Meet Kendal

Kendal’s Bio

Kendal Netmaker is an award-winning entrepreneur, author, and gifted keynote speaker who is on a mission to empower and motivate people worldwide by sharing his story that regardless of where you come from and what challenges you face, you have the power to enact change.

From Sweetgrass First Nation, Kendal and his siblings were raised by their single mother. Life wasn’t easy for them, growing up on the reserve surrounded by poverty and few chances for opportunities, but one moment would change their life forever.

Kendal has a natural gift; he’s a master storyteller who weaves his real-life experiences into motivating lessons that everyone can use in their own lives. His heartfelt stories are impactful, and he speaks professionally to thousands of people each year on resilience, leadership, and the power of telling your story.

He is a leading entrepreneur whose passion to succeed is contagious. He is the founder of  Neechie Gear® – a lifestyle apparel brand that empowers youth to take part in sports. He is the author of Driven To Succeed and won over 25 business awards, including being named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40® and runner-up at the YBI Global Entrepreneur of the Year.

Kendal lives with his wife and two children in Saskatoon, SK, where he continues to run his company. He delivers virtual and in-person keynotes, and provides consulting services to a select number organizations.

Achievements

2022

University of Saskatchewan Alumni ‘One to Watch’ Award

2021

Communications & Leadership Award, Toastmasters Canada

2020

CANIE Indigenous Entrepreneur Award – Praries

2019

Canada’s Top 40 Under 40®
NACCA National Indigenous Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Raj Manek – Ravi Maithel Find-A-Way Award – Entrepreneurship
Driven To Succeed – Canada Book Award Winner
Finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards – Motivational

2018

Keyano College – Distinguished Alumni Award
Better Business Bureau of Saskatchewan Torch Award – Aboriginal Business

2017

StartUp Canada Social Enterprise of the Year Award – Prairies

2016

Published Case Study in the Ivey School of Business
Canadian Business Change Agents – One of Canada’s future business leaders

2015

University of Saskatchewan College of Education Wall of Honour
Saskatchewan RedCross Young Humanitarian of the Year Award
Runner-up – Youth Business International Entrepreneur of the Year
CCAB National Youth Aboriginal Entrepreneur Award Recipient
Indspire Award – Youth First Nation

2014

University of Saskatchewan Alumni of Influence Award Recipient
Selected Entrepreneur to represent Canada at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Moscow, Russia.
Featured Case Study in the Canadian Foundation for Economic Education – Entrepreneurship, The Spirit of Adventure

2013

NCAIED Res Arizona $20,000 Business Plan Competition Winner
Sype Volta Award – Saskatchewan Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Youth Entrepreneur of the Year – Finalist
Better Business Bureau Torch Award – Retail Category
CBC Future 40 Recipient
Mclean’s Magazine Future Leaders 25 Under List
Nominee in the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce Sabex Awards

2012

Saskatoon’s Finest Entrepreneur Award Winner
Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Abex Award Winner – Community Involvement
Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Abex Award Winner – Aboriginal Partnership

2011

$1500 winner in the Progress2Capital Business Plan Competition.
NSBA Young Promising Entrepreneur Finalist
One of thirty entrepreneurs selected to represent Canada at the G20 Young Entrepreneur Summit
Enactus Canada Saskatchewan Student Entrepreneur Provincial Champion
Wilson Centre i3 Idea Challenge – $10,000 Winner
CANDO Economic Developer of the Year – Aboriginal Private Sector Business Award Winner
Bachelor of Education and Bachelors of Arts from the University of Saskatchewan

2010

1st Place in the Aboriginal Youth Idea Challenge Business Plan Competition