The Legacy of Alex and Wendy Campbell
The Legacy of Alex and Wendy Campbell
Developing good relationships with both clients and staff, and, delivering quality work were key factors in the early success of their new engineering business, according to Alex Campbell and his wife Wendy.
Alex and Wendy, along with partner Don Nygaard, started Vista Projects Limited in June, 1985. Almost four decades later, Vista has grown to be a multi-disciplinary engineering and system integration company with over 400 team members and satisfied clients across North America and beyond.
Alex and Wendy – Early Days
Growing up on a mink ranch just outside of Saskatoon, Alex was inspired by his dad, an entrepreneur. “Dad was his own boss with no salary or pension, and he worked a seven-day-a-week, labor-intensive job,” says Alex. “His solid work ethic, good attitude and willingness to get his hands dirty was something I admired, and those values stuck with me.”
Alex and Wendy are high school sweethearts. Alex met Wendy on the dance floor at a ‘Y’ dance years ago. “A cute little gal came over to chat with me, I asked her to dance, and the rest is history,” says Alex. Alex’s dancing “sealed the deal” for Wendy and many dates followed. Dancing continues to play a role in their life together – they have gone on seven rock and roll cruises and have square-danced for over 30 years.
Both Alex and Wendy enrolled at the University of Saskatchewan – Alex pursued studies in chemical engineering and Wendy in biology. They got married while attending university and have been together now for over 60 years – the couple have three children and nine grandchildren.
The Vista Way
Being smart, humble, honest and hard-working are core values at Vista. Also, it is critical to have a ‘cycle of good work’ leading to new projects…and repeating again and again. “Although it’s important to have satisfied clients, it’s equally important to share our success with team members.” says Alex.
“I really get inspired by seeing our people succeed and grow. I like to see team members with different skills come together and make an outstanding team,” says Alex. “Our faith is another thing that inspires both Wendy and I, something that has helped us navigate Vista through the inevitable ups and downs of a business.”
Alex and Wendy both agree that quality work is an essential part of operating a successful engineering business. Understanding clients needs and giving them what they want – solving their problems – has been a key to Vista lasting almost 40 years.
“Being a good listener, being fair and reliable, being a good communicator, and having the technical abilities to get the job done are critical,” says Wendy in explaining Vista’s success.
Vista Today
Today, Vista Projects has two offices in Calgary, Alberta, one satellite office in Houston, and a new office in Muscat, Oman.
Comments from Vista Team Members
I have known Alex and Wendy for many years. I first met Alex in December of 1997 when we were introduced by a former colleague of mine (Wayne Monnery). Vista was a very small organization of maybe 15 or 20 people in those days working out of a small section of the Phillips Park office. Alex wore many hats including Project Manager, Process Engineer, and Business Development Manager while Wendy handled most of the Accounting and Office Management (what we now refer to as Facilities). When I first started working with Alex, I was astounded by how much work he could produce in a short time. Alex’s memos and study reports should be a teaching tool for all up and coming young engineers! At that time, I had been with a larger engineering firm for most of my career. In larger firms, your scope of work tends to be much smaller and projects move a little slower. Alex recognized the gaps in my knowledge and took me under his wing to become a more well-rounded Process Engineer. I largely have Alex to thank for becoming “Vista-sized”.
Alex has a set of skills that is not common. In addition to being very smart and wise, he has the temperament you need to last a long time in our business. Alex and I have worked on difficult projects with challenging clients as well as rewarding projects with supportive clients. Both types of projects I will remember for a long time for different reasons. Regardless of the project though, I will always remember that Alex had my back during difficult times which is the sign of a great leader and good person.
Steve Byers, Principal, Engineering Manager, Vista Projects
Alex is a person who is always calm, never out of control, fair and kind to the people working around him – he is very dedicated to his profession. I worked at Vista for more than twenty years and admire him as a great leader. Thank you, Alex, for treating us as a family and showing confidence and trust in us to do great work at Vista.
Jinning Li, Principal, Structural Engineering
“Alex and Wendy’s generosity is second to none. Their generosity has impacted many charities, as well as Vista team members and their families. They share our success with our employees, which, in my opinion is not that common with other businesses.
Without Alex’s leadership, Vista obviously would not be the company it is today.
In addition, they are the reason for the family-oriented Vista atmosphere and culture.“