RJH Golf Course Management Services Inc.

Many in the industry consider him golf's behind-the-scenes version of Tiger Woods. Others in the business refer to him both as a maverick and as an innovator.

On the other hand, most recreational duffers have never heard his name.

And that's just fine with Robbie Hellstrom. In fact, the general manager of Calgary's Valley Ridge golf course wouldn't have it any other way.

"Over the past 10 years, myself and my company have been working on many different projects throughout North America," Hellstrom says. "We've kind of become known as the 911 guys of the golf industry."

A devoutly private man, Hellstrom shuns the spotlight, preferring, instead, to allow his many accomplishments to speak for themselves.

In fact, it took some prying for Hellstrom to discuss a recent honour bestowed upon him by the National Golf Owners of Canada Association, an accolade that speaks volumes in terms of his reputation in the golf world.

"I was just named one of the top 10 most influential people in the Canadian golf industry," he says. "To be named to that list really enlightened me as to how I'm perceived in the industry. It's a great honour and it is very humbling to be on a list such as that."

In the world of links and putting greens, Hellstrom's projects have ranged from course construction and project management to operations and site management.

Still only in his mid-30s, the list of high-profile golf projects that have carried the Hellstrom seal of excellence is as impressive as it is long.

And despite the immense pressure and multimillion-dollar stakes associated with his chosen profession, Hellstrom doesn't blink an eye when faced with complex challenges. Rather, he embraces them.

"Almost all the projects I've been involved with have been very high-profile and, in this industry, you're only as good as your last project," Hellstrom says.

"If you fail in a project, you're in big trouble. I excel with that kind of pressure - thrive on it."

And that's not ego talking, it's the truth.

In an industry dominated by movers, shakers and big money, Hellstrom has always stayed true to himself. Not one to rub shoulders with the country-club crowd, he has, nonetheless, forged a successful career and rock-solid reputation. And he's done it on his own terms.

"I think that, at the end of the day, I try not to B.S. it," Hellstrom says. "I've always focused on being the best at what I do."

In the past, Hellstrom was somewhat of a multi-tasker, often working on three or four projects at a time. However, the desire to slow down his pace has, in effect, been the golf industry's loss, and Valley Ridge's gain.

The developers of Valley Ridge approached Hellstrom to oversee the restructuring and transistion of the course from a semi-private to high-end public facility.

After much consideration, Hellstrom accepted the offer.

"I was looking for a project which was more stabilized instead of juggling different projects at one time," Hellstrom says. "It was a project which allowed me to settle down a bit and focus on one project."

With his work at Valley Ridge expected to come to a close later this year, Hellstrom will soon be moving on to other challenges. What they may be, however, remains to be determined.

"At this point, I have no specific plans," he says. "I am considering my future very carefully - as I always have."

Source: CALGARY'S PROFILES OF SUCCESS, published by The Calgary Sun, Spring 2002

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