More than people think, sport and business have in common. They must be good at preparing for rewards, working together in a team, and keeping cool when things are not going their way. There are few stories that demonstrate this more than the one of the hockey goaltender who became a builder of an environmental services business. This article examines the lessons that companies can learn from that journey to sustainability.
A Goaltender Before a Founder
Before building a waste and recycling company, entrepreneur Patrick Dovigi was a goaltender who played in the Ontario Hockey League with the Erie Otters and was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in 1997. Goalkeeping is a job of concentration and perseverance. You are under pressure at all times; you can't hide your mistakes and have to reset rapidly after each shot. The habits continue off the ice. They frequently turn into the cornerstone of a business mentality.
From the Crease to the Boardroom
Following hockey, Dovigi became a businessperson and established GFL (Green For Life Environmental) in 2007. The objective was to be a single-source company for environmental solutions, thus allowing the customer to deal with various waste management issues in a single transaction. Later, in 2020, the company was listed on the stock exchange, and thus had more funds to expand its operations. From sport to industry demonstrates that skills developed in competition can be transferred to a very different field.
Discipline Builds Sustainable Operations
Being green isn't always a one-stop decision. It is concerned with regular processes, like properly sorting waste, monitoring materials, and maintaining equipment. This is an understanding that athletes live with all too often and not by heroic efforts on a rare occasion. Businesses with a culture that embeds sustainability in their daily operations, have clear processes, and have measurable targets will likely perform better than those who run a campaign and then move on.
Teamwork Creates a Culture That Lasts
A goalie doesn't make it happen by himself. Everyone from defenders to coaches and teammates has a role to play. Business is similar. Dovigi has talked about the importance of fostering a good team and an entrepreneurial attitude throughout the company. This is very important for any company wishing to become more “green.” Engaging all departments – from drivers and technicians to office staff and managers – is key to achieving sustainability goals.
Safety and Sustainability Go Together
Operational excellence, sustainability, and safety are the company's values. These three ideas support each other. A safe workplace is one that is free of accidents and spills, and one that takes the precautions necessary to keep workers and the environment safe and protect the safety of materials. Similarly, in sport, safety is connected to performance as well – as athletes are better protected, they are able to play longer and better. Any business can take this strategy and apply it to their own industry by ensuring safety and environmental concern are on the same page.
Thinking Long Term
The season is long, and championships are seldom won in one match. Green business is also a long game of time. Recycling infrastructure, effective machinery, and waste management could be costly and take time to recoup. Leaders who think in terms of seasons rather than games will be more likely to make changes that last. When results take a long time, patience is essential if the business is to stay on track, and it's important to have clear goals in mind.
Giving Back to the Community
Sport can help players realize the importance of their communities. Dovigi gave $5 million to assist in the development of a sports medicine clinic in 2019 and has also donated to hospital and charity causes. Engaging the community helps build a company's reputation and demonstrates that it is more than just about the bottom line. If your company is involved in sustainability, helping local projects can help foster trust with clients and neighbours.
Conclusion
The path of a goaltender to a green business entrepreneur exemplifies some of the lessons from sport that can inform a more successful business. Operations are built through discipline, teamwork, safety, patience, and community spirit. The basics of waste reduction and environmental protection are the same for any business aiming to do the same. Do them daily, and sustainability becomes a part of how the team plays.
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