A Career Built in the Field

Tom Morgan’s career was earned in the field, one handshake, one decision, and one project at a time. What sets him apart is his steady commitment to the work and the people who count on him. He leads by showing up, asking questions, and following through—day after day.

“You’re not just signing a piece of paper,” Tom says. “You’re negotiating with someone over land that represents generations of family history, commitment, and sacrifice. It’s not just about the land—it’s about someone’s story, their future, and their identity. Those conversations are hard. You’re stepping into something deeply personal, and that means showing up with care and respect.  

For Tom, communication isn’t transactional, it’s relational. Whether he’s supporting a teammate or navigating a tough negotiation, his intent is the same: to build something that lasts. “People remember how you made them feel—whether they’re stakeholders, clients, or teammates,” he says. “And I want everyone I interact with to know they’re valued and never going it alone.”

As Vice President of Transmission, Renewables, and Special Projects in the U.S., Tom has led teams through complex negotiations, cross-border projects, and emerging sectors like geothermal. His approach isn’t defined by technical expertise, but by trust, reliability, and a deep respect for the work his stakeholders, teams, and clients do.

From Feed Mill to Fieldwork: A Career Built on Grit and Perspective

Tom began his post-secondary education in petroleum engineering—attending night school while working full-time at a feed mill and picking up shifts at high-rise construction sites. All while chasing dreams of a rodeo lifestyle and roping in Arizona during the cold Canadian winters.

“I wasn’t near good enough at rodeo to make a living at it,” he laughs. “So, I had to work two jobs.”

It didn’t take long for Tom to realize engineering wasn’t the right fit, and after seven years of hauling feed, buying grain and talking to farmers in minus 40° weather, he enrolled in the land agent program at Olds College—right in his hometown. That decision launched a career that’s now spanned nearly two decades across Canada and into the U.S., with a focus on electric transmission and renewables.

What carried Tom through wasn’t a perfect plan; it was his willingness to keep showing up and putting in the effort.

“I’ve always believed in doing the work,” he says. “Whether it was bagging feed, negotiating with landowners, or building teams—none of it happens without effort.”

Tom’s mindset was forged long before he ever stepped into leadership. So, when LandSolutions needed someone to lead the next phase of its U.S. operations, they asked Tom to take it on.

In a full circle moment, Arizona, once a place he escaped to for rodeo, became the launchpad for a new chapter. “Arizona checked all the boxes,” he says. “It is an accessible hub to reach other parts of the U.S., with a strong energy market, and I already knew people here, so I could hit the ground running.”

The move marked a turning point—not just in geography, but in purpose. Continuing to build LandSolutions’ U.S. presence meant expanding on the foundation already in place—strengthening relationships, deepening client trust, and growing the team’s reach across new projects and regions. For Tom, it was about maintaining the company’s momentum and positioning it for long-term growth.

“It’s been about helping LandSolutions grow the right way,” he says. “Strong relationships and reliable delivery are what built our reputation in Canada, and that same foundation continues to drive our success in the U.S.”

From Project Manager to People Leader

Tom’s role has evolved from managing projects to overseeing the people and systems that keep them moving. That shift—from direct execution to operational leadership—has pushed him to think differently about how work gets done and how teams stay aligned.

While Tom remains deeply operational by nature, he’s worked to translate that strength into leadership—focusing on structure, consistency, and accountability.  

“It’s not about being hands-off,” he says. “It’s about setting clear expectations, removing obstacles, and trusting people to deliver.”

Before moving to the U.S., one of the leaders who influenced Tom’s early development at LandSolutions was Jason Gouw, who helped him understand how commitment to relationships strengthens results.

“Jason set a standard I’ve never forgotten,” Tom says. “It wasn’t just about loyalty—it was about showing up for your team in a way that makes them want to show up for you. When people know you’ve got their back, they’ll go the extra mile.”

Building Teams That Feel Supported

That standard shows up in how Tom leads today. He builds trust by staying close, listening well, and making sure people feel their work matters—not just in what gets done, but in how it moves the whole team forward.

“We’re all rowing in the same direction,” he says. “I work to build that sense of purpose and connection that drives great work.”

He’s also intentional about communication, taking the time to understand how each person prefers to receive feedback and adjusting his approach to meet them where they are.

“Some people prefer direct communication, while others need time to process. You’ve got to understand your team and communicate in ways that resonate.”

A Career That Changed Everything

Tom’s adaptability and dedication to his work have shaped not only his career, but his life.

“If I hadn’t taken this job, I wouldn’t have met my fiancée,” he shares. “This work has taken me places I never expected—professionally and personally.”

Through years of travel, negotiation, and collaboration, Tom has built not only a career but a community.

“I’ve made lifelong friends through this work—people I trust, respect, and genuinely enjoy working with.”

From feed mills to fieldwork and now into leadership, Tom’s journey reflects how embracing change—professionally and personally—can lead to unexpected and meaningful outcomes.

“I’ve learned that when you lean into change, good things happen,” he says. “You grow, you connect, and sometimes, you find exactly what you didn’t know you were looking for.”

Three Lessons for Land Leaders

Tom’s journey offers practical insights for anyone leading in land, energy, or infrastructure:

1. Lead with clarity and respect. Listening and understanding are the cornerstones of any successful negotiation.

2. Support your team. No task is beneath anyone. Show up, jump in, and lead by example.

3. Embrace change. The most meaningful growth—personally and professionally—comes from stepping into the unknown.

Tom Morgan’s story is a reminder that leadership in land isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about showing up with respect, operating with integrity, and growing alongside the people you work with. That mindset doesn’t just define good leadership—it defines how the land industry elevates.