Paul Verhesen

Keynote Speaker | Edmonton, Alberta

CEO and Innovation
Leadership, Investment and Construction Industry Expert

Paul Verhesen's Expertise: Business Growth, Customer Service & Experience, Brand Strategy & Storytelling, Employee Management, Employee Retention, Employee Engagement, Business Management and Business Leadership.

Paul Verhesen

About Speaker Paul Verhesen

Paul Verhesen is a business leadership, innovation, employee engagement, and construction industry expert with more than three decades of executive experience leading organizational growth and operational excellence. As former President and Chief Executive Officer of Clark Builders, he guided one of Canada's Best Managed Companies and Top Employers through sustained growth, technical innovation, and a strategic partnership with Turner Construction. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Alberta and maintains his Professional Engineering designation. Paul Verhesen currently serves as Strategic Advisor, Private Equity at KV Capital, where he supports investment and growth strategies within the building products sector while serving on corporate, community, and industry boards.

CCA96th: CCInnovations ready to lead the charge

CCA96th: CCInnovations ready to lead the charge

2017 Eca Claude Alston Award Winner • Paul Verhesen

2017 Eca Claude Alston Award Winner • Paul Verhesen

Paul Verhesen Biography

Paul Verhesen is a business leadership, innovation, employee engagement, and construction industry expert with more than three decades of executive experience leading organizational growth, operational excellence, and strategic transformation. His career spans executive leadership, private equity advisory, governance, engineering, and community development across Canada. As former President and Chief Executive Officer of Clark Builders, Paul Verhesen led one of Western Canada’s most recognized construction organizations. During his tenure, the company maintained recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies and one of Canada’s Top Employers.

Paul Verhesen built a reputation for aligning people, strategy, and execution to achieve sustainable business growth. His leadership approach emphasized employee engagement, collaboration, accountability, and long-term organizational performance. A graduate of the University of Alberta, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with a focus on construction engineering and maintains his Professional Engineering designation. He has remained active in advancing industry standards, operational improvement, and innovation across the construction sector.

Throughout his leadership career, Paul Verhesen championed operational process improvement and the adoption of emerging technologies. His work included advancing Lean Construction practices, self-performed work strategies, and Building Information Modelling initiatives that improved project delivery and organizational efficiency. A significant milestone in his executive career was guiding the strategic partnership between Clark Builders and Turner Construction, supporting continued growth while maintaining operational leadership and employee ownership principles.

Paul Verhesen is widely recognized for expertise in business leadership, employee retention, organizational culture, customer experience, and business growth. His experience leading diverse teams has contributed to consistent organizational performance and workforce stability. His contributions to the construction industry extend beyond executive leadership, including service as Chair of the Alberta Construction Association, Chair of Canadian Construction Innovations, Chair of Go Productivity, and Director of the Canadian Construction Association.

In recognition of his industry leadership, Paul Verhesen received the Edmonton Construction Association Claude Alston Award, acknowledging significant contributions to the construction industry and broader community. Today, he serves as Strategic Advisor, Private Equity with KV Capital, where he supports investment strategies focused on building products and growth-oriented businesses. His advisory work includes acquisitions, expansion planning, and value creation within the construction and real estate supply chain.

Paul Verhesen also contributes through board governance and advisory roles across corporate, educational, healthcare, and economic development organizations. He serves on the NAIT Board of Governors, the University Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees, and Edmonton Global, supporting initiatives in education, healthcare advancement, and regional economic growth. His professional portfolio also includes participation in family investment ventures in real estate, private lending, and technology, as well as involvement with a Silicon Valley based venture partner organization.

His speaking and advisory work focuses on business leadership, organizational culture, employee engagement, innovation, operational excellence, change management, construction leadership, business growth, and strategic execution. His insights are grounded in executive leadership experience, governance roles, and decades of building and scaling high performing organizations across Canada.

Paul Verhesen Topic Presentations

Paul Verhesen From Edmonton, Alberta, Canada delivers keynote presentations, workshops, fireside chats, moderated Q&A, and other presentation formats on a wide variety of topics. Each presentation is unique, customized and tailored for audiences, industries, conferences and event formats.

Leadership and Innovation: How to Drive Your Team to Success

Creating a Successful Team

The Challenges of Canada's Construction Industry Today

Articles
Paul Verhesen
  • Paul Verhesen Appointed Board Chair for Edmonton's Do North Events

Paul Verhesen Speaking Testimonials

Coming Soon!

