About Us

Our Mission

We're obsessed with building better eCommerce experiences.

We began in 2004 as a simple website, selling furniture.

Since then, we've grown and adapted. Today, everything that we do seeks to accomplish one goal - offering a better eCommerce and logistics experience to our partners.

Our partners benefit from the lessons we've learned and the efficiencies we've built. We're an extension of their team, providing access to the tools and services they need to compete and win. Cymax Group represents a simple solution that combines data, technology, and expert teams.

We continue to invest in technology and services that support growth, offering a critical competitive advantage to our partners in a complex ecosystem.

  • Our products include Freight Club, an all-in-one shipping platform, and Channel Gate, an AI-powered multichannel platform.
  • Our exclusive boutique marketplaces include Homesquare.com and Cymax.com.

We are transforming eCommerce by democratizing the technology and services that drive success for our clients from design to delivery.

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Our Story

The beginning

We launched as a simple website, selling media furniture. We've changed a lot over the years, but one thing has stayed the same - a problem-solving attitude that has fueled our innovation for almost 20 years!

Vendor portal

By 2008, we were eager to create a more efficient process. We launched Vendor Portal, a place where vendors could easily process orders and cancellations.

170 microsites

Before Google updated its algorithm, online marketing relied on having categorically relevant domains. We developed a portfolio of 170 diverse microsites which led to growth and expansion into new markets, even during the recession.

Amazon marketplace

It did not take long for us to see the potential in Amazon’s new Marketplace program. In 2010, we were onboarded as early adopters and began seeing results almost immediately.

Walmart marketplace

In 2012, we integrated with Walmart’s marketplace. This began our journey to being known as a top rated 3P seller.

Freight Club launch

2015 was a big year. We leveraged over a decade’s worth of shipping and logistics knowledge to create Freight Club, an all-in-one shipping platform. Freight Club simplifies the shipping process by managing everything in one platform with zero subscription fees.

$25M USD Raised

We raised $25M USD, the biggest in company history, led by Frind Holdings, BDC Ventures and Salman Partners. We became more and more focused on transforming the eCommerce and logistics experiences by keeping our feet firmly planted in technology and innovation.

Homesquare launch

In 2016, we launched Homesquare, one of our two exclusive boutique marketplaces. Today, our partners benefit from additional revenue opportunities offered by Homesquare and Cymax Business.

Muzeboard launch

In 2017, we introduced Muzeboard, a tool that would elevate our tech stack and help our partners stand out amongst competition. Muzeboards allow for simple creation of new sets and bundles from existing SKUs, increasing average order value by up to 25%.

Channel Gate launch

In 2018, we launched Channel Gate, our AI-powered multichannel platform. With almost two decades of eCommerce experience and data, we were able to create and leverage proprietary, scalable technology, enabling our partners to reach new levels of success. Channel Gate relies on over a decade of consumer data and machine learning.

Rizwan Somji appointed CEO

In January 2019, Rizwan Somji was appointed CEO. Riz was named one of seven EY Entrepreneur of the Year® 2021 Pacific award winners which recognizes entrepreneurs leading companies whose unbounded innovation, growth, and prosperity is transforming lives. This did not come as a surprise to anyone that has had the opportunity to work with Riz as his relentless determination continues to guide Cymax Group forward.

Cymax Group Technologies Ltd.

We changed our corporate name to Cymax Group Technologies Ltd to better reflect our ambitious vision for the future of eCommerce.

Cymax Group named a part of Team True North

We were named a part of Team True North, a ranking that spotlights high-performing tech firms tracking to $1 billion in annual revenue with growth rates that match the top one per cent of companies in the world.

Freight Club a winner of Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50™ program

Freight Club ranked #32 for its rapid revenue growth, entrepreneurial spirit, and bold innovation in Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50™ program.

Remote-Flexible

As we continued to grow, so did our teams. We were hiring for dozens of roles, onboarding experts from all around the world. With this growth, we made it official – Cymax Group Technologies is a remote-flexible workplace. Our employees get to work the way they are most comfortable working.

Our Team

Rizwan Somji
Rizwan Somji
CEO
Mike Herenberg
Mike Herenberg
Chief Operating Officer
Shouvik Roy
Shouvik Roy
Chief Financial Officer
Brad Kent
Brad Kent
Chief Technology Officer
Gord Elder
Gord Elder
Vice President, Product
Charmaine Claasens
Charmaine Claasens
Vice President, Marketing and Communications
Travis Huff
Travis Huff
Vice President of Sales, Freight Club
Rizwan Somji
Rizwan Somji
CEO
Eric Patel
Eric Patel
Chairman
Markus Frind
Markus Frind
Director
Andrew Lugsdin
Andrew Lugsdin
Director
Rob Williams
Rob Williams
Director
Sarah Kavanagh
Sarah Kavanagh
Director
Manu Sarna
Manu Sarna
Director
Rizwan Somji
Rizwan Somji
CEO

Rizwan Somji is chief executive officer and board member for Cymax Group Technologies. Under his leadership, Cymax Group has seen record growth, outpacing the market, and further reinforcing Cymax Group Technologies as a leading eCommerce and technology services provider. Riz is a genuine, high-energy leader who empowers his team with the tools they need to have fun and succeed.

