“Real value lies in giving people meaningful work and helping them avoid burnout”
Shane Murphy is the CEO of Ownr, a platform that has helped simplify small business incorporation, registration and compliance processes for over 100,000 Canadian entrepreneurs. Prior to stepping into the role of CEO at Ownr, Murphy was an entrepreneur himself. His venture, Founded Technologies, helped businesses automate complex legal tasks, including incorporations. Ownr acquired Founded Technologies in 2020. Read Murphy’s thoughts on how to find meaningful work, the importance of diversifying your income and why he believes entrepreneurs can achieve financial freedom.
Who are your money heroes?
I don’t have any specific heroes, but I have immense respect for anyone who reaches their financial goals while pursuing work they find meaningful.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Playing guitar, cycling or walking my 170-pound Black Russian terrier, Boutros.
If money were no object, what would you be doing right now?
Nothing radically different. Seeking out interesting projects and bright, enthusiastic people who want to make a difference.
What was your earliest memory about money?
I remember getting into my first financial dispute when I was about six years old. My older brother was collecting cans and bottles to recycle and recover the deposit, and when I found out I immediately wanted to get in on his venture. My dad had to settle the dispute over which son was entitled to future cans and bottles. I would like to say this set me up for my future career as a litigator, but I’m pretty sure I just cried until I got half!
What’s the first thing you remember buying with your own money?
Music has always been very important to me. I remember buying a Guns N’ Roses cassette tape when I was nine or 10 years old, as my parents were not going to buy it for me.
What was your first job?
I delivered flyers for several years in my neighbourhood in Calgary where I grew up. My modest income was promptly spent on hockey cards and music.
What was the biggest money lesson you learned as an adult?
Through operating my own successful business venture, I learned that it can be much more rewarding to take a long-term approach and build a valuable asset, rather than simply seeking out a higher salary as an employee.
What’s the best money advice you’ve ever received?
Separate your business assets from your personal assets.
What’s the worst money advice you’ve ever received?
The advice to entrepreneurs that you should raise money from investors at any valuation without worrying about dilution. As a result, too many entrepreneurs end up owning very little of their business once they have an opportunity to exit.
Would you rather receive a large sum of money all at once or a smaller amount of money every week or month for life?
I would rather take the large sum right now and use it to bring a business to life. Not only can this be more financially rewarding, but it’s also a lot more fun than just sitting around waiting for the money to arrive.
What do you think is the most underrated financial advice, tip or strategy?
Diversifying your income. Whether it’s through a side hustle or working in a variety of different roles, you can sometimes stumble into work which is more lucrative and rewarding than expected.
What is the biggest misconception people have about growing money?
When it comes to entrepreneurship, I think there’s a misconception that it takes a huge financial investment in order to start and grow a new business. This differs from business to business, but you can incorporate a sole proprietorship for as little as $49!
Can you share a money regret?
I regret waiting so long to become an entrepreneur. Every day I’m still learning about running a business (and making mistakes). You get better over time, but I could have learned some valuable lessons sooner.
What does the word “value” mean to you?
I try to find value through using smart technology and automation tools across Ownr. You can always pay someone to do the menial tasks of your business, but technology can free up your people to focus on creative and meaningful tasks. That’s where I think real value lies—in giving people valuable work and helping them avoid burnout.
What’s the first major purchase you made as an adult?
Investing in my education was my first important financial decision as an adult, and it’s one I’m glad I made.
What’s your take on debt?
It’s a valuable tool that should be used cautiously. A lot of startups have an immediate aversion to debt, but on the right terms it’s a fine way for founders to protect their equity while letting the business grow.
What was your most recent splurge?
My partner and I finally splurged on a minor renovation to expand our home offices. We could have done it sooner, but it took a while to come to the realization that some form of hybrid working is here to stay. It’s important to be able to focus on work at home as a result.
What is the last money-related book you read?
For Profit: A History of Corporations by William Magnuson (Basic Books, 2023). It’s a surprisingly engaging read on what seems like a banal topic. It covers thousands of years in which money has been sought for personal and public gains under a variety of business relationships.
What is something you always have in your wallet?
My Presto transit card.
What is your favourite possession?
It would have to be my collection of guitars. I go through phases where each one is my favourite.
What’s your next money goal?
To continue growing Ownr and supporting Canadian entrepreneurs in achieving financial freedom through small business creation and ownership.
My MoneySense quick questions
Rent or own?
Own, if you can.
Buy or lease?
Buy, if you can.
Save or invest?
Invest. For entrepreneurs especially. Invest in your business and in yourself.
Budget or not?
Always budget. But also, be flexible when opportunity arises.
More from My MoneySense:
- From the C-suite of Nicky Senyard and Alana Levine: Letting go of money’s power, the worst advice and more
- Reni Odetoyinbo on why you should pay yourself first and have multiple streams of income
- Mixed Up Money’s Alyssa Davies on striving for CoastFIRE, the value of time, and more
- Wes Hall explains the biggest money myth and the value of a well-tailored suit
- Mallory Greene on building wealth, leveraging debt and spending without guilt
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