Christopher Powroznik
Serial Entrepreneur | Founder & Exiter of Multiple Companies | Xai Blockchain
Greater Vancouver Metropolitan Area
Overview
Work Experience
Chief Technology Officer
2024 - Current
VP of Engineering
2022 - 2024
At Ex Populus, I lead the engineering department, driving the development of our flagship products and pioneering advancements in blockchain technology and web3 gaming. During my tenure, I established the protocols for the Xai Blockchain with the release of Sentry Nodes, creating an ecosystem that generated over $60 million in revenue. This achievement also secured significant partnerships with major industry players such as Binance and Arbitrum. I spearheaded the development of new decentralized game engines and played a crucial role in the web3 gaming scene, innovating design patterns and methodologies to create the first fully autonomous on-chain worlds. One of my notable projects was leading the development of Final Form, the first full on-chain game of its magnitude. I developed the core procedures and smart contracts, enabling complex game logic on the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). In addition to my technical contributions, I manage a growing team of over 10 senior and principal engineers and oversee five core development teams at Ex Populus. My leadership focuses on fostering innovation, efficiency, and collaboration within the engineering department.
CEO & Co-Founder (Exited)
2019 - 2024
During my tenure, I successfully led the company through two acqui-hires, securing payouts exceeding $30 million. The innovative products we developed not only contributed to our clients' growth but also transformed companies from modest seven-figure valuations into market leaders with billion-dollar market caps. At Frame One Software, we established ourselves as the primary development partner for a diverse array of industries including Blockchain, Construction, Agriculture, Fintech, and Fitness. As CEO and Co-Founder, I was responsible for the day-to-day operations, leading a dedicated team of software development and business professionals. Our focus was on developing highly customized and specialized software solutions to address niche business challenges. In addition to my executive role, I was the lead engineer with a specialization in blockchain and DevOps. I spearheaded highly specialized development teams, tackling unprecedented problems and creating elegant technology solutions that set new trends across industries. My passion lies in addressing industry-wide issues and delivering cutting-edge solutions that drive significant advancements.
Full Stack Software Developer
2016 - 2019
As a Full Stack Software Developer at Prizm Media, I sculpted the tech framework of our projects, juggling MEAN and MERN stack, and NodeJS backend projects (Socket and REST). Expert in noSQL databases, particularly MongoDB, I proficiently handled cross-platform backend and frontend development. Leveraging tools like Angular, React, React-Native, NextJs, PhantomJS, Passport, and Express, I constructed an array of solutions. Notably, I developed an automated web scraping bot and SEO tools for real-time content generation, changing our content strategy. I championed the development and deployment of Kudolife for Android, expanding our digital health outreach. My role also included the seamless integration of backend and frontend through API, and developing new features for iOS and Android applications. Beyond technical tasks, I thrived in leadership, hiring and training new developers, and adeptly managing project scopes as a Project Owner. I explored the realms of blockchain and health industry, architecting unique solutions. My journey at Prizm Media shaped me into a holistic developer and leader.
Growth Hacker
2015 - 2016
As a Growth Hacker at Prizm Media, I bridged the gap between technology and marketing, leveraging both to propel the company's growth trajectory. I utilized the Adobe Creative Suite to craft assets and wireframes, thereby updating existing products and developing new IPs. I plunged into extensive market research in the health and mail-order pharmaceutical business landscapes in the United States and Canada, informing our strategic direction with data-driven insights. In a bid to boost our visibility, I penned SEO-optimized press releases that highlighted our value propositions, notably enhancing Kudolife and Prizm Media's digital footprint. My approach to marketing was both innovative and cost-effective, utilizing technology for low or zero spend user acquisition. Harnessing my scripting skills, I developed solutions for scraping information and posting content, capitalizing on social media and search engine algorithms. I further streamlined our marketing efforts by automating the pipeline using custom-built software, bolstering efficiency while minimizing overheads. My role as a Growth Hacker allowed me to infuse my technical expertise into marketing strategies, ensuring our brand's consistent and sustainable growth in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
QA & User Experience Specialist
2014 - 2015
In my role as QA & User Experience Specialist at Prizm Media, I was at the helm of maintaining software quality while ensuring an optimal user experience. My responsibilities ranged from keeping an updated bug tracker to managing a development progress calendar that coordinated both in-office and remote developers. An essential part of my role was executing test cases on IT products, identifying vulnerabilities and failure points, and meticulously recording steps for problem replication. This not only improved the products but also streamlined the troubleshooting process. I leveraged my design skills to create assets and wireframes, a task crucial for both updating our existing products and developing new IPs. This process enhanced our user interface, making it more intuitive and user-friendly. Recognizing the potential for automation in testing, I took the initiative to establish an automated testing environment. This innovation automated unit tests that were previously executed manually, significantly improving efficiency and accuracy in our QA process. My time as a QA & User Experience Specialist was marked by continuous innovation and a persistent pursuit of quality, ultimately enhancing our products and user experiences.
