The Alumnac
Bright Mind, Big Business Dave Bulloch’s professional success is built on strong networks of support.
“When you look at your own group of friends and colleagues, you start to realize how influential those connections can be.”
Business runs in Dave Bulloch’s (BMgt ’00) blood. His father and grandfather were both successful businessmen – the former having built a thriving construction company after immigrating to Canada with mere pennies to his name, the latter the owner of a successful Edmonton insurance brokerage. Bulloch knew from an early age that he wanted to follow in their footsteps, but didn’t have any idea just how big his own strides in the business world would be. As vice-president of corporate development at Strategic Group, a Calgary-based commercial real estate and corporate finance 16
U of L journal
company, Bulloch oversees a portfolio of investments in small to mid-sized businesses, ensuring each turns a healthy profit. Since 2004, when Bulloch joined the company, the portfolio has earned Strategic Group more than $20 million in annual revenue. Bulloch credits his professional success to following his passion and surrounding himself with people who inspire him. “I love business. Meeting people, learning about what they’re doing and helping them out if they’re onto something exciting, that’s great fun for me,” Bulloch says. “Career success is just like achieving any other success in life – if you love
what you’re doing, it’s easy to dedicate yourself to it. You get out what you put in.” Today, Strategic Group is 185 employees strong and growing at a pace that keeps Bulloch very busy. Twelve-hour workdays are not uncommon. That’s OK by Bulloch, though – he’s always been one to keep a full plate. Bullock served as executive for the U of L Alumni Association – Calgary Chapter as vice-president during both the 2003/04 and 2004/05 terms. In 2003, Bulloch also cofounded an organization called Bright Minds in Business (BMIBS) – a networking group for young entrepreneurs and professionals
in Calgary. BMIBS is currently undergoing restructuring, but in 2007, more than 250 members met bi-monthly and at annual fundraisers. Bulloch serves as financial manager and believes strongly in the importance of building relationships with peers. “When you look at your own group of friends and colleagues, you start to realize how influential those connections can be,” Bulloch says. In September, Bulloch was included on Calgary Inc. magazine’s prestigious Top 40 Under 40 list – an annual compilation of the most significant movers and shakers on the Calgary business scene.