Matt Hornibrook, who is a Bishop’s University student raised in Lennoxville, is the co-founder of the new platform, NomadShifts. NomadShifts is an on-demand staffing platform that helps connect businesses with qualified, vetted workers in real time. 

With NomadShifts, businesses can post shifts and job openings that allow workers to view and claim shifts that fit their schedule and skill set. This way, businesses can quickly and easily find the staffing they need, and workers can pick up shifts that work for them without having to go through the lengthy hiring processes that are typical today. NomadShifts will allow users to upload their résumé and skills, and quickly apply for part-time job openings on the fly from businesses who are looking for short-term help in their local area.

Hornibrook describes himself as active in the local community with a passion for using business as a way to improve the community. He woke up one morning with a dream about the idea of the platform. He shared the idea with a business mentor who suggested he pursue the idea further. Hornibrook then shared the concept with two friends who had skills in marketing, finance, and information technology that would add additional strengths to the team of co-founders, bringing the idea to life. NomadShifts was born.

The app is ready to be launched for beta testing in the near future. The app will first be launched in Sherbrooke to test functionality and address any potential challenges that arise. Their goal within the next year is to finish testing in the Sherbrooke market then expand across the rest of Quebec. NomadShifts also has a goal of fulfilling 200 shifts per week offered by employers in the Sherbrooke area.

When asked about the challenges of starting NomadShifts, Hornibrook pointed out there have been plenty of little challenges without any specific big ones. There are constantly many mini challenges to overcome as well as some unknowns, such as the hypotheticals around how the app will work as the team has not yet been able to begin beta testing. Some of the challenges so far have included choosing the name, logo, and designing their brand. These may seem like simple components, but all these factors matter significantly to the business.

For students who have a startup or are looking to start a new business, Hornibrook would recommend students to just persevere. Making sure you have good partners is also essential to a well-functioning team. He explains that having two great partners that can be fully trusted to make smart decisions has helped the platform concept be developed into a product soon ready for launch. 

NomadShifts is currently looking for beta testers. You can sign up to be a part of it at NomadShifts.com. If you have any other questions for Matt Hornibrook, reach out at matt@nomadshifts.com.