Speaker - Rick Gold

Rick Gold is the founder of The Stem Group, a Calgary-based technology company providing computer and mobile-device repair, Apple support, web development, video production and cybersecurity services. With more than 30 years of experience in technology—including a history as an Apple Value Added Reseller—Rick has seen firsthand how closed systems, restricted repair access and forced replacement affect both users and independent service providers.

An active advocate for Right to Repair in Canada, Rick brings a practical, frontline perspective to conversations about ownership, interoperability, software freedom and digital autonomy. His work focuses on helping individuals and small organizations maintain control of the technology they depend on, rather than being trapped by unnecessary replacement cycles, artificial restrictions or corporate roadblocks.