Inside TORQ’s ongoing push to improve, focus and scale

For TORQ, growth has never been about getting bigger for the sake of it. As the Maritime-based company has evolved, so has its approach to leadership, strategy and long-term planning. That commitment to continuous improvement is what led TORQ to adopt the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) Model, a decision that helped bring greater focus, clarity and consistency to the organization. TORQ specializes in digital software solutions for product manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and online retailers. TORQ tests, builds and delivers projects for companies with complex data using eCommerce, Product Information Management (PIM), Digital Asset Management (DAM), and Master Data Management (MDM) solutions. According to Partner Matthew Dares, implementing the EOS Model gave the management team the structure they needed to pause, reflect, and intentionally define where the company was headed.

“Taking the time to set a vision, understand and write it down and communicate to our staff and our clients what our core principles are, our core values, our vision, and what we feel is our niche in the market brought to us a focus that was really a side-of-the-desk concept before,” says Dares.

Setting clear goals helped TORQ refine their niche. Instead of offering services across a wide range of platforms, the company made a strategic decision to specialize in two partner providers. Today, the company is a Platinum Partner of Pimcore, a PIM and MDM system, and a Gold Partner of Shopware, an eCommerce platform. “We set the goal to be the best,” says Dares. “We were recognized as the top implementer by our partners Pimcore and Shopware on their platforms. We won North American Pimcore Partner of the Year last year.” This focused approach requires a strong sense of integrity. TORQ prioritizes doing what’s right for its customers and is upfront when their platforms aren’t the right match.

“When we don't offer the right platform for a customer, then we just accept that that's not the right approach,” Dares says.

Their focus and vision also guide how they approach expansion and the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence. While Dares sees AI as a valuable tool, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining accountability.

“Just because you can move fast doesn't mean you get to move too fast. It is a
balancing act,” he says, adding that TORQ will continue integrating AI into their
future planning. “We are definitely in a place where it's a meaningful part of our road map to understand how these tools will be used both by both our team and our clients.”

TORQ’s vision and future planning has been clear for years. When the company was featured as the Digital Nova Scotia member of the month in April 2023, founder Jeremy Noonan discussed opening a new Halifax office as the company was targeting a 20-employee milestone — a goal it has now surpassed. “We’re now moving into the mid twenties of employees,” says Dares. While the Halifax office has since closed and the team has shifted to remote work, TORQ’s presence in Nova Scotia remains strong. According to Dares, much of the company’s recent growth continues to come from the province, alongside a focus on growing its head office in Charlottetown. Dares says TORQ intends to keep building and growing while staying grounded in their core values. These values were implemented thanks to the EOS Model and are something the team follows daily. TORQ describes their Core Values as:

• We Act with Purpose – We prioritize traction and results in every initiative,
  keeping projects focused on delivering real business value.
• Continuous Improvement – We iterate, learn, and refine — always raising
  the bar.
• High Ownership – We take responsibility for the outcome, not just the task.
• Solution Focused – We lead with answers and adapt to challenges.
• Professional – We bring clarity, consistency, and respect to every
  engagement.

By continuously refining its strategy, staying focused on its strengths, and investing in thoughtful growth, TORQ is building a future that’s both ambitious and intentional. If you have any questions for TORQ, or are curious if they could help your business, don’t hesitate to reach out.