Breaking Free from the Status Quo
At Wicket, we believe that associations deserve technology that works with them, not against them. Too often, organizations are locked into rigid, all-in-one Association Management Software (AMS) systems: clunky, monolithic platforms that try to do everything but end up excelling at nothing. We knew there had to be a better way.
Our journey started long before Wicket was even an idea.
Where It All Began: From Web Design to Innovation (2000-2015)
In 2000, Jeff Horne founded Industrial, a web design and development agency focused on serving associations. For over a decade, we built websites that helped associations connect with their members. But the more we worked with these organizations, the more we saw a frustrating pattern: associations struggling with AMS platforms that were bloated, inefficient, and limiting.
That’s when we asked:
“What if, instead of trying to pack everything into one system, we built a smart platform that integrates seamlessly with the best tools available?”
The Birth of Wicket: A New Approach to Membership Data (2015-2017)
That question led to the creation of Wicket, the world’s first Member Data Platform (MDP). Built by the team at Industrial in 2015, Wicket was designed from the ground up to serve as a single source of truth for member data while integrating seamlessly with best-in-class software.
By 2017, Wicket had grown beyond an internal project, and it became its own company. Jeff Horne and Laura Mindorff officially launched Wicket as a standalone business, setting out to revolutionize the way associations manage their data.
Gaining Momentum: Awards, Growth & Recognition (2018-2021)
Our mission resonated. Associations across North America embraced Wicket’s ecosystem-first approach, and the industry started taking notice:
- 2018 – Wicket won the Best Ottawa Business Award (Next Big Thing)
- 2021 – Recognized as one of Ottawa’s Fastest Growing Companies
- 2021 – Won the Ottawa Bootstrap Award for Marketing
- 2021 – Became a Great Place to Work Certified company
With rapid growth, our focus remained on helping associations break free from the status quo, giving them flexibility, scalability, and seamless integrations.
Unifying Our Future: Industrial & Wicket Become One (2023)
For years, Industrial and Wicket worked in parallel. One building websites for associations, the other transforming how they managed member data. In 2023, we made it official: Industrial and Wicket merged into a single company.
This allowed us to deliver an even more unified experience for our customers, bringing together our expertise in web development and member data management under the Wicket brand.
A New Chapter: Expanding Beyond MDP with Wicket Web (2024-Present)
With a growing customer base and an evolving industry, we knew it was time to expand our impact. In 2024, we launched Wicket Web™, a fully integrated website and eCommerce platform for associations.
Now, associations can leverage both Wicket Member™ (our Member Data Platform) and Wicket Web™ to manage their data, power their websites, and deliver seamless digital experiences, all while staying AMS-less.
Looking Ahead: 2025 & Beyond
Our vision is clear: to be the #1 choice for associations.
In 2025, we are set to launch Wicket’s Member Data Platform for the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), marking a major milestone in our journey. We continue to lead the ecosystem approach, helping associations integrate with the best tools while breaking free from outdated AMS systems.
What Drives Us? Our Purpose, Mission & Values
At Wicket, we’re not just a software company. We’re champions for associations.
- Purpose: We inspire associations to break free from the status quo.
- Mission: We enable associations to thrive in a modern software ecosystem.
- Vision: A world where every association and their members realize their highest potential.
We’re powered by a vibrant, happy team that rallies together, takes the lead, and never stops learning. We believe in meaningful connections, thoughtful decisions, and creating technology that actually makes life easier for associations.
