Meet the Co-Founder of AppArmor: Dave Sinkinson

David Sinkinson is a Co-Founder of AppArmor, which was founded in 2011 and acquired by Rave this year. AppArmor develops custom branded safety apps, emergency notification systems, and internal command and control apps for hundreds of organizations across the globe. Millions of people trust AppArmor to help keep them and their people safe in a crisis. Prior to AppArmor, David worked at a major telecommunications firm in Canada and launched a number of customer-facing marketing retention projects. David graduated from the Queen’s University’s MBA program at the Smith School of Business and was voted the valedictorian for his year.

1. Where did you grow up and how did you end up at Rave Mobile safety?

2. Where do you see opportunities for growth and advancement within Rave? 

I was working at my Alma Mater on a committee called the Campus Safety Working Group. It included folks from multiple departments at the school. We had done an audit of the safety infrastructure at the school and found there was definitely room for improvement. I happened to be in the right place at the right time – I pitched the idea of a custom branded safety app! Little did I know it would lead to a career in this field. After we got going, we had numerous schools reach out to us and we were off to the races from there. Now AppArmor, especially in combination with Rave, helps protect millions of end users across the globe.

3. What are three words you would use to describe yourself?  

Loyal, Resilient, Hardworking. I’m here to help get the job done.

4. What one word would best describe your leadership style?

Empathy. I try to feel what my team is feeling and work with them. I lead by example – I’m not afraid of hard work and will step in to help in any way I can.

5. How do you keep yourself up-to-date with the latest trends in the industry?  

While some of this definitely comes from reading industry blogs and articles. But I also rely on other folks, namely my Co-Founder and brother Chris who is always researching new and exciting innovative technology and our customers. 

6. What is your favorite part about working at Rave?  

Honestly, it’s the people. I’ve really enjoyed working and collaborating with such an engaged and excited group of folks. I truly believe that everyone has the best interest of the customer and the people they protect in mind.

7. If you could travel anywhere right now, where would it be?  

Probably Thailand or Bali. My wife and I love hot weather and the beach! If you can get the opportunity to go there in your life, take it!

8. What is your favorite sports team?

Toronto Raptors. But I also love the Leafs and the Blue Jays. 

9. Outside of work, what are your favorite things to do?  

I like baking bread, lawn work (seriously!), exercise, traveling, and hanging out with my family. I also like podcasts and play the occasional game of Civ. 

10. Do you have anything else you’d like to share with our blog readers? 

I’m a new father and it’s amazing how having a child can change your perspective on things. When I told a customer about this, he said to me, “Dave, it’s important to never miss an opportunity to make a memory”. I think about that every day – hopefully it’s some wisdom that can help you in your everyday life too!