Mark Pilon

Senior Vice-President — Business development ROC

3 years at ITI Collaborate Connect Grow

With his infectious laugh and outgoing personality, Mark instantly connects with the people he meets. As he’d tell you himself, Mark’s a people person. His passion for business makes him a leader with a natural talent for bringing people together.

Why did you choose a career in IT?

I’m an accountant by training. I began my career as the youngest at my firm, and I worked very long hours. One night when I was at the office around 10 p.m., I noticed a 76-year-old colleague who was working late, like me. I knew he’d been divorced twice, and that his kids no longer spoke to him. In that moment, I realized this wasn’t the life for me.

At the same time, a friend of mine who worked in IT was telling me about how much he enjoyed his work. And he was earning more than me! So I hopped aboard, joining the industry at the bottom of the ladder. I stayed 22 years, until my “pre-retirement” in 2020 when I felt I needed to take a break and spend more time with my family.

A little while later, I got a call from Jean-François Bordeleau and Patrick Richer, and we discussed a few things. I was charmed by ITI. Not only did the management team want to do the right things at the right time, without getting ahead of themselves, but I also saw an excellent opportunity to help a company from Quebec expand into the rest of Canada. I joined the team, and never looked back!

How would you describe ITI to a new talent who wants to join the team?

ITI is like a “choose your own adventure.” What I mean is, it’s a company that will give back what you put into it. You can build your career, and you can count on the support of your managers. Your efforts will pay off.

I also like that there aren’t any ego trips at ITI. People want to do the right thing for the company and our clients, and they don’t put their personal ambitions ahead of that. This way of thinking accelerates everything—not just our clients’ growth, but our employees’ growth, too. Quite frankly, it’s inspiring to know everyone is working towards the same goal.

I like that there aren’t any ego trips at ITI. People want to do the right thing for the company and our clients, and they don’t put their personal ambitions ahead of that. This way of thinking accelerates everything—not just our clients’ growth, but our employees’ growth, too.

What role do humans play in technology?

I don’t believe a machine will ever be able to tell us the best thing to do, or the real needs of a client. We have to listen and read between the lines, and no software on the planet can do that! It takes humans who are committed to the client, with the right values, who take the time to fully understand the goals we wish to achieve.

I don’t believe a machine will ever be able to tell us the best thing to do, or the real needs of a client. We have to listen and read between the lines, and no software on the planet can do that!

What motivates you to get up and work in the morning?

Interacting with people. I’m a salesman, but above all I’m someone who wants to build relationships. Several of the clients I’ve guided over the years have become close friends. I also like to keep in touch with former employees and colleagues. I believe the relationships we build are what give meaning to what we do. Honestly, the pandemic has been difficult for me in this respect. I’ve really missed the contact with people.

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