The world of microcap investing can often feel lonely.However, according to Cameron also known as @onecentinvest on twitter, the voice behind youtube channel Common Sense Investing it doesn’t have to be. In a recent interview, Cameron shared his journey from a tradesman to a seasoned investor, offering a grounded perspective on how average retail investors can navigate the “wild west” of small-cap stocks.
The “Two Lives” of an Investor
Cameron describes himself as having two backgrounds. In his “real life,” he is a tradesman an average guy with no MBA or hedge fund experience. His “social media life,” however, began during the COVID-19 pandemic when he realized that while many were flocking to the markets, they were often being led off a cliff by “pump and dump” schemes.
“I style myself as an average retail investor because I am. I’m not financially trained... but I’ve been on a long journey to get here.”
His obsession started 15 years ago with a company called Canadian Solar (CSIQ). He watched a 3 dollar Stock rocket to 40 dollars and then crash back to 10 dollars. He realized that if you could understand the cycles and the companies behind the tickers, the potential for growth was unmatched.
Investing is a Team Sport
One of the biggest myths Cameron wants to bust is the “lone wolf” investor. We often romanticize the idea of a contrarian genius sitting in a dungeon finding the next Amazon by themselves. In reality, Cameron argues, successful investing is a team sport.
Leverage platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to follow vetted experts.
If you’re interested in Canadian microcaps, follow leaders people known in the space such as Paul Andreola and others. If you’re looking at US markets, look to Ian Cassel.
By following the people they follow, you instantly filter out 90% of the noise and “bad apples,” surrounding yourself with a community that prioritizes research over hype.
Would You Own This in Real Life?
When shifting through thousands of tiny companies, how do you find the gems? Cameron’s filter is simple:
“What business would you like to own in real life?”
If you had to sell everything and put your life savings into one company to fund your retirement and your children’s education, would you pick a company burning 10 million dollars a quarter? Or would you pick a profitable, growing business with a product you understand?
By treating stocks as pieces of a business rather than just numbers on a screen, you naturally gravitate toward quality.
Small Capital is Your Superpower
There is a common disconnect between the advice given by wealthy investors and the reality of a small retail investor. Cameron highlights a crucial advantage that “little guys” have: Liquidity.
A large fund with a million-dollar position can’t exit a microcap stock without crashing the price. You can.
As a small investor, you can sell on a Friday and rebuy on a Monday. You can pivot your strategy in minutes.
While wealthy investors diversify to protect what they have, smaller investors often need to stay concentrated in 2-3 high-conviction names to see meaningful growth.
Where is the Market Now? (2025-2026 Outlook)
Looking ahead, Cameron is bullish but cautious. While the S&P 500 has seen record runs, many microcaps were “obliterated” in 2025 due to trade wars and election volatility.
“I’m looking at all these profitable and growing microcap stocks that I think are going to have a rebound year.”
He’s currently eyeing:
Gold producers that are currently mispriced relative to the metal’s high spot price.
Not just the “flashy” AI software, but the “shovels”companies focused on data collection and hardware that makes AI possible.
While many fear AI will replace software companies, Cameron is “curious” enough to look for the mispriced opportunities where the fear has been overblown.
Education is Time
Cameron’s advice is simple, just give it a shot. You don’t need a six-year degree to be a successful investor; you need curiosity and a fourth-grade level of math.
Investing isn’t just about the bank account, simply put it is about changing your mindset. When you see the world through the eyes of an investor, an 8 dollar Starbucks coffee isn’t just a drink it’s 100 shares in a microcap that could double in a year.
“Money is time. If you can make money, you have more time in your future.”
For more insights into microcap investing, you can find Cameron at commonsenseinvesting.ca or on YouTube.
Thanks for reading and listening to this episode, thank you Cameron!
See you soon,
Lukas, Pixel Research
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Disclaimer
This is not financial advice as Pixel Research content is not meant to be a substitute for financial advice. Since we don’t offer financial advice, the material provided shouldn’t be interpreted as tailored investment advice. It is crucial to carry out in-depth research and, if required, speak with a licensed financial expert before making any financial decisions.
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