Patrick McCrudden
Patrick McCrudden is a 2017 graduate of the Television & Film - Business program. In March 2019, Patrick created Vroom Entertainment Inc., where he has taken on the role of President.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve done professionally since leaving the School of Communications, Media, Arts and Design?
Starting my own business is certainly one of the most interesting things I have done professionally since graduating. It has certainly been challenging, exciting, and an excellent learning experience.
What’s your favourite memory from your time at the school?
My favourite memory from my time at the school is meeting all of my classmates. They are all amazingly talented and will certainly achieve great things. The business side of the entertainment industry has garnered some excellent talent.
How did your experience at the school shape your entrepreneurial goals?
One of the classes I had the most fun in was Entrepreneurship and learning how everyday things we do can be utilized in a business setting. For example, using negotiating skills when playing board games such as Settlers of Catan.
What advice can you offer students who have entrepreneurial dreams?
Surround yourself with great people, do extensive research (develop a business plan), love what you do and don't be afraid to try. If you don't try, you'll miss out on learning something amazing about yourself you otherwise would never have known.
What's the best piece of advice you received when starting your business?
Don't change who you are or what you're passionate about.
In one sentence, what does the School of Communications, Media, Arts and Design mean to you?
It is the place that solidified my choice in pursuing a career in the business side of the entertainment industry.
How did you come up with the idea or concept for your business?
I have been collecting die cast cars since I can remember. I've amassed close to 5,000 and always enjoyed playing with them as a kid. They brought out my imagination and kept me away from playing video games and watching too much TV. I would play for hours at the top of the stairs near the front entrance of the house which was always a nuisance for my parents. I was always happy and having fun. They played a great part of my childhood and I thought why not try to make a business out of something I had so much fun doing as a kid and hope to contribute to other kid's fun.
What have the results of your business been?
Unfortunately, they have not been what I was hoping for, but there's only so much you can do about launching a business during a global pandemic.
What's next for your business?
Continue to persevere through this global pandemic and hopefully generate enough revenue in the next 5-7 years where it will put us in the position to look at building a sustainable, economically friendly, and multi-purpose film/TV studio in Simcoe County.
It's your call - tell us something interesting, cool, odd, unique etc. about you or your business.
I am related, albeit through marriage, to a great icon in Canadian television, Mr. Dressup, who may have also had an influence on me choosing a career in entertainment.
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GRAD-preneur is a weekly series that highlights some of the outstanding School of Communications, Media, Arts and Design graduates who have successfully started their own businesses. This series shares the stories of our graduates and their time at our school, as well as provides valuable advice about being an entrepreneur.