Trevor Leslie

Trevor returned to IS in 2005 to finish his BIS requirements and thesis work regarding “family happiness” knowing that only in IS could he approach his topic in an inter-disciplinarian manner, and that IS provides the flexibility he needed to be self-directing in his research.

Trevor conducted his pre-thesis research drawing on such disciplines as Sociology, Recreation and Leisure Studies, Psychology, Marriages and Families, Social Anthropology, Philosophy, and Economics. His work included interviews with professionals in various fields and drawing on his personal experience.

Trevor’s thesis research examined how money shapes family happiness. He interviewed couples who are part of a three generation family and determined how financial choices affect the family unit today. Trevor observes that the problem of “negative materialism” is widespread in North America and the advancement of credit in the marketplace is only making this problem worse. Trevor believes his study is timely because actions in North America have implications worldwide as individuals in developing countries focus on increasing their wealth and countries wish to participate in the international economy.

“Financial problems are still a major reason for divorce. I believe the result of the study provides evidence answering the question, “Can money shape family happiness?” Acquiring money need not be negative and thus I have coined a new sociological theory: “Positive Materialism Theory.”

It is Trevor’s passion to add to the collective work on this subject and affect positive social change for as many as possible. He hopes that his research will further research conducted by others.

Trevor comments, “UW is only one of three universities in the world known to offer a program such as IS. Students considering IS should not be intimidated by its “elite” nature. If you have a unique area of interest and self discipline, then the rewards offered by this program will far exceed the extra motivation needed to excel is this exclusive program.”

In 1995, Trevor started his own business, A+ Computers Inc, which now employs seven people, and managing and developing A+ Computers continues to hold his business interests. Trevor is married with two children and has been a life-long resident of Waterloo.

Read Trevor's thesis, Positive Materialism: How Does Money Shape Family Happiness?

Trevor Leslie, BIS 2009 This page was last reviewed on February 17, 2010