The Name
Carpedia was originally envisioned as “Carpediem,” a simple combination of the Latin phrase “carpe diem.” Founders Peter Follows and Greg Tremblay thought it was clever and reflected the company’s ambition to implement changes in real time, rather than simply provide advice. It was a call to arms to “seize the day.” But not everyone who was involved at the company’s inception agreed.
Peter’s brother, Mark, who played an integral part in the early formation and subsequent development of Carpedia, believed that the expression, “carpe diem” was in fact a direct contradiction to the founders’ premise of the firm.
Mark pointed out that, according to Webster’s Dictionary, Carpe Diem roughly translated to “urging someone to make the most of the present with no regard to the future.” The tail end of the definition didn’t align with a company designed to be future oriented and to deliver lasting results. Somewhat reluctantly, the founders agreed.
A course correction was needed. Peter reflected on his high school Latin days and changed the name to “Carpedia”, which meant "seize the days" in Latin (“dia” being Latin for “days”).? The name was formally changed just in time for the incorporation paperwork to be signed.
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Two years later in a sales meeting, Peter would be challenged on the accuracy of the translation of Carpedia as meaning “seize the days.” As well as derailing a promising sales meeting, the potential client considered that Peter’s academic background may have been suspect. His spirited sleuthing determined that “Carpedia” didn’t actually mean anything at all in Latin.
This was 1994, and the internet was very new to everyone. At the time Carpedia launched, there was no Expedia, Wikipedia, or Investopedia. When they arrived on the scene,?these organizations had a little more financial backing and a significantly larger internet footprint, which led to the unfortunate impression that Carpedia had come afterwards and was piggybacking on their success. This has since led to periodic and usually innocent questions from people who don’t know about Carpedia, wondering if the company sells cars, carpets, or fish.
From its slightly controversial beginnings, the name has served the firm very well over the past 30 years. At least to the partners, employees, and clients who know the firm, Carpedia has come to mean hands-on effort, real results, and lasting bottom-line improvement.
Sr. Director Commercial Strategy
8 个月A middle manager on the factory follow at a client once said to me, "I know the story of the RMS Carpathia for which your firm is named, and we are NOT a sinking titanic!"
Entrepreneur, Private Investor, Active Board Member, Private Equity
8 个月I remember being told that story…
Helping Entrepreneurs Grow Brands | Beverage Co-Packing | Marketing | Founder
8 个月This has been on my mind for nearly 12 months. Thank you for clarifying!
Vice President | Partner at Carpedia International
8 个月One of my favourite stories and one I quote often when asked by candidates whether we are a car company! Ha!