Fortunes have been made in Winnipeg through various industries such as agriculture, transportation, manufacturing, real estate, finance, and retail. Many successful business owners and entrepreneurs have started small and grown their companies into large, successful enterprises through hard work, innovation, and strategic decision-making.
Additionally, some fortunes have been made through investments in real estate, stocks, and other financial instruments. Winnipeg’s central location, strong workforce, and business-friendly environment have also contributed to the success of many businesses in the city. Based on the latest available information from reputable sources, such as Forbes, there are no billionaires from Winnipeg or Manitoba.
That being said, I can provide a list of some notable and successful business figures and entrepreneurs based in Winnipeg.
Hartley Richardson, Chairman of James Richardson & Sons
Hartley Richardson is a prominent Canadian businessman and philanthropist based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was born on September 10, 1957, and is the son of James Armstrong Richardson Sr., the former head of James Richardson & Sons, a family-owned conglomerate with interests in agriculture, energy, and financial services.
After graduating from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, Hartley Richardson joined the family business in 1980. He worked in various roles within the company before becoming the President and CEO in 1997. In 2013, he was appointed Chairman of the company, succeeding his late brother James Richardson II.
Under Hartley Richardson’s leadership, James Richardson & Sons has expanded its operations and diversified its portfolio of investments. The company has interests in grain handling and marketing, oil and gas exploration and production, financial services, and real estate.
Aside from his business career, Hartley Richardson is also a prominent philanthropist and community leader in Winnipeg. He has served on the boards of various organizations, including the Winnipeg Art Gallery, the Canadian Council of Chief Executives, and the Canadian Museum of History. He has also been a supporter of numerous charitable causes, including health care, education, and the arts.
In recognition of his contributions to business and philanthropy, Hartley Richardson has received numerous honors and awards, including the Order of Manitoba and the Order of Canada.
Bob Silver, Founder and CEO of Western Glove Works
Bob Silver is a Canadian businessman and entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of Western Glove Works, a clothing manufacturer based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Silver was born in Winnipeg in 1945 and grew up in the city’s North End.
In 1972, Silver founded Western Glove Works with his brother, Jack Silver. The company initially specialized in manufacturing men’s workwear and denim jeans, but later expanded into women’s fashion with the creation of the Silver Jeans Co. brand.
Under Silver’s leadership, Western Glove Works has grown into a successful company with operations in Canada, the United States, and Europe. The company’s brands, including Silver Jeans Co., Jag Jeans, and Mavi Jeans, are sold in over 30 countries worldwide.
Silver is also known for his philanthropy and community involvement. He has supported numerous charitable causes, including the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, the Canadian Cancer Society, and the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.
In recognition of his contributions to business and philanthropy, Silver has received several honors and awards, including an induction into the Canadian Retail Hall of Fame and the Order of Manitoba. He has also been named one of Canada’s Top 50 CEOs by the Financial Post magazine.
Mark Chipman, Chairman of True North Sports and Entertainment
Mark Chipman is a Canadian businessman and the chairman of True North Sports and Entertainment, a company that owns and operates several sports franchises, including the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League (AHL). He was born on July 31, 1961, in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
After graduating from the University of North Dakota with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, Chipman worked in various business roles, including as an investment banker and a consultant. In 2001, he joined his family’s business, the Lanesborough Hotel Group, as its CEO. The company, which operated luxury hotels in the United Kingdom, was sold in 2006.
In 2003, Chipman became involved in efforts to bring an NHL franchise back to Winnipeg, which had lost its previous team, the Jets, in 1996. He formed True North Sports and Entertainment, which was successful in acquiring the Atlanta Thrashers franchise in 2011 and relocating it to Winnipeg, where it was rebranded as the Jets.
Under Chipman’s leadership, True North Sports and Entertainment has expanded its operations beyond sports, with interests in real estate development and entertainment. The company owns and operates the Bell MTS Place arena, which hosts concerts, events, and other entertainment.
Chipman is also known for his philanthropy and community involvement. He has supported numerous charitable causes, including the True North Youth Foundation, which focuses on supporting children and youth in the community.
In recognition of his contributions to business and philanthropy, Chipman has received several honors and awards, including the Order of Manitoba and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Sandy Riley, CEO of Richardson GMP
Sandy Riley is a Canadian businessman and the CEO of Richardson GMP, a wealth management firm based in Toronto, Ontario. He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1956.
Riley began his career in the financial services industry in the late 1970s, working for several Canadian banks before joining James Richardson & Sons, a family-owned conglomerate based in Winnipeg. He later became the CEO of Richardson Greenshields, a brokerage firm owned by James Richardson & Sons.
In 2009, Riley was appointed CEO of Richardson GMP, which was formed through the merger of Richardson Greenshields and GMP Private Client. Under his leadership, the company has become one of the largest independent wealth management firms in Canada, with over $30 billion in assets under administration.
Riley is also known for his philanthropy and community involvement. He has supported numerous charitable causes, including health care, education, and the arts. He serves on the board of directors of several organizations, including the Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation, the Canadian Film Centre, and the Art Gallery of Ontario.
In recognition of his contributions to business and philanthropy, Riley has received several honors and awards, including the Order of Ontario and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
John Buhler, Founder of Buhler Industries
John Buhler is a Canadian businessman and entrepreneur who founded Buhler Industries, a leading manufacturer of agricultural equipment based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was born on September 27, 1927, in Altona, Manitoba.
Buhler grew up on a farm in Manitoba and later studied mechanical engineering at the University of Manitoba. In 1932, he founded Buhler Industries with his brother, Frank. The company initially produced grain augers and later expanded into other agricultural equipment, such as tractors and combines.
Under Buhler’s leadership, Buhler Industries grew to become a leading manufacturer of agricultural equipment in North America. The company’s products are sold under several brand names, including Versatile and Farm King.
Buhler is known for his philanthropy and community involvement. He has supported several charitable causes, including education, health care, and the arts. He served on the boards of several organizations, including the Manitoba Museum and the University of Manitoba.
In recognition of his contributions to business and philanthropy, Buhler received several honors and awards, including the Order of Manitoba and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Marcel A. Desautels, Founder of Manitoba Telecom Services
David Asper, Executive chairman of Canwest Global Communications
Again, it is worth noting that this list may not represent the ten richest individuals in Winnipeg, as there may be wealthy people who choose to keep a low profile and are not publicly known.
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