Colby Delorme

For over 29 years, Colby Delorme has been putting Indigenous values at the heart of his entrepreneurship journey. Beginning with his first venture, the establishment of Codel Construction Inc. and Codel Window Cleaning Inc. at a very young age, he displayed significant business acumen.

Delorme has built multiple businesses and is currently the president of the Imagination Group of Companies. His experience spans the construction industry, brand development and marketing, a certification practice, franchise development, ceremonial tobacco manufacturing, and consulting.

Mentorship is a key component of Delorme’s approach to fostering Indigenous economic empowerment. He is a founding creator of Influence Mentoring Society and was appointed Chairperson of the IMS’s Board of Directors in 2020. He also mentors individual Indigenous and non-Indigenous Master of Business Administration students at the University of Calgary, offering guidance to student teams who are developing case studies related to Indigenous-owned businesses.

Delorme is a sought-after speaker and panellist on Indigenous entrepreneurship, cultural authenticity, mentorship, and economic development. Among the honours he’s received are the Dr. Douglas Cardinal Award from the University of Calgary and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal; in 2010, he was inducted into Calgary’s “Top 40 Under 40.” He holds an Institute of Corporate Directors Designation from the Rotman School of Management and is passionate about creating new, sustainable opportunities for Indigenous peoples.