PORCH 

It's hard out there and exponentially harder for an immigrant entrepreneur. 

The existing ecosystem is only focused on business needs. But we all know you can't build a billion-dollar business (or any business) if you can't live happily in a new country. 

PORCH is an exclusive club of international entrepreneurs who have been there, done that, and are still doing it. They have come together to support one another on the personal side of the journey (from living to finance to relationships) to learn and grow and to share their superpowers.

This comes to life through events and community. 

PORCH Events include topical sessions with high-profile speakers and experts and highly engaged IRL events focused on relationships, learning and fun.
PORCH Community: 24/7 real-time discussion and support through the active PORCH platform, on-demand resources and content for asynchronous learning, and powerful perks.

PORCH was built to level the playing field and give you a greater chance at success.

Founder / COO

Unfiltered w/ PORCH

They say entrepreneurship is hard. Well, try doing it in a country where you weren’t born, in a language that isn’t your first, with a social network you’ve had to build from scratch. 

That’s the story of the immigrant entrepreneur. However, the biggest problem is the story is rarely told from the POV of the immigrant. So, let’s change that. 

Welcome to Unfiltered w/ PORCH, where we explore what it means to be an immigrant entrepreneur from the POV of the immigrant.  Real stories. Real journeys. Immigrant entrepreneurship, told by those who have lived it.

Co-Creator

HunterMorris

I wear many hats, but they all point in the same direction: helping brands communicate clearly, creatively, and consistently. I lead full-scale marketing initiatives with a strong focus on storytelling, design, and strategy.

My primary role with companies is with Newsletter Creation: I manage end-to-end creation of monthly newsletters for multiple companies, from CRM setup, content planning and writing to design, distribution, and analytics.

Other projects have included ongoing graphic design (logos, social content & graphics, etc), many website design projects (from full website builds to revamps), and full community builds.

Founder

WeitzmanGTM

Intuitive AI

Sales And Market Development

Look Media

Sales and Business Development

Oil Thigh Designs (OTD)

Managed team of 5 responsible for in-store processes such as payment collection, inventory, POS functionality, and managing International Shipping program. Oversaw e-commerce and retail store sales channel growth.

E-Commerce Director

Digital Operations Coordinator

Smith School of Business at Queen's University

Working as a Teaching Assistant for COMM 161: Introduction to Mathematical Analysis for Management (Calculus) and COMM 162: Managerial Statistics

Teaching Assistant

Cam's Kids Foundation

Cam’s Kids Event Head

Tree2Table Originals

Founded an e-commerce business making handmade charcuterie boards, managing production, sales, and website/social media marketing

Founder / COO @PORCH – helping 1M immigrant entrepreneurs succeed in Canada

Combining my passion for entrepreneurship and desire to make a change with my first startup, PORCH. 

1.  My job is to make the journey as an immigrant entrepreneur easier.
2. I am a firm believer that community, when done right, is so powerful.
3. The diversity of Canada is truly beautiful and the possibilities are endless. Everyone just needs access to the right people and resources to succeed.

One specific event didn't inspire me to be an entrepreneur. For me, it was something that I was passionate about since I was very young. Whether it was watching Dragon's Den with my dad or spending the long car ride hours on the way to hockey games coming up with full businesses, being an entrepreneur was what I have always wanted to do.

Fast forward through years of entrepreneurship classes in high school, participating in youth business and entrepreneurship competitions, and starting a few small businesses of my own, I entered my fourth and final year of the Smith School of Business at Queen's University, and I decided it was time to put my education, experience, and passion to the test and go after my dream of starting a true business.

After working with some great companies (Intuitive AI, Look Media, Knoow) and also starting my own custom charcuterie board business during the pandemic (which was such an incredible experience), I learned about the endless effort it took to run a startup/company.

So, in October of 2022, I founded PORCH, an exclusive club of international entrepreneurs that have been there, done that, and are still doing it. They have come together to support one another on the personal side of the journey (from living to finance to relationships) to learn and grow, and to share their superpowers.

It was a full circle from those long nights on the couch watching Dragons Den and Shark Tank. I have the honour and privilege to be able to pursue this entrepreneurial journey with my co-founder, friend, and Dad.

We need more of this. Let's make the world a better place.

