Jason Burroughs was born in Stephenville, Newfoundland, and is a member of the Newfoundland Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band. Due to a serious knee injury, Jason had to put his goal to become an aspiring professional baseball player on the sidelines. For the past 23 years, after living in various countries including Mexico and the USA, Jason now calls Calgary home. A natural visionary, entrepreneur, and leader in bringing exclusive oil and gas safety products to Canada. In 2006, Jason founded Canada’s first blast-resistant modular structures company, Paramount Structures Inc. (PSI). PSI’s blast-resistant products protect workers in refineries and gas plants, who are working in dangerous blast zones. However, his greatest claim to fame is being a proud father of two beautiful and talented daughters.
We asked Jason:
The OGM: What does sustainability mean to you?
Jason: Sustainability, to me, is the ability to maintain “balanced systems” that will be available for generations to come.
The OGM: Have you had a mentor?
Jason: Yes, I’m extremely fortunate to have met Jan Eden almost two years ago at a conference she was speaking at in Calgary. She’s been a blessing in my life and a phenomenal positive influence.
The OGM: What does success mean to you?
Jason:It’s reaching a goal or milestone, combined with the balance of health to enjoy life’s rewards.
The OGM: If you were to describe your career in three words, what would they be?
Jason: Conceive. Believe. Achieve.
The OGM: What advice would you give to someone looking for a career in the Energy Industry?
Jason: The opportunities are all around us. Understand your strengths and your weaknesses, and position yourself around great people.
The OGM: Describe a milestone in your career?
Jason: Finishing the building of my first engineered blast-resistant structure prototype in 2008.
The OGM: Describe a challenge you faced in your career?
Jason:Working a start-up through Canada’s recession years was difficult.
The OGM: What impact does technology have on your career?
Jason:Technology has an immense impact on my career. I’m constantly searching for new ideas/technology to help drive my business.
The OGM: What do the next five years look like in your career?
Jason:I’ll be growing my current company and, perhaps, another business in the next few years.
The OGM: Were you always interested in a career in Energy?
Jason:No, but having so many friends in the industry in Alberta influenced my direction.
The OGM: What interests you to sustain a career in the Energy Industry?
Jason:I believe there are a number of opportunities to help Alberta’s workforce in regards to safety and innovation.
The OGM: What does Energy mean to you?
Jason:Energy is everything and anything in our lives. We depend on it daily to exist.
The OGM: What’s your take on Social Media and our ever changing digital world?
Jason: I see a quantum shift in the ability to harness collective energies.
The OGM: What Social Medium do you use on a daily basis?
Jason:The Internet.
The OGM: Do you use Social Media for work?
Jason:Yes, “LinkedIn” is a great source to connect to other professionals.
The OGM: What do you think of Social Recruiting?
Jason: I see it as a convenience tool to access a wide range of talent.
The OGM: Why do you love what you do?
Jason: The people I’m around daily are extraordinary. It’s exciting to be a part of such a driven team!
