Zhang (Chunxia Zhang), creating a unique venture that bridged Eastern and Western cultural approaches to wine appreciation and business development.

The business focused on introducing premium international wines to the growing Chinese market while providing educational experiences that helped customers develop their wine knowledge and appreciation. This venture demonstrated Pierre's ability to identify emerging market opportunities and create culturally relevant business models.

Through this experience, Pierre gained valuable insights into consumer education, luxury product marketing, and cross-cultural business development that continue to inform his approach to international ventures and market expansion strategies.

Financial Sovereignty

As an early adopter and advocate for Bitcoin, Pierre has developed a deep understanding of both the technical aspects and philosophical implications of this revolutionary technology. His experience as a Bitcoin miner from 2016-2023, building and operating a datacenter to process Bitcoin transactions and support the network, has given him practical insights into blockchain infrastructure and operations.

Pierre's Bitcoin philosophy is encapsulated in his "Rules of Bitcoin Acquisition," a framework he developed to help individuals and organizations understand how to approach Bitcoin as part of a broader financial strategy. These principles emphasize long-term thinking, self-custody, and the importance of education before investment.

His expertise in this area has led to him conducting in-person and virtual workshops for school boards, as well as providing professional industry analysis and legal aspects of Bitcoin and digital assets training for government entities such as the U.S. Commercial Service. Through PhilanthroBit, Pierre continues to help nonprofits and purpose-driven organizations leverage Bitcoin's unique properties to create more sustainable funding models.

Industry Impact

In 2022, Pierre received the Award of Excellence in Working Towards Economic Independence and Creating Entrepreneurs from the International Council of Business Consultants (ICOBC), recognizing his contributions to entrepreneurial development and economic empowerment.

His expertise in business development and electric mobility has led to various media appearances, including a memorable segment where he raced the former Ottawa Mayor on a Segway to demonstrate innovative urban transportation solutions.

As a speaker and thought leader, Pierre regularly shares insights on entrepreneurship, sustainable business models, and the future of digital assets at industry conferences and educational events. His practical, experience-based approach resonates with audiences looking for actionable strategies rather than theoretical concepts.

Pierre's journey from running a factory in China to establishing SMTEV in Canada was featured in the Ottawa Business Journal, highlighting his entrepreneurial vision and commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.