Riz joined Cymax Group in 2015 and has held several executive positions including Chief Operations Officer, VP of Technology, VP of Technology for Constant Retail and VP of Technology for Freight Club. Prior to Cymax Group, Riz was Co-Founder & VP of Engineering for ResponseTek, which was acquired by ESW Capital.

A big advocate of innovation and mentorship, Riz participates in several advisory boards, fundraising groups and mentorship programs including Victory Square Technologies and BC Newcomer Camp. As a volunteer coach for Shaheen Football Club, for over 20 years, he believes that social responsibility is critical to both corporate and personal growth.

He has been recognised for his contribution and leadership which includes BCTIA Company of the Year July 2021, EY Entrepreneur of the Year Pacific July 2021, Burnaby Board of Trade Businessperson of the Year 2020 and UBC Computer Science Incredible Mentor Award 2016.

Riz graduated from the University of British Columbia, where he earned a B Sc. In Computer Science.

2021 winner EY entrepreneur of the year
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Mike Herenberg
Mike Herenberg
Chief Operating Officer

Mike Herenberg is chief operating officer for Cymax Group Technologies. He oversees end-to-end operations, customer service and experience, eCommerce order fulfillment, corporate marketing as well as driving cross-functional performance across the organization at large.

Previously, Mike was the COO at Quorum Information Technologies (QIS.TSX.V), and before that, was the Vice President of Product Strategy and Customer Experience for North America and Chief Operations Officer for Canada for Element Fleet Management (EFN.TSX). He brings over 25 years experience in global environments with deep expertise in transformational change for high growth technology companies.

Mike is passionate about mentorship and community involvement, actively supporting both Futurpreneur, and Junior Achievement in the local communities.

Mike holds an MBA from the Sobey’s School of Business, Saint Mary’s University; a Masters Certificate in Project Management from the Schulich School of Business, York University; and a Certificate in Financial Management from Saint Mary’s University.

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Shouvik Roy
Shouvik Roy
Chief Financial Officer

Shouvik Roy is the chief financial officer for Cymax Group Technologies, overseeing finance and accounting, planning & analysis, treasury, tax, investor relations, and supporting strategy execution.

Previously, Shouvik served as CFO for Drop, a leading eCommerce rewards platform, and VersaPay, a publicly-listed fintech company based in Toronto. He has also held senior finance positions at FreshBooks, Linamar, Nike, and Home Depot. Shouvik brings two decades of extensive financial leadership experience in private and public organizations across multiple industries.

Shouvik graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University, where he earned an Honours BBA and currently holds a Chartered Professional Accountant designation.

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Brad Kent
Brad Kent
Chief Technology Officer

Brad Kent is the chief technology officer for Cymax Group Technologies. He oversees product management, software and data engineering, machine learning, pricing, and technology operations.

Previously, Brad was Vice President of Analytics and Engineering at Cymax Group and Vice President of Analytics and Insights at LoyaltyOne. He has also held senior leadership positions at Workopolis (now Indeed) and BlackBerry. He brings more than two decades of deep experience in data engineering, business intelligence, analytics, programming, and machine learning.

Brad graduated from Wilfred Laurier University, where he earned a BBA in Business and Economics and holds a Master of Management in Analytics from Queens University. He holds a Chartered Professional Accountant designation.

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Gord Elder
Gord Elder
Vice President, Product

Gord Elder is vice president of product for Cymax Group Technologies.

He oversees product strategy and execution for the business, which includes Channel Gate, an AI-powered multichannel platform, our boutique marketplaces Homesquare.com and Cymax.com, and Freight Club, an all-in-one shipping platform for retailers.

Previously, Gord was Vice President of Products at Ignite Technologies, where he oversaw a portfolio of six suites of over 30 diverse B2B software solutions, ranging from digital engagement solutions for sales and marketing teams to customer experience management solutions. Gord was also a co-founder and Chief Product Officer at ResponseTek, an innovative B2B SaaS solution for customer experience management where he helped lead growth of the platform across a global client base of enterprise customers. Gord brings more than two decades of deep experience in product innovation and development, product management, software development and, management of technology infrastructure in SaaS, martech, automation, and eCommerce.

Passionate about contributing to the technology industry, Gord is a member of the BC Tech Product C-Council, and a Founding Ambassador of ex-XO, a global, professional network of highly skilled technology industry professionals from around the world. Gord also supports innovation through mentorship, and he is a Mentor at Beedie School of Business and ProductBC, helping aspiring product managers to build their skills.

Gord holds an MBA in Management of Technology from Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University. And previous to that graduated from the University of Manitoba, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biosystems Engineering.

