September 2, 2014
He sells business services. The products have changed, but it seems the style, the method and the salesman involved are all the same. Evolved, matured, focused and ... interesting.
In answer to ‘how do you do it all?’, Kevin Gregor, Partner at Boyden, answers immediately – “I compartmentalize things. I can separate from things, then bring it back when required. It’s a coping mechanism.”
Who is Kevin Gregor and what does he think of himself? A man about town, larger than life (big grin, big mustache, ample belly – man about town), gregarious, shameless self-promoter, political operative, schmoozer, name-dropper, leader, cheerleader, cause-involver – but what makes him tick? I’ve spoken with him before – years ago – on the phone but had never met him. I’ve had friends and strangers remark about him, some con, but mostly pro – so I thought learning more might be as interesting for my readers as it would be for me.
Let's start at the beginning: born in Oxbow, Saskatchewan, moved to Edmonton (grew up in Sherwood Park) at age one; mom was a teacher, dad worked in the oil patch (they met at a dance in Frobisher). The eldest, he has a younger brother and sister.
Growing up, sports were a strong interest – football, rugby (together with injuries that linger – seems to be a merit badge for rugby players), golf and curling.
After high school, studying business – B.Comm from University of Alberta (marketing and industrial relations were his majors). First career move was interesting – he went to a Xerox interview as moral support for a gal friend who didn’t want to go alone. He got hired. She didn't. That gal-connection didn’t last. But a long and illustrious career with Xerox followed. Kevin describes himself as a fixer. That led to a series of promotions and moves – to Toronto, then to Calgary where he was determined to stay. When the next move-up would mean leaving Calgary, he moved-over … to Crain Drummond (now Relizon). As movement upward there suggested a move to head office in Montreal was imminent, a move over again to RGO. His next move was to be head-hunted no more, but to become one. He now recruits others to work for his clients. Cool gig.
We have things in common. Some acquaintances, SE Saskatchewan roots, Edmonton time, we’ve both been selling all our working lives …
Three kids and a wife Deb whom he met on a blind date. Kevin credits his greatest sale ever as being able to sell Deb (from Victoria) to join him in Yellowknife (his posting at that time with Xerox). After raising three kids, many moves, career moves, many bumps in the road later – still married. He credits his wife with keeping it all together.
What has contributed most to your success?
“Family support, friends, mentors, being excited every day to do something interesting. I like solving puzzles. Thinking big picture, big strategies – strategizing with clients.”
What has held you back?
“Time. Its limitations. I’ve tried to get involved in a lot of different things – and thanks to great family support I’ve been able to do that. I’ve never felt blocked – and when I do, I try to find a way around it.”