Don Wilson – President and Chair, Calgary Exhibition and Stampede
Influential Icon: Urban cowboy
It’s been almost 60 years, but Don Wilson vividly remembers attending his first Calgary Stampede, riding a pony in the parade before his grandfather took him to the exhibition grounds.
The 65-year-old Wilson still retains that boyish eagerness for the annual summer exposition. Along with that keen enthusiasm, Wilson – who retired as the CEO and president of Prudential Steel Ltd. in 2000 – also brings a great deal of real-world business experience to the volunteer board. Wilson has also led the push to expand Stampede Park, overseeing the purchase of 11 properties north of the grounds with another 35 to be bought. On the expanded exhibition grounds, the board will also unveil its 20-year master plan that will include new buildings and renovations to existing facilities later this year. Although one eye has been fixed on the future, Wilson and the Stampede board boosted prize money to more than $1 million, giving the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth the richest payouts for a rodeo outside of the world championships in Las Vegas.
Q: What must the current board of directors do to ensure the Calgary Stampede remains the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth?
A: We must continue to look at the forward vision of our opportunities to expand and bring more events to the Stampede to improve the overall show for the citizens of Calgary and southern Alberta. We must also maintain the Western heritage and values and all the things that we have become famous for.
Q: Which of these best describes you: Dreamer, Decision-Maker or Doer?
A: I am a doer. I like to get my teeth into things and see them through. During my business career, I was more of a dreamer and decision-maker, but you need to have vision.
Q: What one situation do you wish you could have the chance to face again and how would you respond differently?
A: I didn’t have an opportunity earlier in my life to be involved in some of the community events and service clubs, which I’m doing now through my affiliation with the Stampede. If I had more time when I was in my business career, I would have liked to have done that earlier.
Q: What keeps you sane?
A: The lifestyle that I have. My family is all close by. Riding horses, playing some golf and being with my friends and family keeps me sane.
Q: What is the best thing about living in Alberta? What’s the most frustrating thing?
A: The best thing is the friendliness of the people, the economy and the free entrepreneurial spirit. The most frustrating thing is that we don’t get more recognition of the rest of Canada for all the things that we do.
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