Our Founder & Chairman

David Werklund is the entrepreneurial spirit and passion behind every organization he is involved with.

Deep-Rooted Values The Seed To Success

An acclaimed Canadian entrepreneur, oilfield-industry leader, and dedicated philanthropist, David (Dave) P. Werklund cultivated his can-do attitude from his wholesome upbringing in rural Alberta. Growing up on a farm fostered a solid work ethic, promoted a strong foundation of core values, and nurtured an appreciation for protecting the environment. It is where Dave's business philosophy was established and is fundamental to the operations of the Werklund Family Office.

"In order to have a successful outcome, it is critical to execute on time, deliver on budget, and nurture and manage an asset – it's about aligning our people with our mission, vision and core values. At the Werklund Family Office, every transaction and interaction is aligned with this thinking and these values."

The Road Less Traveled

An entrepreneur at heart, Dave has a remarkable desire to "always do better" and an extraordinary knack for recognizing and seizing opportunities. His industrious career began in 1965 at Shell Canada where he worked as a Production Manager. It was here where Dave recognized and capitalized on the need to address environmental and waste management issues in the oil and gas exploration industry. He co-founded Concord Well Servicing in 1979 and grew it from a one-rig operation to the third largest well service company in Canada.

His business ventures did not stop there. In 1984, Dave founded Canadian Crude Separators with an initial investment of $50,000 in a small oilfield service company in northern Alberta. His vision for environmental stewardship drove the company to produce cutting-edge advancements and progressive technologies. By 2007, Dave had distinguished CCS Corporation as a $3.7 billion multi-faceted corporation. Today, the company employs 4,000 personnel and is internationally recognized and trusted as an industry leader providing integrated and environmentally responsible services to upstream and downstream oil and gas companies across North America.

In 2006, Dave redirected his entrepreneurial endeavours with the establishment of the Werklund Family Office, a unique private family organization preserving and promoting the legacy and values of the Werklund family, and providing tailored personal and wealth management services for individual family members.

Greatest Resource: People

Empowering people, integrity, respect, and teamwork have been at the core of Dave's every action throughout his career. From his modest beginning, Dave's steadfast rise in the oilfield industry advanced by recognizing opportunities, actively engaging in continuous learning, and surrounding himself with talented, progressive individuals. He has relished and overcome numerous challenges along the way, but has always been driven to build organizations reflecting his own principles. He fervently believes in supporting people, teamwork, and enabling rewarding life experiences.

"Caring about your employees is key to running a financially successful business because they are the ones who make the vision a reality. I'm not the one who makes it happen; I make it happen through sharing my vision and empowering people to buy into the vision."

Acknowledgements & High Regard

Dave Werklund's success is punctuated by numerous accolades and recognition. Among his many honours:

• 2010, Honorary Degree in Applied Technology from SAIT Polytechnic
• 2007, Industry Legend Award from Energy TV
• 2005, Ernst & Young's Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year
• 2005, Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year, Prairie Region

Dave has also been featured in various publications including the Globe & Mail, the Financial Post, Canadian Business Magazine, the Calgary Herald, Calgary Inc., and Alberta Venture where he was listed as one of Alberta's 50 most influential people in 2006.

• Click here to view our Recognition & Awards page

Naturally Independent Spirit, But Disciplined Approach To Success

A reflective, soft-spoken man, Dave attributes his lifelong success to great leadership principles, his enthusiasm for life long learning, and his dedication to strong values and steadfast ethics. His wealth of experience and expertise have made him a trusted industry partner and one of Canada's most compelling leaders. Werklund Family Office, along with affiliates Werklund Capital Corporation and Werklund Foundation are the fulfilling culmination of his well-honed personal philosophy.

In His Spare Time...

Outside of his exhilarating work life, Dave, along with his partner Susan, delights in time spent with grandchildren, and entertaining family and friends at their summer retreat at Shuswap Lake in British Columbia, Canada.

He and Susan also take great pleasure in their world travels.