I asked Bob how he sees his businesses – private land trust, in the conservation business – generally; ‘how’s business?’ over the next quarter?
… we are doing alright. We just took on the Waldron. We have a few more projects in the works in southern Alberta and we are looking at a large parcel in the Edmonton area right now.
And over the next five years?
… groups like ours will be more involved in helping both governments and the private sector working out offsets for development. That involves combining citizenship with some dealmaking both on crown land and private land and working more with the Eco-Gift Panel at Canada Revenue Agency. Conservation easements are the legal tool but there is a lot more to stewardship and ongoing preservation than cultivation, draining, subdivision ... lots to do! We are very involved with ‘species at risk’, adapting and protecting habitat to support those species – and working with stakeholders to see those species as an asset rather than as a detriment.
What qualities distinguish your preferred colleagues, collaborators and suppliers?
… quality. Stuff (and people) that works. Same with business partners. Our suppliers are located in the communities where we are active wherever possible. People who have a passion for the outdoors and our work are not hard to find!
What distinguishes you that causes people to choose Bob Demulder and Nature Conservancy of Canada, why do they do business with you, why have they chosen you and your organization over other causes?
… we are credible. We try to under-promise and over-deliver. We are a good corporate connection. We are less-so advocates, but more-so facilitators. We are steward of what we can be …
How would you describe your leadership or management style?
… I’m probably hard to read at first. Mentor. Supporter. Demanding. I keep an open door.
What do you lose sleep over, what do you worry about?
… am I providing the right direction for my daughter? It is an eye-opener working for a not-for-profit – helping/struggling people understanding funding requirments.
Who or what influenced you most – that has made a difference in your life, or that was a major turning point?
… my parents showed me an appreciation for the outdoors; a high school biology teacher, Roy Gauchey (he had a forestry background) moved me from the back row to the front of the class and told me to listen and to shut up. He developed, in me, a desire to learn.
Work life balance, do you have it?
… still on the clock when I am playing! The need always exceeds the capacity to deliver if you are passionate.
For fun?
… travel. I get to see a lot of Canada in my job. Hiking. Fly-fishing. I’m an outdoors guy. Downhill and back-country skiing. Motorcycling. Hanging out with my 18 yr. old daughter.
What do you read?
… I like Wallace Stegner’s Wolf Willow. I’m a Bill Bryson fan. I like fiction grounded in science.
His ride?
… horses, for work and recreation. And a 2006 Nissan X-trail