Steve Fagan (Strathcona) - Building 4 Companies in 40 Years: Sequoia to Strathcona

Steve Fagan, former CEO and current Vice Chairman of Strathcona Resources, details his four-decade career in the energy sector, tracing his journey from humble beginnings in Newfoundland to building and selling multiple successful junior oil and gas companies. He highlights the strategic importance of maintaining significant personal equity and prioritizing high-quality asset bases over aggressive, debt-fueled growth. Fagan recounts the challenges of navigating industry downturns, including the 2016 receivership of Mosaic Energy, which he successfully resolved by leveraging his deep understanding of the Montney formation. Beyond his corporate achievements, Fagan discusses his transition into professional photography and his philanthropic work in Nepal’s Tsum Valley, where he established an education fund to support local schools. His experience underscores the value of persistence, operational discipline, and long-term strategic vision in both business and personal endeavors.