About the Author:

After acquiring an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and a Bachelor of Education, Doug spent several years teaching, and ranching with his family. Despite having two degrees he always said the best education and practical experience he ever received was growing up on the farm. It taught him practical lessons about life, built in him a strong work ethic, and developed in him a deep understanding of what it takes to be successful and how the wrong attitude can ensure failure.

Concerned about the future of rural communities, he ran and won his first election to become the sixth youngest person to ever serve in the Legislature. Elected for four consecutive terms, Doug continuously advocated for policies that would strengthen rural communities. Through his four terms he also served in two senior Cabinet portfolios as Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister of Service Alberta, as well as three junior positions in Agriculture, Finance, and Solicitor General.

Doug retired from politics in January 2015, after 13 years of service, to resume his long-time passion for helping communities find ways to be prosperous and enduring. Doug accepts invitations from around North America to speak while he and his team provide guidance and services to all types of communities looking to succeed. He also completed the 2nd edition of his national best-seller, 13 Ways to Kill Your Community, with 40% more stories of challenges and solutions for communities. His experience, his style, and his skill have led many community leaders to call Doug a community therapist.

His beautiful wife Sue and their two young boys are incredibly supportive of Doug in all his endeavours and adventures, including his most recent accomplishment of graduating from the Executive MBA program at the University of Alberta. They enjoy travelling, soccer, watching the Green Bay Packers play, and working in the garden or camping. They also dedicate themselves to volunteering for many organizations and charities in their community. Doug and his family fundamentally believe success or failure comes down to your attitude, and whether you are willing to change, or adapt to new challenges. I suppose that is why his motto has long been, “There’s Always a Way.”