In the heart of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, a young Shilo Sazwan grew up surrounded by the hum of machinery and the constant buzz of logistics in his family’s company, Tiger Industries. Working in every part of the fertilizer, calcium, and transportation businesses, Sazwan developed a deep understanding of what it takes to run a successful business.
His family, well-known for leading the development of the sulfur fertilizer industry in North America, didn’t just focus on staying competitive. Instead, they pioneered cost-effective, cutting-edge technologies that made their products industry leaders.
That early experience not only taught Shilo Sazwan how to run a business, but instilled in him a philosophy of efficiency and innovation that would later become his guiding principles. This commitment to innovation and operational excellence would eventually define his leadership style, not only in business but also in his efforts to support communities in times of need.
From transforming Tiger into an industry leader to founding a charitable foundation for wildfire relief, Sazwan now leads Sage Potash, continuing to show how leadership built on results and responsibility leads to long-term success.
Expanding Tiger Industries with Custom Innovation
As the Chief Operating Officer at Tiger Calcium, Sazwan oversaw 500 employees and led initiatives to push boundaries by developing custom in-house technologies. These innovations optimized production and kept costs down, a reflection of his solutions-oriented approach.
Sazwan didn’t just manage from an office desk. He could often be found on the factory floor, listening to the sounds of the machines for hours, pointing out flaws and inefficiencies, and coming up with new ways to drive productivity.
His eye for detail helped Tiger achieve 200% growth in its plant capacity, all while maintaining high-quality standards. This helped position the company as an industry leader in fertilizer and calcium production.
Still, Sazwan’s contributions extended beyond the production line. He created a logistics division and oversaw a fleet of more than 100 railcars and trucks, ensuring the company’s operations ran well all the way to delivery. These behind-the-scenes innovations allowed the company to grow in value, ultimately leading to its sale for nine times its EBITDA.
Connecting with Employees and the Greater Community
Sazwan’s time at Tiger Industries wasn’t consumed by profits and expansion. He also made sure the company maintained deep connections with the community by looking for ways to give back.
Under his leadership, the company became the largest donor to the local food bank, helping numerous individuals in the community. Whether a person or a business, Sazwan believes that reputations aren’t built by achievements alone, but also by the positive impact made in other people’s lives.
At the same time, Sazwan created an environment where feedback was always welcomed and valued. He approached these conversations with patience, encouraging employees, customers, and people in the community to share their thoughts. Every suggestion or concern was seen as a learning opportunity and a chance to grow, regardless of who it came from.
Sazwan’s commitment to listening, rooted in consistency and openness, helped him build strong relationships with people both within and outside the company. This value, instilled during his early years in the family business, continues to guide him in his current role.
Leading with Excellence at Sage Potash
In June of 2024, Sazwan became Strategic Operations Partner of Sage Potash, a company with a sole interest in growing the U.S. supply of potash, a key ingredient in fertilizers used in agriculture. He brings more than 30 years of mining industry experience to the company, using an approach that combines strategy with hands-on problem-solving.
Before his transition, he held executive roles at Canadian agricultural companies like Pacific Rim Sulphur and Apex AG, where he applied the same principles of efficiency and growth as he does today. At Sage Potash, Sazwan works closely with his team to optimize production, ensuring the company can meet the increasing demand for potash while maintaining its high-quality standards.
He focuses on tracking key financial metrics like CAPEX, Sales, and EBITDA while also prioritizing innovation and team development. Sazwan’s leadership approach allows the company to fulfill its mission of providing a reliable potash supply to U.S. farmers without cutting corners.
Building Trust Through Consistent Leadership
During his time at Tiger Industries, multiple generations of families worked with the company, speaking to the trust Sazwan and his team nurtured by upholding high ethical standards and delivering on promises. Creating this strong foundation of trust is something he continues to prioritize at Sage Potash.
Sazwan believes that trust is built through consistency and transparency. In his current role, he ensures his customers and colleagues understand the company’s capabilities, creating strong connections through open communication.
While Sazwan may be skilled in relationship-building, he also understands the importance of balancing openness with professional boundaries. He values real conversations about business strategy and connects with people through shared interests, forming genuine connections while maintaining professionalism.
Dedicated to staying informed, Sazwan also remains active in industry associations and keeps up with the latest trends and government regulations. Whether reviewing new studies or reading about the latest advancements in technology, he believes in staying ahead of the curve, embodying a responsible, forward-thinking role model who leads by example.
The Sazwan Foundation: Helping Communities Rebuild After Wildfires
If there was ever a time to show that leadership means stepping up in a crisis, it was during the Slave Lake wildfires in Alberta. When the flames started spreading, Shilo Sazwan didn’t stand by and hope that someone else would help.
With two years of volunteer firefighter training from a local Fire Department, he jumped into action, not only fighting the fires but also securing resources like food, housing, and other critical supplies for those displaced by the disaster. His decisive thinking made a difference in the lives of countless people, and he even earned a medal of honor for his leadership efforts.
After seeing the damage the wildfires caused in Slave Lake, Sazwan decided he wanted to do more to help. So, he started the Sazwan Foundation, meant to support people in Western Canada impacted by wildfires, including first responders.
The need for such efforts is clear. In 2021 alone, more than 4,300 wildfires burned across 3.42 million hectares in Western Canada. This problem has only been intensified by climate change, which has doubled the area of wildfires in the region since the 1980s. With annual fire protection costs exceeding $1.5 billion, communities are finding it increasingly challenging to bounce back and rebuild their lives.
The Sazwan Foundation raises money for both immediate relief, like shelter and food, as well as long-term recovery for rebuilding homes and communities. It also focuses on protecting Western Canada’s ecological areas, which are important to preserve for future generations.
A Legacy of Leadership Through Action
Sazwan’s approach to life and leadership comes down to one principle: following through. He consistently backs up his promises, convictions, and passions with action, whether in his personal life or professional pursuits. His career is proof that leadership can go beyond business success when there’s a genuine desire to make a difference.
Whether driving innovation at Sage Potash or helping communities recover from wildfires, Sazwan focuses on getting things done. His actions, grounded in integrity and commitment, reflect his dedication to taking responsibility and making an impact where it truly counts.
For Shilo Sazwan, success comes from living by your beliefs and turning ideas into effort. He has shown that results speak louder than words, leaving a lasting mark both in the business world and the communities he serves.
Read more:
Shilo Sazwan — Leading Businesses and Communities Through Intentional Action and Innovation
