Orcadians are well know for combining entrepreneurial flair with an adventurous spirit. When our good friend Robin Rison from business coaching firm Kelmscott Consulting recently visted Edmonton, Canada, he discovered the tale of Orcadian John Walter.
John Walter arrived in Edmonton as a young man of modest means in 1870. Initially, like many Orcadians at the time, he work for the Hudson's Bay Company as a boat builder. Through hard work and endeavour, he subsequently went on to become the city's first millionaire, building homes and businesses including a cable ferry, sawmill, general store, coalmine, and various other enterprises.
Unfortunately, things didn't work out too well for poor Mr Walter in the end. His businesses were eventually rendered obsolete by the railways, which just goes to show that you have to keep up with the times.
Anyway, Robin kindly sent us some photos of the houses built by the enterprising young Orcadian. Enjoy...