You May Also Like

Carrie Anton

Carrie Anton

Paralympic Gold Medalist | Diversity, Innovation & Accessibility Expert

Featured

Carrie Anton

Speaker Topics

  • Resilience & Adversity
  • Happiness & Positivity
  • Mindset & Attitude
  • Resilience & Change
  • Personal Growth
  • Mental Health
  • Stress Management
  • Work Life Balance
Carrie Anton is a gold medalist, needs consultant, trainer, and technician with 20 years of experience in the assistive technology and...
Mark Breslin

Mark Breslin

Canadian Comedy Icon, Entrepreneur And Author| Leadership, Workplace Culture & Communication Expert

Featured

Mark Breslin

Speaker Topics

  • Communication
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Humour in the Workplace
  • Influence & Negotiation
  • Business Leadership
  • Mindset & Goal Accomplishment
  • Personal Leadership
  • Purposeful Work
  • Public Relations & Media Training
Mark Breslin is a visionary in the Canadian comedy scene, significantly impacting the entertainment industry. Born in Toronto, Mark Breslin...
Tammy Buss

Tammy Buss

Family Business & Succession | Leadership, Governance & Legacy Expert

Tammy Buss

Speaker Topics

  • Mentoring & Succession Planning
  • Leadership Development
  • Organizational Change
  • Inter-Generational Workplace
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Collaboration
  • Women In Business
  • Workplace Culture
Tammy Buss is an educator, author, and podcast host specializing in family enterprise, succession planning, and generational transition....
Dr. Elizabeth Cannon

Dr. Elizabeth Cannon

Award Winning Engineer & Women in Business | Leadership and Digital Innovation Expert

Featured

Dr. Elizabeth Cannon

Speaker Topics

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Big Data & Analytics
  • Business & Corporate
  • Business Growth
  • Business Leadership
  • Business Management
  • Business Technology
  • Disruptive Innovation
  • Corporations & Businesses
Dr. Elizabeth Cannon is a renowned motivational speaker and respected leadership authority whose trailblazing expertise in Geomatics...
Rob Catalano

Rob Catalano

Leadership, HR & Employee Experience | Future of Work Strategy Expert

Rob Catalano

Speaker Topics

  • Workplace Culture
  • Future of Work
  • Employee Engagement
  • Organizational Change
  • HR & Corporate Culture
  • Leadership Development
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Leadership and Change
  • Employee Management
Rob Catalano is a speaker and advisor who works with HR executives on leadership, employee experience, and the future of work. In 2026, Rob...
Gina Cody

Gina Cody

Human-Centered AI, Innovation & Leadership Expert

Gina Cody

Speaker Topics

  • Leadership
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Human Connection
  • Health & Wellness
  • Belonging
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Racial Justice
  • Collaboration
  • Emotional Intelligence
Gina Cody immigrated to Canada during the Iranian revolution in 1979. She enrolled at Concordia University, earning a PhD in building...
Harish Consul

Harish Consul

CEO & Venture Capitalist | Future, Tech Trends, AI & Digital Innovation Expert

Harish Consul

Speaker Topics

  • Business Leadership
  • Business Growth
  • Global Business & Trade
  • Innovation & Creativity
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Leadership
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Emerging Technology & Tech Trends
  • Small Business Development
Harish Consul is a globally recognized innovation strategist, venture capital leader, and keynote speaker with more than three decades of...
Michael Crouse

Michael Crouse

Professional Baseball Player & Team Canada Athlete | Leadership, Performance & Sport Expert

Michael Crouse

Speaker Topics

  • Leadership
  • Leadership and Change
  • Leadership Development
  • Employee Engagement
  • Employee Management
  • Peak Performance
  • Personal Growth
  • Personal Leadership
  • Time Management & Productivity
Michael Crouse is a professional baseball player & proud member of Team Canada, known for his participation in major international...
Kristen Cumming

Kristen Cumming

Leadership, Change & Human Resources Consultant | Workplace Performance & Engagement Expert

Featured

Kristen Cumming

Speaker Topics

  • Innovation & Creativity
  • Business Leadership
  • Operational Process Improvement
  • Future of Work
  • HR & Corporate Culture
  • Disruptive Innovation
  • Generational Differences
  • Futurists & Foresight
  • Change Management
Kristen Cumming is a workforce engagement speaker, consultant, and facilitator with expertise in leadership, learning, engagement,...
Keita Demming

Keita Demming

Leadership | Transformation | Disruptive Innovation & Business Performance Expert

Featured

Keita Demming

Speaker Topics

  • Disruptive Innovation
  • Innovation & Creativity
  • Disruption Management
  • Transformation
  • Leadership and Change
  • Leadership
  • Future of Work
  • Business Leadership
  • Business Growth
Keita Demming is an award winning educator and coach with a PhD in Adult Education and Workplace Learning whose work focuses on innovation,...
Sanjay Dhebar

Sanjay Dhebar

Business Educator & Sales Strategist | Leadership, Strategy & Performance Growth Expert

