Jessa Aco-Kuchmak, '14 BCom

Jessa Aco-Kuchmak, ‘14 BCom, co-founder and co-CEO of Pontem Innovation tells us about how her life-long entrepreneurial spirit led to her co-founding her company – which now expands across Canada. She also reflects on her time at the Alberta School of Business, what it was like to transition from employee to owner, and on cherishing each stage of life as it comes. Plus – read on for more details about the upcoming Business Alumni Association AGM in April 2023, and an exciting event for the grad years of ’10, ’11, ’12, and ’13.

Tell us about your career journey and the highlights you've experienced along the way!

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, even from a young age. When I was in university, I co-founded my first company! But I also knew I wanted a back-up plan, so I pursued a CPA designation and interned at PwC in Tax. After graduation, I continued on the CPA journey at PwC Audit and Assurance before exploring other opportunities. I was interested in Operations and Technology so I moved to Gateway Mechanical Services, which was going through digital transformation at that time. They were doing an ERP implementation and I helped establish their data analytics platform. That experience enabled me to see the need for better data-driven decision making in the workplace. In 2018, I co-founded Pontem Innovations, a data analytics and workflow automation company, with clients across North America. As co-founder and co-CEO, I am inspired everyday by the solutions we get to implement as a team.

What was your experience like at the Alberta School of Business? What are some of your favourite memories?

My experience at the school was quite special. It was filled with exciting volunteer opportunities, where I learned so much about myself and how to become a leader. These opportunities also allowed life-long friendships to blossom and enabled strong networking ties. I have so many favorite memories especially from all the conferences and case competitions I attended: from the Rocky Mountain Business Seminar, JDC West and Network of Empowered Women, to the ones I attended as Business Students' Association president representing Alberta at the Canadian Association of Business Students (CABS). I met so many wonderful people and I made core memories I will cherish forever.

Another favorite memory is when all the student clubs at the school organized a LIP-DUB, which was all the rave back in the day. We lip-synced and danced around to three songs, while featuring our favourite spots in the business building. We ended the video with some students and teachers dancing in a conference room on the top floor of the building! It was a bit chaotic, but I loved the energy and the grassroots nature of the event. Some of my best friends were in the LIP-DUB — including my now husband!

What's the story behind your co-founding of Pontem Innovations? What sort of work do you do?

Pontem Innovations was founded because the growth of data is relentless. Pontem is Latin for the word bridge, as we “bridge” companies to innovation by leveraging the power of data and streamlined workflows. I co-founded the company in 2018 with my business partner, Rick Dowell – an Alberta School of Business MBA alumnus. We worked together in a mid-size company where we helped with the ERP implementation and started the use of analytics. We realized we were both entrepreneurial, and that there was a clear need for small and medium sized businesses in North America to make more data driven decisions. Many of these companies don’t know where to start, and they needed help combining strategy and data. So here we are five years later, and we have a healthy growing business with clients across North America, spanning industries like energy, construction, utilities, professional services, non- profits and others. We have employees across Canada and we help organizations by creating Power BI Dashboards, implementing streamlined and digitized workflows and developing customized portals using Azure Web Apps. 

What was the transition from employee to owner like for you?

I’ve always been passionate about business, and I always give it 100 per cent, whether I’m signing up for a job, board or volunteer opportunity. So, transitioning from employee to a business owner was just about me giving 100 per cent to myself, instead of someone else. As an owner, I gained a lot of flexibility and autonomy in decision making. But on the other hand, that also meant more pressure and responsibility for the outcomes of my decisions. I had the opportunity to flex the strategic thinking part of my brain when I started Pontem. Despite my freedom and independence as an owner, I still had to seek out mentors to support me when handling challenging situations I haven’t previously experienced.

You've kept in touch with the Alberta School of Business through the Business Alumni Association — what have you enjoyed so much about keeping involved as an alumni? How do you recommend others stay involved?

I’ve always been grateful for all the wonderful opportunities the school has provided, so I wanted to give back by staying involved while also expanding my professional network. I recommend staying involved by staying connected. Not everyone can volunteer in the same capacity, but if you’re connected to the association, you can sign up or reach out when the timing of volunteer opportunities is right for you.

A great example is the upcoming Business Alumni Association (BAA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) in April 2023. It’s a great way to hear updates from the school and the association! At that AGM, I’m going to help announce the 10-year anniversary celebration in September 2023 for the classes of 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

These alumni were unfortunately not able to have a class reunion due to Covid-19, so we plan on doing a massive celebratory event to make up for it! Being engaged and involved has many benefits. 

As a new(ish) mother myself, I have to ask — how have you personally figured out how to manage your business, family and community involvement and do you have any tips for others?

It’s a lot of time management, communication and being crystal clear on priorities. Having a fantastic partner in life also helps. My husband (also a 2013 graduate) is a steadfast supporter in both my personal and professional career.  There are good days, and bad days. But by seeking help from my extended family and by being open to unconventional childcare arrangements, I feel like I am able to make it all work – running my business, making quality time with my husband and kids, and making time for some of my other interests, such as being involved as a HomeEd board member, CPA volunteer and Filipino-Canadian association (VISMIN Alberta) volunteer.  While it feels hectic, my kids will only be young for a very short time so I know this extremely busy period won’t last too long either and we need to cherish it, because you only get to move through each phase of life once!