Chad Leier's first job was packing and delivering groceries at the local co-op grocery story in his hometown of Unity. He also worked later as a summer labourer at the Sifto salt plant. Today, he is the youngest class of rising star in the oil business. At 33, Leier is a member of Calfrac's sales and marketing team as well as their top guy, the manager of a $1 billion division of a company that sells its services into some of the most exciting basins around the world.
Chad's photo and profile were included in the May issue of Canada's oil and gas magazine called Oilweek. Chad, along with two women executives, takes centre stage as the three top rising stars of the business.
"If there is a downside", the magazine quotes, "it's when Calfrac goes calling on customers as Chad is often the youngest person in the meeting room." Chad states, "It can be a challenge overcoming the perception of my age in this role. But I really enjoy the challenges I face on a daily basis, so I take every opportunity to learn from our customers and the people I work with."
Chad got his bachelor of science in geological engineering at the University of Saskatchewan in 2000. He also graduated from the program for leadership development at Harvard Business School in 2011.
Chad was assistant coach of the University of Calgary women's volleyball team from 2000-2009, the Calgary Dinos. He has since established an endowment at the University of Calgary, with his wife Reid, to financially help student volleyball athletes with their academic fee requirements. Chad is also a supporter of the Alberta Children's Hospital and STARS. He does state in the magazine that if he wasn't at his current career he would be coaching this university team.
Oilweek states that, without a hint of arrogance or apology, you can't hold youth against this bright, personable and ambitious man who stands six foot two and does his best to understand what customers really need. Chad's education in engineering helped him work his way up through the ranks in diverse roles - field work in Medicine Hat, engineering, sales and he's even seen a year of service in Siberia during his time with another company.
Chad states that the best advice he received was, "Become a fan of lifelong learning. Treat every person you meet and every activity as an opportunity to learn, and continue to grow as a person and as a professional."
Chad's parents are Bran and Colleen Leier, and he has a brother, Chris Leier. Chad graduated from UCHS with honors in 1996. Chad excelled and developed his love of volleyball, basketball, baseball and hockey from his involvement in these programs while in high school. In fact, Chad played men's baseball along with Rick Wagner and Troy Winterhalt for the Wilkie Brewers for three seasons when they captured provincial titles. Chad was also one of the founding members of the revived Unity Cardinals baseball team in the late 1990s. Chad and his wife, Reid, are presently coaching an elite 16 and under volleyball girls' team.
Besides the excitement of the prestigious acknowledgement as a rising star in Oilweek magazine, Chad and his wife welcomed a bouncing baby girl April 26.