Metroxe Dice and Gaming Paraphernalia (Exited)
2010 - 2016
As the Store Owner of Metroxe Dice and Gaming Paraphernalia, an eBay store, I nurtured a passion for gaming into a thriving business venture. My entrepreneurial journey began with manufacturing unique gaming dice, particularly designed for avid Dungeons and Dragons players. Partnering with overseas manufacturers in China, I created a diverse catalogue of five distinct dice styles and ordered inventory in bulk. Every piece was meticulously packaged with custom branding in Canada, ready for its new home anywhere in the world. The successful eBay store soon expanded to Amazon FBA, further broadening our customer reach and cementing our reputation as a reliable source of quality gaming accessories. As the business flourished, I ventured into new territories - from arcade sticks and parts suited for popular fighting games like Street Fighter, Tekken, and King of Fighters, to used games and other rare gaming paraphernalia. My commitment to curating a diverse and unique product range established Metroxe Dice and Gaming Paraphernalia as a go-to store for gaming enthusiasts worldwide. Remarkably, I managed this business throughout my high school and university years, learning invaluable lessons in entrepreneurship, e-commerce, and product sourcing. The earnings from this venture allowed me to pay for my entire education, graduating debt-free and enriched with a hands-on business experience that set the foundation for my future ventures. Metroxe Dice and Gaming Paraphernalia is a testament to my entrepreneurial spirit and passion for the gaming industry.
Deckhand
2003 - 2015
As a Deckhand on the "Sunshine Bay", our family-owned commercial gillnetting vessel, I've had the privilege of being a part of a rich tradition, contributing to the sustainability and vibrancy of local fisheries. This journey included working during the most historic Salmon run in the Fraser River's last century, an event of extraordinary scale and importance, as well as the years flanking this remarkable occurrence. In my role, I delved deep into the nuanced tasks of marine life conservation and commerce, from meticulously picking fish from nets to ensuring safe transportation of salmon to fisheries and private buyers. My hands-on experience extended to preparing nets and gillnetters for openings, showcasing my adaptability and technical proficiency. Beyond the daily operations, I took initiative to identify and foster private sales of sockeye and chum salmon with local businesses. This venture not only boosted our family business but also strengthened ties within the community and encouraged support for local marine produce. Being a Deckhand was not just a job for me, but an immersion into a legacy deeply entwined with nature and the local community. I am proud to have been a part of this tradition, and the knowledge and values I gained from this experience will continue to shape my professional journey.
Manager
2009 - 2014
As one of the youngest Managers at McDonald's in Canada, I've journeyed from an entry-level employee to a dynamic leader. This climb from Crew to Crew Trainer, then Team Leader, and ultimately Manager, achieved by the age of 16, is a testament to my dedication, resilience, and ability to excel under pressure. My role as a Manager encompasses a wide range of duties. During high-volume periods, I deftly delegate tasks to staff members, ensuring smooth operations and efficient service. I handle the day-to-day responsibilities of counting tills, enforcing the highest cleanliness standards, and organizing staff breaks, always with an eye for detail and unwavering commitment to quality. Customer interactions are at the heart of what I do, whether it's addressing complaints or inquiries, ensuring every customer leaves with a smile is my utmost priority. I am quick to investigate and resolve problems, ensuring seamless food production and distribution while upholding McDonald's renowned standards. My duties also extend to providing performance reports on staff and teams, offering insights into areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. Handling emergency situations with aplomb is part of my repertoire, borne from my innate ability to remain calm and composed during challenging situations. More than just a role, being a Manager at McDonald's is a testament to my leadership and problem-solving abilities, honed at an early age. Above all, my experience at McDonald's has taught me the value of hard work, diligence, and the pursuit of customer satisfaction - lessons I carry forward in my career.