On the corner of Paul’s desk sits a leather-bound notebook—pages filled with sketches, route maps, and notes from years spent walking tracts and meeting landowners. It’s more than a record of projects; it’s a reminder of the impact of listening, observing, and understanding the land and the people connected to it.

“I didn’t join LandSolutions knowing land,” Paul admits. “What I did know was how to listen. Conversations with landowners taught me to adapt, to understand their concerns, and to earn their trust.”

That perspective has guided Paul through projects across Eastern Canada, where diverse terrain and regulatory requirements demand patience and persistence. Yet Paul’s path into land wasn’t typical. He studied photography, then spent years in Alberta producing communications tools for a large-diameter midstream operator and other major energy players. “I knew the pipeline business inside and out,” he says. “I’d photographed refineries, gas plants, and transmission lines.”

After over two decades in communications, Paul started thinking about a change. The pivot came during a conversation about TransCanada’s Energy East project, when he learned there weren’t enough land agents to handle the work. “I asked, ‘How do I get involved?’” he recalls. That interest opened the door: “They said, ‘We’re hiring at LandSolutions. Here’s Chad Hughes’ number.’ So, I called Chad and said, ‘I’m interested.’ He told me, ‘You know pipelines, but not land.’ My answer? ‘Then I’ll learn.’”

“Marketing taught me how to communicate clearly and understand what matters to people,” he says. “In land work, the stakes are different, but the principle is the same: it’s about trust.”

That call launched Paul into land and right of way work with LandSolutions, supporting major pipeline projects. Later, his expertise expanded beyond pipelines into power transmission—including work as a real estate representative for Hydro One. That role carried deep personal meaning: his grandfather had worked for what is now Hydro One, a connection that came full circle when Paul received his business card. “I literally wanted to give it to him,” Paul says. “He was so proud of where he worked, and I feel the same way.”

Where Values Drive Performance

Paul’s history with LandSolutions spans more than a decade. After working on the Trans Canada Energy East project in 2013, he took a five-year hiatus before returning in 2019. “When I came back, we had six people in Vaughan. Now we have 26,” he says. “That growth didn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of winning projects, and a culture built to deliver.”

For Paul, integrity is non-negotiable. “My colleague at the time, Steve Niddery, told me 12 years ago the most important tool in your toolbox is integrity,” he says. “I follow that principle in everything I do. Whether I’m in the field with a landowner or working with a client. Skills matter, but values matter more.”

Culture, to Paul, is lived through action. “Respect every role. Own your part. Trust each other,” he explains. “There’s no entitlement here—you’re only as good as your last job. That mindset keeps us sharp and ensures we deliver.”

And delivering isn’t just about deadlines. “You have to buy in,” Paul says. “Work hard, go the extra mile, and think like the client. When I’m out there, I wear their hat to show I’m working as hard and smart as I can. That’s culture—accountability, adaptability, and making sure the client is successful.”

Patience and Persistence: The Twin Engines of Progress

Paul knows progress doesn’t happen overnight—a lesson reinforced by one memorable landowner. Known for resisting every step, he ignored calls, missed meetings, and argued constantly. Paul stayed patient, kept his word, and respected the process. Months later, the tone shifted. “One day, he said, ‘I’m not going to fight with you anymore—you’ve always treated me fairly.’ After that point, we never had an issue again,” Paul says. “You can’t force momentum. You earn it by showing up, doing what you say you’ll do, and respecting the process.”

From Complexity to Clarity: Communicating What Truly Resonates

The land and right of way industry is full of moving parts—regulatory nuance, stakeholder demands, and tight timelines. Paul believes clarity is the antidote to this.

“Alignment beats speed every time,” he says. “If people don’t understand the ‘why,’ execution falls apart. My marketing background reinforced that—messaging matters.”

Always Learning: Staying Curious, Staying Ahead

Paul’s philosophy: never get comfortable. “The moment you think you’ve mastered this business, you’re falling behind,” he says. “Regulations change. Technology evolves. You have to keep pushing yourself.”

Paul’s commitment to continuous learning led him to the International Right of Way Association (IRWA), where he didn’t just take courses—he became a leader. Twice serving as President of IRWA Chapter 29 in Toronto, Paul leveraged the organization to deepen his expertise and expand his network. “You can’t go to Sheridan College or a university to learn this industry,” he explains. “IRWA gives you access to professionals who’ve done the work and share real-world experience.” That hands-on education helped him earn his SR/WA designation and the confidence to pivot into land negotiations after decades in oil and gas communications.

Paul’s Lessons

• Start with clarity. Alignment beats speed every time.

• Trust the process. Patience and persistence build credibility.

• Culture wins. Values are your strongest differentiator.

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