Thank you Kevin Halliday and the team for having me on your show.
Via Kevin Halliday’s Blog
“It taught me the value of hard work and the importance of understanding every facet of the business…” ~ Shane Wenzel
I recently had the privilege of hosting Shane Wenzel, a dynamic force behind his family’s Calgary-based construction and home building company, on my podcast. As someone deeply embedded in the world of family businesses, I was eager to dive into Shane’s experiences and insights, exploring how he’s managed to honor his family’s legacy while steering the company toward a future brimming with innovation.
From the moment Shane started sharing his story, it was clear that his journey wasn’t just about business—it was about family, tradition, and the relentless pursuit of progress. Shane recounted his early days, being lead into the family business at the age of 14, a time when most teenagers are navigating high school, not job sites. “It taught me the value of hard work and the importance of understanding every facet of the business,” he reflected in our discussion.
Our conversation shifted to the present and how Shane Group of Companies has embraced technology and efficiency, especially in the face of recent global challenges. “When the lockdown hit, we were already on our way to becoming fully digitized,” Shane explained. “It was a testament to the company’s forward-thinking approach, ensuring resilience in an era defined by rapid change and uncertainty.”
Shane’s insights into Alberta’s economic cycles and how they’ve shaped his business strategy were particularly enlightening. He spoke of the necessity to be agile, to adapt and pivot in response to external pressures, a skill that’s undoubtedly been a cornerstone of his company’s enduring success.
But what struck me most, was Shane’s perspective on the future, particularly his approach to succession planning. “It’s about more than just preparing the next generation to take over; it’s about instilling a sense of where we’ve come from and where we’re headed,” he shared. It was a powerful reminder of the responsibility family businesses have to weave their history into their vision for the future.
As our conversation wrapped up, I couldn’t help but to feel inspired by Shane’s passion and dedication. His ability to balance respect for his family’s legacy with a relentless push toward innovation, is a true blueprint for any family business looking to thrive in today’s ever-evolving landscape. It was an honor to have him on the podcast, and his story is one that will undoubtedly resonate with anyone facing the challenge of bridging the past with the future.
~ Kevin Halliday
