Chad Brennand, Bachelor of Commerce University Transfer ’97, has over 25 years of experience in Edmonton’s commercial real estate market. As managing director, Alberta with Canderel, he knows what development the city needs. And as an alum and MacEwan Means Business campaign cabinet member, he has a unique perspective on what the new School of Business building will provide for both students and community.

Here, Brennand shares some of his thoughts on the changes shaping MacEwan’s future.

What does the new building mean to you, and how do you see it impacting current and future students as well as the downtown community?

It has been a real pleasure watching MacEwan grow in stature and physical presence since I was a student at Grant MacEwan Community College. The new building will be a welcome addition to the 109 Street corridor and the neighbourhood to the north. The expansion will have a spillover effect into the surrounding community, boosting retail and service-based business, and an increasing demand for housing will strengthen the downtown population.

Knowing the students of today, and those of tomorrow, will have access to such a modern, state-of-the-art facility is exciting. I believe they will have superior academic success and rewarding employment opportunities here in the city.

What motivated you to get involved as a cabinet member, and what excites you most about this project?

Getting to work alongside and learn from some of Edmonton's most prominent business leaders is a privilege. Everyone has a specific skill set and different relationships, which creates a collaborative team with exceptional reach to achieve our campaign goals. Being able to leverage my expertise and contacts has added value, but being able to contribute and give back to MacEwan was a major motivator for me. I’ve enjoyed watching the level of interest we have received from students, individuals, family offices and corporate supporters. The philanthropic mindset and generosity demonstrated has been overwhelming and is a testament to the importance of the vision of this campaign.

As a business grad, what are some of your favorite MacEwan memories, and how did your education shape your career?

I often reflect on my career and what it took to get to where I am. While hard work, dedication and luck surely played a role, I think it was my decision to pursue post-secondary at MacEwan that was the first step in the journey. I didn’t think the U of A was the right fit for me at the time. I needed a more supportive environment to allow me to build confidence. It allowed me to explore my interests and really focus on my education in a supportive environment.

Some of my closest friends and business colleagues are people I met on campus. Daily interactions with classmates allowed for real and meaningful relationships to develop – personally and educationally. I also recall how approachable the professors were and their willingness to meet with me outside of lectures to work through a problem or address any questions I had. I still cherish that today.

What do you see as the biggest opportunities the new School of Business building will create for students, faculty and industry connections?

The new building will exemplify MacEwan’s status as a highly competitive and well-recognized university in Canada. This facility and its student base will be a bridge to the local business community. I see real opportunities for collaboration and mentorship with some of our best employers. Academics and real-world practice are mutually beneficial. 

How did your experience at MacEwan shape your leadership style or approach to business?

Leadership style is different for everyone – however, my focus has been on the principles of trust, collaboration, hard work and selflessness, all of which are critical to success in business. These traits are developed over time through trial and error, mentorship and interactions with direct reports. Such principles were instilled in me very early and I have to think that my experience at MacEwan had a role in that.

What excites you most about the future of MacEwan’s contribution to our city and its business community?

I am pleased with the impact MacEwan is making to the local economy, but am most excited about the opportunities this new building will create for students. The quality of graduates from the new School of Business building will help with employment and growth of our city. The sky's the limit, and I can’t wait to see the transformation over the next few decades!