From his days as a business student at UFV to becoming the founder of one of Canada’s fastest-growing accounting firms, Alex McAulay’s journey is a true testament to entrepreneurial spirit and community connection. His career, marked by both impressive successes and significant challenges, serves as an inspiring story to highlight how hard work and strong connections can propel a person forward–even when life takes unexpected turns.

In 2016, Alex, who earned his Bachelor of Business in 2008, founded his own accounting practice, Treewalk, specializing in fractional CFO and controllership services for business owners. Today, his firm has grown to 58 employees and is recognized as one of the fastest-growing accounting practices in the country.

Alex didn’t always plan on starting his own firm: he began in accounting before helping start the Naked Brand Group, which included a pitch for the company on Dragon’s Den. From there he ventured into a role as CFO of Garmatex, a fabric technology company.

He credits many of his accomplishments to Professor Keith Lownie in UFV’s School of Business, who encouraged him to pursue his CPA designation. “Keith played a huge role in pushing me to go for it,” Alex recalls. That nudge led him to realize the importance of building a solid foundation in accounting, which became the springboard for his entrepreneurial ventures.

“I learned a lot about pushing forward, even when things don’t go as planned.”

However, Alex’s career extends beyond the accounting world. In addition to his firm, he co-founded Kosan, a travel gear company that made waves with one of the largest Kickstarter campaigns of its time. The Kosan Go Travel Dress was a hit among travelers, but like many businesses, Kosan had to close its doors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was tough,” he says, “but I learned a lot about pushing forward, even when things don’t go as planned.” Although it was a difficult decision, Alex reflects on the experience as a valuable lesson in resilience and adaptability. “Even though we had to shut it down, the experience and lessons I took from building Kosan I still use today to tackle new challenges and opportunities.”

Throughout his time at UFV and in the years since, Alex has always been focused on building connections and giving back. During his student days, he founded the BASA (Business Administration Student Association) tax service, a free initiative that provided tax filing support to students. “It’s something I’m really proud of,” he shares. “I always wanted to find ways to help others, and UFV gave me the chance to do that.”

During his student years, Alex was also president of BASA, sat on the UFV Board of Governors, took part in the presidential search that hired UFV president Mark Evered, and even represented the citizens of Chilliwack on the Board of Education.

“Many of my closest friendships and even business partners today are people I met at UFV.”

Looking back, Alex emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining relationships, both personal and professional. “Many of my closest friendships and even business partners today are people I met at UFV,” he says. “They’ve become investors in business, and mutual business acquaintances. I got to know a lot of people through the Business program at UFV, but I wish I had taken the time to get to know more.”

His advice to current students?

Make the most of your time, try new things, and connect with as many people as you can. “Being a student gives you time to figure out what you really want to do,” he explains. “So use that time wisely—explore, build relationships, and take advantage of every opportunity to learn.”