10 Things You Didn’t Know About… Form founder and CEO Dan Eisenhardt

Credit: Courtesy of Form

Like his intense morning routine

Dan Eisenhardt has led a few lives.

After growing up a competitive swimmer in Aalborg, Denmark, Eisenhardt earned a scholarship to Indian River College in Florida, where he won NJCAA All-American honours.

Spending a couple of years in the States, he went back to his hometown to pursue a master of engineering at Aalborg University. That led to years working as a consultant for different firms until he came to Vancouver for an MBA at UBC Sauder School of Business.

Soon afterward he embarked on his first entrepreneurial venture, Recon Instruments, which developed smart eyewear technology for sports and high-intensity environments. Eisenhardt ran the Vancouver-based company for almost seven years before selling it to Intel Corp. 2015.

But he wasn’t done innovating in the sports technology space. In late 2016, Eisenhardt founded Form, a Vancouver maker of smart swimming googles that display split times, distance, pace and more.

Here are other some things you (probably) didn’t know about him.

What is your favourite spot in B.C.?

Desolation Sound. I used to go up there on my boat with my wife before we got married. The nature is breathtaking, and you can hit some great beaches, fish or just anchor up and light up the BBQ. Perfect way to spend a weekend, and it’s only a three- to four-hour cruise from downtown Vancouver.

Where did you go on your last vacation?

London, England.

Favourite restaurant/bar?

My favourite restaurant would be Lupo on 869 Hamilton Street. As for bars, the Fringe Café at 3124 West Broadway is usually my go-to when getting together with friends.

What is your most memorable podcast, film or book?

My favourite book is Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by Max Tegmark. It discusses how AI will transform our future as human beings—from jobs to crime, war and justice. A very thought-provoking read!

What is your morning routine?

I’m an early riser, so my day typically starts with two hours of training on the bike, treadmill or in the pool. After that, it’s a Vega protein drink and caffeine. Then I drop off my kids at school before hitting the Form office.

Hobby?

Endurance sports and startups (which blends in completely with my “work“).

Best advice ever received?

To move to Vancouver and not focus on “my career.“

Your worst job ever?

A summer job at a sausage factory in my hometown of Aalborg, Denmark.

What is your favourite quote?

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” —Peter Drucker

If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?

A rhino. Rhinos are tough and thick-skinned. Nobody messes with them.