Fertilizer Industry Expert Shilo Sazwan Shares Career Insights in New Interview
Shilo Sazwan, a titan in the fertilizer industry with over 30 years of experience, has shaped the landscape of agricultural production through his strategic vision and innovative approach. As the newly appointed Strategic Operations Partner at Sage Potash, Sazwan brings a wealth of expertise from his tenure as Chief Operating Officer at Tiger Calcium, where he spearheaded the development of cutting-edge technologies and efficient plant infrastructures.
His family legacy, rooted in pioneering the sulfur fertilizer industry in North America, and his unwavering commitment to community support highlight his profound impact on both industry and society.
Sazwan's journey began in Calgary, Alberta, where he grew up immersed in his family's businesses, which included fertilizer, calcium, and transportation. His grandfather pioneered the sulfur fertilizer industry, a legacy profoundly influencing Sazwan's career path.
"Growing up in the family business, I always knew I wanted to be a part of it," he recalled. "As a young child, I preferred sitting with the adults, listening to their conversations about the business, over playing with my cousins or sisters. I was fascinated by everything I heard and was encouraged to be involved from an early age."
His early exposure to the business laid a strong foundation for his future endeavors. As a young professional, Sazwan envisioned more efficient plant layouts and was determined to implement cost-effective, cutting-edge technologies.
This vision drove his career forward, leading to significant achievements during his tenure as Chief Operating Officer at Tiger Calcium. He oversaw 500 employees and developed multiple fertilizer and calcium plants with custom in-house technologies. He also established a logistics division that included over a hundred railcars and trucking fleets, achieving 200% plant growth and significantly increasing the company's market value.
Shilo Sazwan Lands A New Role In June 2024
Sazwan's strategic expertise was recently recognized by Sage Potash, a company dedicated to advancing the US domestic potash supply. In June 2024, Sage Potash appointed him as their Strategic Operations Partner. Peter Hogendoorn, CEO of Sage Potash Corp, praised Sazwan's operational expertise, stating, "Shilo's strategic, operational expertise is crucial in guiding the building of cost-effective infrastructure required for rapid production and will position Sage Potash as a premier supplier in the American market and beyond."
Beyond his professional success, Sazwan is deeply committed to community support. Under his leadership, Tiger became the most significant contributor to the region's food bank. His dedication to aiding communities and first responders affected by wildfires is further demonstrated through his recent establishment of the Sazwan Foundation, which supports existing charities assisting those in need.
Reflecting on his career, Sazwan shared, "Building more effective and efficient plants starts with a vision. I quickly see how I must create or rebuild plants to operate more efficiently and maximize output." His story is of dedication, innovation, and a profound commitment to industry excellence and community welfare. In a recent interview, he shared more about his life and career journey, inspiring countless others along the way.
An Interview with Business Executive Shilo Sazwan
Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in your chosen field?
Growing up in the family business, I always knew that I wanted to be a part of it. As a young child, I used to sit in the family room, listening to my parents and grandparents talking about their fertilizer and calcium business. I was fascinated by everything I heard. I preferred sitting with the adults and listening to their conversations over playing with my cousins or sisters. I would sit there for hours, and my family always encouraged my involvement in the business from an early age.
Can you share a defining moment that shaped your career?
In the early days of my career, I remember walking through one of our plants. I just stopped in the middle and looked around at how all the machinery was laid out and functioning for about an hour. I remember observing the flow of piping and the way pumps and valves were situated. Listening to every noise from the machinery, I had a clear vision of how I could implement a more efficient plant layout that would generate more product at a much lower cost. From that point forward, building more effective and efficient plants started with a vision, and I quickly saw how I needed to create or rebuild plants to operate more efficiently and maximize output.
How would you describe your personal and professional values?
I believe in respect, honesty, passion, and innovation.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to fail.
What personal or professional achievements are you most proud of?
Being awarded the Medal of Honor for helping the community of Slave Lake Alberta during the devastating wildfires, and building plants that can produce the highest quality products at the lowest costs.
How do you manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance to ensure overall well-being?
For me, taking those moments with family makes me appreciate life and the hard work I put in.
How do you define success?
Being able to take care of my family and ensuring that everyone is healthy and happy.
Who is the one entrepreneur or business leader that you consider to be your greatest example and inspiration? Why?
My father. He has been my mentor, and I have seen how well-respected he was by families that worked for us for over three generations.
Are there any charitable organizations or community service-oriented activities that you are involved in?
I support many charities and non-profits that assist communities devastated by wildfires and local firefighters. I have just started my own foundation, the Sazwan Foundation, which aims to support organizations assisting communities suffering from wildfire relief, as well as firefighters who are on the front lines, risking their lives to fight the fires.
Please tell us an inspirational, uplifting story about a time you helped change someone’s life, or someone helped change your life and made a difference.
When a devastating wildfire tore through the town of Slave Lake, everyone had been evacuated, and I was one of the few people who stayed to coordinate the response to save the town and people’s homes. I remember standing in one neighborhood, literally the only one there, watching one house after another catch fire, feeling utterly helpless. There was no water or power, and I just felt so hopeless. It was at that moment I told myself I would do everything I could to make sure everyone had a place to call home. I worked nonstop for 120 hours to coordinate every aspect of the firefight and recovery efforts, supporting all the first responders who showed up to fight the fires. I was awarded the Medal of Honor for my role.
A Legacy of Innovation and Commitment
Shilo Sazwan's journey from his family's business to becoming a leader in the fertilizer industry is marked by a relentless pursuit of efficiency and a deep commitment to community support. His innovative vision and strategic expertise have revolutionized plant operations and ensured the well-being of countless individuals affected by wildfires. As he continues to lead Sage Potash and support charitable causes through the Sazwan Foundation, Sazwan's legacy of innovation and dedication stands as an inspiring example for future generations.
