The views and opinions expressed in the interviews published on Made in CA are those of the interviewees and do not reflect the official policy or position of Made in CA.

The information provided through these interviews is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any products, services, or individuals featured. We strongly encourage readers to consult with appropriate professionals or authorities in the relevant fields for accurate information and advice.

Peter Semkowski

Auxe is a national in-home security and technology installation company that aims to provide a seamless customer experience, meaning it’s not only easy for customers but also enjoyable.

Auxe connects consumers who need in-home tech support to the best technicians in their neighbourhood. Auxe delivers fast and affordable TV, security camera, and smart-home device installations across Canada. For instance, if a customer buys a new TV but doesn’t know how to mount it to the wall properly, they can book an appointment online in less than two minutes, and Auxe has them covered. Auxe is a certified installer for top smart-home brands such as Google Nest, Ecobee, Samsung, among others.

Tell us about yourself?

I went to school originally for Medical Sciences. Nearing the end of my Undergraduate Degree, I knew it wasn’t the path for me, so after graduating, I applied and was accepted to Ivey Business School at Western University. This was the best transition of my life and opened my eyes to the world of business. It was here where I met my co-founder Rafael Recavarren, and we started Auxe. The original plan was to create “an Uber for phone repairs” – an on-demand platform where customers could have their mobile-phone screens repaired by skilled and affordable technicians. With global changes due to the pandemic and shifting consumer preferences, we saw new avenues for growth in the home theatre and security space, so we adapted accordingly.

If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?

This is a journey, so don’t rush it. Nothing good comes instantly, so take it day by day and enjoy the ride. These are the most exciting years of your life.

What problem does your business solve?

Residential installation from Auxe
Residential installation from Auxe

Auxe aims to make digital life easy. We save people and businesses time and money through fast, affordable tech-related installations. We have developed a nationwide network of technicians who are experts in different fields of tech. When you have a problem that needs to be solved, we provide the right person at the right time to get it done.

What is the inspiration behind your business?

Everyone at Auxe loves technology. We are fascinated about where the world is going and the efficiencies saved with new products and developments. When starting Auxe, Raf and I felt we were being taken advantage of by large corporations who significantly overcharged for in-home tech services. We wanted to provide a faster and more enjoyable service for a better price.

What is your magic sauce?

Customer satisfaction is at the core of everything we do. We strive to make every project as easy on our clients as we possibly can, and we are consistent in delivering that. One way of doing so is solving problems faster and more efficiently than anyone else.

What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?

We aim to expand our offerings and footprint to further support our clients in their tech-related needs. This will be done while continuing to stay true to our values. Making an impact on both our customers’ lives and on our technicians’ is extremely rewarding and at the centre of our business: nothing means more to us than a positive customer and technician feedback.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?

Pivoting from phone repair due to industry changes to our current service offerings was very difficult. It isn’t easy starting a company based on one customer’s belief and learning that it isn’t the right path. But an adaptive mindset is very important in entrepreneurship. It is not about what you want. It is about what your customers want. I am very happy we faced the hurdles we did, shifted, and transitioned into the company Auxe is today.

How can people get involved?

You can email us for a quote at info@auxe.ca or visit our website at www.auxe.ca