Countries I have been to:
Canada, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Monaco, Mexico, Jamaica, Haiti, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Morocco, Austria, Hungary, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Australia, Dominican Republic, U.S.A, Vatican City

Hunter Weitzman

PERMITMAN

- Led the design and implementation of HVAC systems, focusing on hydronic and air distribution design.
- Managed multiple projects, ensuring timely completion and adherence to budget and Ontario Building Code, NFPA, NR-CAN and National Plumbing standards.
- Oversaw the selection, development, and revision of the project specifications and Bill Of Material for HVAC components such as pump stations, Furnaces, heat pumps, boilers, and air handlers.
- Coordinated with clients and contractors to ensure project requirements were met and exceeded.
- Managed projects with budgets ranging from $0.5 to $1 million, ensuring financial oversight and adherence to budget constraints.
- Designed HVAC systems, including hydronic and air systems, high-velocity systems, and radiant heating, providing mechanical and engineering drawings using Autocad and Right-Suite software.
- Inspect the hydronic and air distribution systems and issue engineering reports to clients.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Irsa Tadbir Modern

- Direct manager of the sales department.
- Supervised a team of 5 engineers, ensuring project milestones and quality standards were met.
- Introduced the first SCADA software kit for integrated HVAC control in the Middle East.
- Directed designing and implementing HVAC control systems, BMS I/O points, and equipment.
- Conducted detailed selection, development, and revision of pumps, fans, heat exchangers, and balancing valves for various projects.
- Supplier selection and negotiation (IMI Hydronics and ISMACONTROLLI for balancing valves and BMS equipment)
- Designed and selected a variety of pressurization units and pump stations.
- Design customized Air Handlers based on the client’s demands with detailed specifications, such as sizing of coil section, automatic balancing dampers, fan section, filter section, and detailed control scenarios.
- Ensured optimal air and hydronic system design and balancing for all projects.

Founder & Engineering Manager

Yekta Tadbir Modern

- Facilitated the market introduction of HVAC balancing devices, significantly enhancing system efficiency and client contentment.
- Designed, Selected and sized various types of hydronic balancing devices, such as manual balancing valves (FODRV and VODRV), Automatic balancing valves (CFR), and PICVs. 
- Conducted precise space typing and HVAC equipment sizing to ensure optimal system balancing functionality. 
- Designed, developed and reviewed circulation pump stations, heat exchangers and location of differential pressure controllers, mechanical engineering drawings and LOM,  ensuring efficient operation and integration within HVAC systems.
- Developed and executed balancing scenarios and testing systems to achieve peak performance, Including hydronic and air distribution systems.
- Supplier selection and negotiation (FRESE, IMI Hydronics for balancing valves)
- Direct manager of the sales and technical department.
- Successfully negotiated and executed contracts, including managed care agreements. Promotes networking capabilities to capitalize on profitable joint-venture alliances

Founder & HVAC Balancing Engineer

Shahrzazi hashtom

• Checked technical designs and drawings to ensure they are followed correctly.
• Monitored personnel and construction activities for compliance with health and safety requirements.
• Mentored junior engineers and new hires to better improve the competency and efficiency of all staff.
• Checked load calculation for pipe and duct sizing.
• Managed a team of 4 engineers to monitor installation and operations to consistently meet rigorous customer requirements.
• Designed ductwork system and HVAC piping system based on ASHRAE standards.
• Designed plumbing system based on National Plumbing Code.
• Estimated Load of the building by HAP Software

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Manager

Adjianeh kara

• Managed team of 3 personnel focused on Performing routine preventive maintenance to ensure that building systems operated efficiently.
• Performed preventative maintenance on mechanical equipment and distribution systems, saving customers 15% off future repair spending.
• Repaired and tested fire hydrants.
• Repaired wiring, plumbing, equipment, and machinery.
• Operated equipment such as Hot Water Boilers, Air Cooled Chillers, Circulation and Booster Pumps etc.

Mechanical Engineer

A highly skilled mechanical engineer specializing in hydronic and air distribution systems. Extensive experience in hydronic system design, including pump stations, heat exchangers, balancing valves, flow control, and monitoring. Proficient in air system design and balancing, fan selection, coil selection, and HVAC control systems. Proven ability as a project manager and engineering manager, supervising mechanical and electrical engineers to deliver optimized HVAC solutions.

taplio

The Battle

Hunter Weitzman

Hossein Ahmadi

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