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FACILITYCalgary May 6/25

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FACILITYCalgary publisher Mark Kolke, in conversation with Bruce Edgelow
 
September 10, 2013

  
 
 
In the beginning, born in North Battleford, Saskatechewan, grew up in Leduc and Edmonton – where he entered the world of the Royal Bank two weeks out of grade 12 at Harry Ainlay Composite High School – 31 years at the Royal, now 11 years at ATB Corporate Financial Services where he is VP Energy – Bruce Edgelow had quite the climb, and has enjoyed quite the ride . . . 
 
I first met Bruce Edgelow at a breakfast seminar several years ago – and haven’t been able to pin him down to a meeting – until we sat in his office recently where he set a tight time frame, and stuck to it.
 
The story unfolds … middle child of five, dad had a long career in the insurance business, mom stayed home – living in Leduc and Edmonton, in part to be close to post-secondary opportunities for kids – but Bruce focused too much on fun and not enough on marks in high school. Some of those friends get together at Gull Lake for an annual reunion – 10 families, 25 years – it seems Bruce doesn’t give up on loyalties and long term relationships in his personal life anymore than he does in business.
 
But seriously, who does this anymore – a whole working life, with only two employers?  
 
When his Royal Bank colleague Ian Wild moved over to ATB, Bruce followed soon thereafter – where they have 12 sales teams in energy lending. E & P and energy service industry are his group’s focus. And development has been progressive and become diversified. ATB holds a 20% equity position in Alta Corp Capital – who handle equity financings, while ATB Corporate Financial Services has focused on the debt side, growing its team and services to meet the needs of clients. While he admits they don’t do everything for everybody, to hear Bruce tell it there is very little they can’t do with his desire to ‘be across the marketplace’.  A syndication group was added 5 years ago. An equipment financing/leasing is launching now, and they’ve launched a sub-debt program as well (ie: recent $20 million  financing for Yangarra)

  
 

 

I asked Bruce how he sees financings – and the state of energy markets here over the next  90 day?
… very cautions! Equity financings are down 2/3rrds over last year, costs of exploratory drilling is very high. The levels of debt financings is tracking equity – so, those with cash have a lot of control.
 
Over the next 5 years?
… I’ve never been more excited. Technology advancements – both downhole and above ground – are game changers. Multi-stage fracking, using new technologies to re-open old fields to produce from different zones will have an incredible impact . . . 
 
What qualities distinguish your preferred colleagues, collaborators and suppliers?
… track record of credible performance, proven trustworthiness – people who like the market, people who put people over things . . . 
 
What distinguishes you as a leader/manager and why do clients choose you and your group over your competitors?
… firm but fair, proven track record. I am part of an amazing team, but we are no stronger than our weakest link!
 
What do you lose sleep over, what do you worry about? 
 … succession planning – and how I am preparing for retirement. 
 
Regrets? 
 … 28 yr. marriage that didn’t work out. I’m not proud of that.
 
Who or what influenced you most – that has made a difference in your life, or that was a major turning point?
 … being hired by the Royal 2 weeks after graduating high school. And then, viewed as a guy who would never leave – asking myself in 2003 if I was prepared to walk – after 31 years with the Royal? I asked myself, did I have more faith in the Royal, or god? I took a huge breath and said lets go. I met my 2nd wife (6th anniversary coming up) on Christian Café .. an online dating service.
 
Work life balance?
... fun with my 4 yr. old grandson, golf, committed to my involvement with Centre Street Church. Community board involvements, Institute of Corporate Directors, ATB Corporate Financial Services . . . 
 
What are you reading?
… Love and War by John and Stasi Eldredge, The Five Levels of Leadership by John Maxwell, whatever my book club chooses next
 
His ride?
… 2007 Honda CRV
 

  
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