Tobi Lütke

And I apprenticed as a computer programmer because I basically was just like, hey, this is what I need to do.

I wasn't exactly a good student, but I was good at learning things quickly when I needed them, and computers were much more interesting.

So,

I apprenticed as a computer programmer under a meister by the name of Jürgen.

He was a wonderful character and taught me the ropes.

And so coming to Canada then none of this was officially acknowledged as education and therefore

there was no way to get a work permit properly.

And so I was sort of on a visitor visa in Canada.

And then eventually as we get married and my wife could sponsor me as a family, you know, just like I, it's like, so all I say this for a reason,

Turns out if you don't have a work permit, you can't work.

Pretty simple concept.

I tried to get hired and then people pointed this out to me.

And luckily, one of the lawyers, then I just asked a lawyer friend of a family what I should do.

He said, well, I guess you can't work, but you know, you can start a company.

You don't actually need a permit for that.

You're not technically working for anyone, because while you're starting a company, your official status is unemployed.

This is actually what's happening.

So I'm like, OK, cool.

I mean, that makes sense.

I always sold products to my classmates in school.