The Phil Factor
From UofT graduate to successful entrepreneur
How my cousin Phil Hudson built Contemporary Computers from zero, and the lessons that shaped my entire approach to building things that matter.
The Journey: Zero → Thriving Enterprise
From university graduate to CEO of a thriving tech company. Click any phase to see the full story.
UofT CCIT Graduate with Distinction
Graduated with distinction in Computer Science and Programming. Built a deep foundation in both theory and practice. This wasn't just about passing exams—Phil mastered the fundamentals that would power everything that came next.
Starting Contemporary Computers
Fresh out of university, no corporate job offers taken. Phil launched his own PC business. I was there, watching the hustle—learning the hardware, seeing the long hours, understanding what it takes to turn technical knowledge into a real business.
Navigating Ebbs and Flows
No overnight success. Business isn't a straight line—there are ups and downs, market shifts, tough months and breakthrough quarters. Phil learned to adapt, pivot when needed, stay resilient through the hard times. This phase taught me that success isn't about avoiding challenges—it's about navigating them.
Building Career Jobs for Canadians
Today, Phil runs Contemporary Computers (ccomp.ca), employing 10-15 Canadians in stable, career-track tech positions. From managed IT services to data recovery, serving clients from small offices to large commercial operations—that's not just about technical skills anymore, it's systems, team building, operations, and creating opportunities for others.
Phil's PCs - Where it all started
What Phil Taught Me
These aren't just business lessons—they're life lessons from watching someone build a real, sustainable enterprise from zero
Technical Excellence + Business Execution
Phil proved you can be both deeply technical and business-savvy.
Reality: The best code means nothing if you can't deliver it to customers who need it. Technical skills open doors. Business execution keeps them open.
Start Before You're 'Ready'
He didn't wait for the perfect moment. He started right out of school.
Reality: Momentum beats perfection. You learn more in one month of doing than one year of planning. Phil started Contemporary Computers with hustle, not a perfect business plan.
Solve Real Problems Consistently
Scale came from solving the same problems better and better.
Reality: Not chasing shiny objects. Not pivoting every quarter. Focus compounds over time. Phil's growth came from being exceptional at IT services, not trying to do everything.
Stay Connected to Your Roots
No matter how much you scale, stay humble, curious, willing to share.
Reality: Mentorship isn't one-way. He helped me understand hardware. I share dev insights. Success doesn't mean losing who you are.
Quality Scales
Phil never cut corners on quality to grow faster.
Reality: That reputation for excellence is what allowed him to scale sustainably. Clients stay. Referrals come. Growth becomes organic.
Learn, Build, Teach, Repeat
He's constantly learning new tech, building with it, and sharing what works.
Reality: That cycle keeps you sharp and relevant. The moment you stop learning is the moment you start falling behind. Phil's always evolving.
Contemporary Computers
Founded by Phil Hudson
Your Technology Solutions Provider. Specializing in technological services for both small office and commercial clients. From managed IT services to data recovery, Contemporary Computers offers expert consulting, on-site service, website design, and hosted services in a 100% Canadian-hosted data centre.
Services Offered
- •Managed IT Services
- •Data Recovery
- •Expert Consulting
- •Hosted Services
- •On-Site Service
- •Website Design
15+ Years of Excellence & Growth
Why We're Different
Not just another MSP. This is what 15+ years of excellence looks like.
24/7 Canadian Support
Real humans. Toronto-based. No outsourced call centers. When you need help, you talk to experts who actually care.
Reality: Your 3am emergency is our priority, not a ticket number.
100% Canadian Data Hosting
Your data never leaves Canada. Complete compliance with privacy laws. No foreign server farms. Your business stays yours.
Reality: Canadian sovereignty matters. We keep it here.
Proactive Prevention
We find problems before they find you. Continuous monitoring, automated alerts, and regular maintenance mean less downtime.
Reality: Prevention costs less than emergencies. We stay ahead.
No Tech Jargon
We explain tech in plain English. You understand what's happening, why it matters, and what it costs. No upselling. No confusion.
Reality: Trust comes from transparency, not complexity.
Custom Solutions
No cookie-cutter packages. Every business is unique. We build IT infrastructure tailored to your workflow, budget, and goals.
Reality: One-size-fits-all fails. We build what you actually need.
Long-Term Relationships
Clients stay for years, not months. We grow with your business. You're not a contract number—you're a partner we invest in.
Reality: 15+ years of repeat clients prove the model works.
The Real Impact
Phil didn't just show me what's possible—he showed me how to think about building.
That technical excellence means nothing without execution.
That you don't need permission to start.
That consistency beats brilliance.
Thanks, cuz. 🙏