Skip to content
Focused Forward
About us

Systems built for people. Not the other way around.

We engineer custom software and intelligent automation for organizations across Canada, built around how teams actually work.

Software team collaborating at their desks
Our story

Engineering first. People always.

Off-the-shelf platforms promise everything, then force teams into rigid, generic workflows. People work around the software, data ends up scattered across tools, and skilled staff spend their days on copy-paste.

Focused Forward exists to flip that. Custom web applications are our bread and butter: platforms engineered specifically around how an organization operates. Alongside them, we deploy AI agents and operational dashboards that remove routine admin, break down silos and turn complex data into clear daily decisions.

The result is software with high adoption, less friction and measurable operational returns.

Our goal

We help organizations move forward with clarity: simplifying work, improving outcomes, and enabling sustainable growth through digital automation.

The vision

A future where organizations operate with clarity, confidence, and systems that work for people, not the other way around.

0+
Projects completed
100%
Custom digital solutions
M365
Microsoft platforms supported
CA
Serving all of Canada
Meet the team

The people behind the work

When you work with us, you work directly with the people designing and building your platform. No hand-offs, no account managers in the middle.

Adam Van Schijndel, President & CEO of Focused Forward
Founder

Adam Van Schijndel

President & CEO

Adam founded Focused Forward to bring an engineering-first, people-centred approach to software and automation. He works directly with clients to understand how their organizations really operate, then leads the design of systems that remove friction and deliver measurable results.

Adam.VanSchijndel@focusedforward.ca
  • Osman Oncul, Senior Full Stack Developer at Focused Forward

    Osman Oncul

    Senior Full Stack Developer

    Osman brings extensive full-stack experience to designing, engineering, and scaling robust web environments. Specializing in high-performance back-end architectures and seamless third-party API integrations, he ensures every system is built for speed, security, and long-term durability.

    Osman.Oncul@focusedforward.ca
  • Zero Lao, Full Stack Developer at Focused Forward

    Zero Lao

    Full Stack Developer

    Zero specializes in bridging complex logic with clean, highly responsive user interfaces. Focused on front-end execution and efficient database management, he crafts intuitive digital experiences that turn complex business operations into seamless, fluid user journeys.

  • Purvesh Ghevariya, UI/UX & AI Integration Developer at Focused Forward

    Purvesh Ghevariya

    UI/UX & AI Integration Developer

    Purvesh designs and builds intuitive experiences across web and mobile apps. With deep UI/UX experience, he turns complex workflows into clean, easy-to-use interfaces and integrates AI into software so it feels natural, useful and genuinely helpful for everyday users.

Industries we've served

Real work, real organizations

We don't claim every industry. These are the sectors we've actually built for, and the projects behind them.

  • Audience at a member association event

    Associations & Memberships

    A custom CRM and member portal for pipelines, renewals, events and self-service.

    Switchback CRM & Portal
  • Athlete training in a gym

    Fitness & Wellness

    Conflict-free class scheduling, member bookings and reminders across locations.

    Podaima Performance
  • Mechanic working on a car engine

    Automotive Parts & Service

    An AI desk that answers parts calls, searches supplier portals and drafts quotes.

    Sonar Desk
  • Small business team serving customers

    Small Business & Marketing

    AI-assisted social media planning, publishing and analytics for local businesses.

    Ottory
  • Forest stream and waterfall

    Environmental & Conservation

    Field data collection, milestone tracking and funder reporting for watershed projects.

    Pintails
  • Worker monitoring a production line on a laptop

    Food Production & Manufacturing

    Live dashboards for output, material use, line efficiency and workforce metrics.

    Production dashboards
  • Shipping containers at a port

    Supply Chain & Logistics

    Practical AI adoption talks and workshops for supply chain leaders and boards.

    Supply Chain Canada MB
  • Facilitator presenting to a small team

    Non-Profits

    Safe AI readiness workshops that free up limited staff time for the mission.

    AI workshops & audits
Core values

What we stand for

  • 01

    Be Relentless

    Pursue clarity and excellence

    We are curious, disciplined, and committed to work that stands up to scrutiny.

  • 02

    Openly Accessible

    People first, always

    We build trust through openness, approachability, and genuine partnership.

  • 03

    Disrupt for Good

    Simplify, don't overwhelm

    We use technology responsibly to reduce complexity and create meaningful impact.

  • 04

    One Voice

    Together is better

    We collaborate openly and communicate with clarity and consistency.

  • 05

    Create for Tomorrow

    Build what lasts

    We design solutions that support long-term success and sustainable growth.

Let's build together

Not sure where to start? That's normal.

Book a free 30-minute discovery call. It's a working conversation, not a sales pitch. We'll look at where your team is losing time and map the smallest useful next step.

  • Free, no-obligation call
  • Reply within one business day
  • Data hosted in Canada