Featured

Sanjay Dhebar

Speaker Topics

  • Brand Strategy & Storytelling
  • Sales
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Consumer Behaviour
  • Business Transitions
  • Personal Leadership
  • Innovation & Creativity
  • Corporations & Businesses
Sanjay Dhebar is a highly respected business educator, speaker, author, and performance strategist recognized for his leadership in sales,...
Kulbir Colin Singh Dhillon

Kulbir Colin Singh Dhillon

AI Futurist & Innovation Strategist | Digital Transformation, Leadership & Ethics Expert

Kulbir Colin Singh Dhillon

Speaker Topics

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Digital & Social Media Marketing
  • Business Leadership
  • Future Trends
  • Leadership
  • Business Growth
  • Personal Leadership
  • Peak Performance
  • Technology Ethics Expert
Kulbir Colin Singh Dhillon is an innovation strategist and applied futurist with a 25- year track record in manufacturing, engineering, and...

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Paul Verhesen known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Paul Verhesen is known for defined subject matter expertise based on professional experience and industry background. As a keynote speaker in Canada for conferences and conventions, their presentations align with organizational objectives and audience outcomes. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada are selected based on credibility, relevance, and practical application. Expertise alignment supports informed booking decisions. Read More

What topics does Paul Verhesen speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?

Paul Verhesen delivers keynote presentations on defined topic areas confirmed during booking. Canadian business speakers for corporate meetings in Canada align topic selection with event objectives and audience priorities. Conference speakers in Canada adapt messaging for conventions, trade shows, and summits. Topics are finalized prior to written confirmation. Read More

How do I know if Paul Verhesen is the right fit for my audience, conference, convention, or AGM?

Paul Verhesen is evaluated based on audience alignment, event objectives, and subject matter relevance. Event planners booking keynote speakers in Canada for corporate conferences review experience, delivery style, and industry context. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings must align with program goals and audience expectations. Fit is clarified during the pre decision call. Read More

Where is Paul Verhesen from and where do they speak across Canada?

Paul Verhesen is from Edmonton, Alberta and is available for events across Canada. Conference speakers in Canada frequently travel nationally with defined travel terms. Corporate keynote speakers coordinate scheduling through structured agreements. Availability is confirmed through formal inquiry. Read More

Is Paul Verhesen available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?

Paul Verhesen is available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, corporate webinars, and hybrid events in Canada. Virtual keynote speakers in Canada deliver structured presentations adapted for remote audiences. Format, platform coordination, and timing are confirmed during booking. Virtual availability is documented through written agreement in Canada. Read More

Does Paul Verhesen deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?

Paul Verhesen may deliver keynote presentations as well as workshops and breakout sessions. Canadian business speakers for corporate training in Canada define session length and format during booking. Conference speakers may also participate in fireside chats or panel discussions depending on program design. Session formats are confirmed in writing. Read More

How do I contact Paul Verhesen to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?

Paul Verhesen is contacted through Speakers Bureau of Canada to confirm availability and event details. Event planners and meeting planners typically schedule a pre decision call to clarify format, objectives, and scope. Booking begins once event requirements are defined. Written confirmation follows agreement execution. Read More

How do I book Paul Verhesen for a conference, convention, trade show, summit, or corporate meeting in Canada?

Paul Verhesen is booked through a structured agreement process confirming availability, fee structure, and logistics. Booking keynote speakers in Canada for conventions and trade shows includes written contracts and defined payment terms. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings require scope confirmation before date holds convert to confirmed status. Booking is finalized upon agreement execution. Read More

How much does it cost to book Paul Verhesen as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Paul Verhesen keynote speaker fees depend on event type, audience size, format, and location. The cost to book a keynote speaker in Canada varies based on preparation scope and delivery structure. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada confirm fees through a booking agent and written agreement. Final pricing reflects defined scope and contract terms. Read More

Are there additional costs to hire Paul Verhesen for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?

Additional costs to hire Paul Verhesen may include travel expenses, extended sessions, workshops, meet and greets, emcee duties, or event host roles. Keynote speakers in Canada for business conventions often separate honorarium from travel and related logistics. Canadian business speakers confirm these components in writing before agreement execution. All additional costs are outlined contractually. Read More

How far in advance should I book Paul Verhesen for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?

Paul Verhesen should be booked once event dates, location, and format are confirmed. Conference speakers in Canada often secure dates several months in advance. Corporate keynote speakers for annual general meetings may have limited availability during peak seasons. Early inquiry improves confirmation certainty. Read More

Is Paul Verhesen represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?

Paul Verhesen is represented by Speakers Bureau of Canada for booking coordination and agreement management. Keynote speakers in Canada often work through an agency to formalize contracts and payment handling. Agent representation ensures structured communication between organizers and the speaker. Representation clarifies agreement terms before confirmation. Read More