During my career as president and CEO of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, I spoke to countless groups, large and small, across the province. After my talks, I was often encouraged to “write down” some of my stories about the team, the fans, and leadership. During my last year as CEO (2014 to 2015), I started to think that writing a book could be a good way to make the transition from the hectic pace of being the CEO of “Canada’s team” to the much slower pace of semi-retirement.
I thought a book about my decade as CEO would be a way to pay tribute to the unwavering commitment and passion of the legion of Riders fans that supports the team. I also wanted an opportunity to thank and acknowledge the many volunteers and colleagues who were key to my success and, ultimately, the team’s success.
Jim Hopson, author of Running the Riders: My Decade as CEO of Canada’s Team. Written with Darrell Davis. Submitted photo.
My career in education and with the Riders taught me many things, but first and foremost was to always surround myself with good people. With that in mind, I recruited veteran sportswriter and author Darrell Davis to work with me on the book. From the start, Darrell stressed that it was up to me to write the book and he would help with the structure and organization while fact-checking and adding detail if necessary. We made a good team.
Darrell Davis, who helped write Running the Riders: My Decade as CEO of Canada’s Team by Jim Hopson. Submitted photo.
The book is not intended to be a “tell-all,” but rather a collection of stories about the highs and lows of the team, difficult decisions made — some good and not so good — and the varied personalities of the people behind the Riders. I talk in some detail about my complex, but never dull, relationship with Roy Shivers, a bigger-than-life personality who did much to restore the team to being competitive, but whom I ultimately had to fire. Roy, as expected, did not go quietly. He went on his own terms, blasting me in his comments. I also delve into the very public and controversial legal charges brought against some players and against general manager Eric Tillman.
I share my perspective on the higher and lowest moments of my career — winning the Grey Cup at home in 2013 and losing the 2009 Grey Cup due to the “13th man” mistake at the end of the game. The thinking behind the Riders’ marketing and brand strategies is shared as well as stories about the fans and their passion for the team. I also discuss many of my learnings on leadership, change and organizational culture.
Whether you are a die-hard fan or a casual fan, I think you will find this book enjoyable. Running the Riders is available from www.driverworks.ca, Chapters/Indigo/Coles, McNally Robinson Booksellers, and Rider Stores.
