About Laser Supply Canada
The origin of Laser Supply Canada (aka Thunder Laser Canada) is a tale of passion and opportunity. Shannon Hoover never expected to sell laser cutter machines, but as co-owner of Fuse33 Makerspace in Calgary, Alberta, his enthusiasm for lasers was so contagious, that many of members of the shared community workshop became inspired to own lasers themselves.
For those unfamiliar, a makerspace is a community workshop offering membership-based access to a variety of specialized tools that might be too costly or impractical for home setups.
Over the past 10 years, Shannon spent countless hours around laser equipment at the makerspace he co-managed in Calgary which led to an obsession.
Makerspaces caters to a wide range of creators, from artists and small business owners to hobbyists and tradespeople. Various groups use the space for projects, including public furniture, art installations, and product development by small business owners.
Lasers Built for Makers
Shannon’s connection with Thunder Laser began in 2018 when he met Ken from Thunder Laser during a trip to China. While participating in a fashion show with Make Fashion through his lighting company, NLiten, Shannon discovered how Thunder Laser’s machines used off the shelf parts, and were designed in such a way that allowed parts to be easily swapped making them easy to use and maintain—perfect for creators of all levels. His intrigue led to a tour of their factory, and later in 2019, Thunder Laser invited him to use their equipment at a Make Fashion event, helping bring wearable art and sculpture to life.
Shannon recalls his experience:
“I had used several lasers before, but Thunder Laser stood out with its safety features, ease of setup, and user-friendliness. In a shared setting, it felt like a safer choice, and the learning curve was smoother, which allowed me to train others more quickly.”
The Unplanned Start of Thunder Laser Canada
Thunder Laser Canada emerged amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Social restrictions meant makers had more free time, and many wanted to start businesses or preferred personal equipment to shared tools. Shannon recalls,
“Some Fuse33 members expressed interest in owning a laser machine, so I reached out to Thunder Laser. After facilitating a few sales, they invited me to help with broader distribution across Canada.”
Thunder Laser Canada has since expanded, bringing together a dedicated team of laser enthusiasts passionate about helping Canadians kickstart their creative or small business ventures.
Meet the Team
Shannon Hoover: As the co-owner of both Fuse33 Makerspace and Thunder Laser Canada, Shannon has helped foster the maker community in Calgary and beyond. His role centers on sales and customer relations, connecting creators with the ideal laser equipment to fuel their passions.
Tess Janikova: Tess, a laser enthusiast and acro yoga lover, she handles sales and helps customers with orders, ensuring a smooth setup for those eager to start their laser projects.
Zee Kesler: A maker educator and former social impact project leader for Makers Making Change, Zee manages the Thunder Laser Owner Facebook group, curates social media content, and develops educational resources for the community.
Reade Richards: Reade, a laser expert and board member of the Toronto Tool Library, leads demonstrations and provides technical support, sharing his knowledge with fellow creators.
Connect with Thunder Laser Canada
Explore Thunder Laser Canada’s offerings at their headquarters and showroom in Fuse33 Makerspace in Calgary, at the Toronto Tool Library, Fabzone Makerspace in Montreal and demo centers across Canada.
Whether you’re a hobbyist or a business owner, Thunder Laser Canada is ready to support your journey into laser cutting.