2017 Update
Bill Hartman (PT '66), founder and CEO of Shaman Energy Corp.
"I like to do charitable things using my ideas. At SAIT in '96 or so, I was helping out with the alumni group and we brought in an insurance plan that has great rates and also pays the organization a royalty. I'm also a member of the Rotary Club of Cochrane. We expanded the old Bow Rivers Edge Campground, raising $2 million for it. We've paid off all the loans and are ready to expand another campground in the area.
In '97, I went into the deep basin in the foothills near Edson. I bought five sections and then eight sections from Apache. We got a Viking test that almost started a forest fire because it came on so strong ... Last year, I turned 72 and I was thinking I should get out of this before I get too old. We split the land into three areas and hit on all three with different companies. The last one closed in February, so now I own Shaman Energy Corp. with no oil or gas assets in it.
My favourite book is 'The Harvey Mackay Rolodex Network Builder.' Rule No. 1 was 'Never say no for the other guy.' I kept that as my philosophy. Great things have happened to me because I asked. Like I asked those first investors if they wanted to do something with me, even though I didn't have a business plan. I think younger people should take that to heart."
After graduating from SAIT in 1966, Bill Hartman wed his girlfriend, Sandi, and worked for a year before applying to the University of Wyoming for Petroleum Engineering. After earning his degree, he worked in the U.S. for a few years before returning to Canada as a consultant in the oil and gas industry. He is the co-founder, owner and CEO of Shaman Energy Corporation. Bill and Sandi enjoy spending time with their children and granddaughter in their homes in Cochrane, in the town of Carefree outside of Phoenix and on Shuswap Lake.