We are a company powered by our people and our communities.
The Story Behind Medair Founder, Andy Davies
“What if it was possible to wake up in the morning and be excited to go to work, because you know you are playing a part in making someone’s life better?”
It was with this thought in mind that Andrew “Andy” Davies founded MEDAIR in 2001 in Toronto, Canada from a one-bedroom flat with his wife Michelle. He had in his mind that his company would embody a different, yet powerful work ethos that would set MEDAIR drastically apart from other organisations: to be an inclusive, safe, and exciting environment in which employees would thrive. His ongoing goal is to create happy workspaces where success and growth aren’t just aspirations, they are fully achievable.
A family man at heart, Andy’s core values have always revolved around his commitment to his team to help them maintain a healthy work/life balance. Proud father to Kalea and Kiara, Andy has designed his organisation around the promise that no employee would ever have to miss their child’s recital, soccer game or specialist appointment because of work. This is possible because at MEDAIR, every member of the team works collaboratively and covers for one another. The MEDAIR “family-first” culture has been a key piece to the company’s mission of trying to help those in need, both near and far.
Andy’s Driving Forces:
Meet his
daughters
Andy’s daughters play an immense role in his life and his desire to create such a safe space at Medair. Kalea, was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy in her first year of life and faced many physical challenges as she grew up. However, Andy was determined to show her that there wasn’t anything out of reach in life. As such, despite needing to use a walking aid in order to get around, Kalea learned to swim, ski and horseback ride. When she was 14, she was chosen to be the Easter Seals Ambassador for Ontario and made a speech at the Conn Smythe Dinner in front of hundreds of people. As ambassador, Kalea’s mission was to “Help Kids Just Be Kids” by raising awareness and funds for mobility equipment and for Easter Seals Special Summer Camps.
Kalea
While supporting Kalea, Andy was introduced to many families who have children with special needs and has witnessed how common humanity takes for granted simple things such as putting winter clothes on to go outside and enjoy some time with friends. Watching their child miss out on playing with other kids at school was immensely distressing, so was born the drive to ensure that MEDAIR’s continued success could help more families along the way.
Kalea has since travelled far, reached the top of the Acropolis and helped build houses for those in need in Cambodia for Tabitha Foundation with the family. She has just completed a bachelor’s degree in public relations and hopes to find a job working in film.
Kiara
Andy’s other daughter, Kiara, is also a force to be reckoned with and a huge source of inspiration to him. Her love of sailing and competitive racing shows that the Davies passion for living life to its fullest runs deep. Kiara is also a lifeguard, qualified Ontario Sailing Coach and volunteers with racecourse mark setting.
Having finished high school with honours last June, she has spent this year taking first year University courses whilst sailing across the Atlantic Ocean twice on board the Alexander V Humboldt II tall ship with Class Afloat. This summer, she is excited to continue sharing her love of sailing with young children as she resumes her job as a coach. In September, she will begin studying at Queen’s University and hopes to be able to join their sailing team.