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Charmaine Claasens
Charmaine Claasens
Vice President, Marketing and Communications

Charmaine Claasens is Vice President of Marketing & Communications for Cymax Group Technologies. She oversees the Marketing & Communications Strategy and Brand Management for the business including go-to-market planning, product marketing, corporate communications, and internal communications.

Charmaine joined Cymax Group from MEC where she served as their CMO. Before that, she was the Executive Head of Marketing & eCommerce for Totalsports at The Foschini Group (TFG Pty Ltd) in Cape Town, South Africa. Charmaine brings over two decades of experience in international marketing strategy, brand management, customer experience management (VOC, CX, XM), customer lifecycle marketing, and consumer behavior.

Charmaine is passionate about continued professional development and regularly pursues learning opportunities to expand her domain expertise. Most recently, she has completed training in digital marketing and digital psychology. She is focused on marketing leadership as part of the Fluency Leadership Inc. Marketing Leadership Collective.

Charmaine graduated from the AAA School of Advertising with specialization in Visual Communications and holds a diploma in Business Management from the University of South Africa.

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Travis Huff
Travis Huff
Vice President of Sales, Freight Club

Travis Huff is the vice president of sales for Freight Club, a subsidiary of Cymax Group Technologies. He oversees new partnerships and manages the Business Development Team.

Previously, Travis was the Vice President of Sales at TOOLBX, an innovative platform in the construction industry. He also served as the Director of B2B Sales at Wayfair, a leading furniture retailer, and Director of Sales at My Time, a fully integrated platform offering scheduling, marketing, and point of sale solutions. With deep experience in various industries ranging from finance to eCommerce, Travis brings over two decades of an excellent track record of driving sales and building strategies. His areas of expertise include sales development and management, sales operations, and behavioral science sales research.

Travis has been volunteering for The Road Home since 2014, helping organize donations for homeless families during Christmas.

 Travis graduated from Brigham Young University, earning a degree in Organizational Leadership.

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Eric Patel
Eric Patel
Chairman

Eric is former Chair of Galvanize, a Canadian software unicorn, sold to Diligent in 2021, and Chair of eCommerce software company Mobify. He joins with 17 years of career board experience across private and public companies in multiple sectors. He has been recognized as an NACD Distinguished Board Fellow. Eric's last role was as chief financial officer of Crystal Decisions.

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Markus Frind
Markus Frind
Director

Markus, Cymax Group's largest shareholder, is a technology industry thought-leader and founder of Plenty of Fish Media Inc. (“Plenty of Fish”), an online dating website which sold to Match Group, Inc. (“Match.com”) in 2015. Markus is CEO of Frind Properties and Proprietor of award-winning Frind Estate Winery in West Kelowna, where he combines his passions for technology and agriculture.

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Andrew Lugsdin
Andrew Lugsdin
Director

Andrew is a co-founder and partner at Framework Venture Partners. He has over 15 years of venture capital experience and over 25 years of experience in the IT and Telecom sectors. Prior to Framework, Andrew was a Partner at the BDC IT Venture Fund and managed a number of portfolio companies through exits.

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Rob Williams
Rob Williams
Director

Rob is known for getting results, both individually and by hiring and developing high-performing teams. He has over 25 years of leadership experience in eCommerce, retail and SaaS.

He currently consults around the world on disruptive innovation, eCommerce and helping companies build mechanisms to scale for growth. Rob has extensive experience in vendor management, how to add selection, negotiations, private label strategy and supply chain project prioritization. He provides actions, insightful information within the boundaries of compliance for investment firm clients.

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Sarah Kavanagh
Sarah Kavanagh
Director

Sarah has extensive experience on public, private and crown boards in Canada and the US. Her career experience includes time in investment banking, capital markets and corporate financial management.

Sarah's expertise includes financial and capital markets, risk management, strategic financial and acquisition experience, IPO expertise, financial restructuring, leadership experience and human resources expertise.

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Manu Sarna
Manu Sarna
Director

Manu Sarna is a senior executive and tech operator with over two decades of international experience in high-growth e-commerce, finance, and SaaS organizations. He brings deep expertise in strategy, marketing, partnerships, and sales along with a global perspective gained by working in the US, UK, Singapore, and Australia.

Manu currently leads global marketing for ApplyBoard, an EdTech firm based in Kitchener, Ontario. Previously he served as Chief Marketing Officer for Wayfair's business-to-business arm and has held senior leadership positions at PayPal and Aimia Inc., and served as an external marketing advisor to a mid-market Private Equity firm, and as consultant at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG).  

Passionate about the continually changing tech landscape, Manu actively deepens his domain expertise as a full stack B2B and B2B2C marketing leader. He is an avid blogger passionate about sharing insights on real estate investing.

Manu graduated from the University of Nottingham, where he earned a MEng in Chemical Engineering and holds an MBA in Business from the Ivey Business School at Western University.

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We are hiring!

Our team members aren't just great at their jobs, they're great humans, too.

We are excited to hear from you!