Rob LeLacheur

Dedicated entrepreneur recognized for leadership and community involvement

If Rob LeLacheur (Marketing ’94) had to describe himself in one word, he’d proudly say he is a connector.   

“I love nothing more than connecting people to potentially do business together or to help each other,” he says.   

It’s that philosophy that has enabled LeLacheur to reinvent himself during the ups and downs of being an entrepreneur, and one that eventually led him to combine his passion for business and storytelling, by founding Road 55, a digital content-creation and marketing company.    

“I started the company 100% on relationships, not just on our product or service,” LeLacheur says. “Clients believed in me. And I think that’s a reflection of the connections I had made over the years.”    

It was also a reflection of his resilience. In 2011, LeLacheur started his own community newspaper, the St. Albert Leader. Though the venture was successful for several years, he made the difficult decision to shut down in 2015, as digital changes in journalism and advertising disrupted the traditional business model.    

Although it was a setback, LeLacheur admits it challenged him as an entrepreneur. And just 2 years later, he launched Road 55.      

“Not giving up the dream and being an entrepreneur is my greatest professional accomplishment. It’s been a challenge every single day, but I’ve never been more optimistic and excited for the future.”   

Giving back to NAIT and his community   

As part of a relationship that has come to be among his most treasured, LeLacheur has shared his experience and perspective with NAIT students.    

His expertise is wide ranging – from advertising sales and publishing, casino management, and entrepreneurship. He was also a contributing author in 2 marketing books. Students across the polytechnic - from the JR Shaw School of Business to Digital Cinematography to Radio and Television - have benefitted from his contributions as a mentor, guest speaker and business case competition judge.    

LeLacheur also provides input as a Radio and Television program advisory committee member, and as mentor and coach at the Mawji Centre for New Venture and Student Entrepreneurship. Several students have been given work experience at Road 55, and a few NAIT graduates now work for the company.   

“I love telling everyone that I’m a grad. Here’s an opportunity where I can get involved, help the instructor, help the students, and meet some other business leaders,” LeLacheur says.  

In a way, he’s paying forward the advantages he gained during his own time as a student. His practicum launched his own career in advertising at The Edmonton Sun. After LeLacheur completed his work placement, he was hired and started his first day on the job the same day he took his final exam at NAIT.    

LeLacheur’s commitment to giving back extends beyond NAIT. Over the past 20 years, he’s volunteered on and chaired committees for St. Albert’s economic development, Chamber of Commerce and the local arts and heritage foundation.  

As a former defenceman in the major junior Western Hockey League – who won a Memorial Cup with the Kamloops Blazers in 1992 – LeLacheur also values the benefit of sports. Over the past 10 years, he’s been one of the organizers of the Road Rage Street Hockey tournament in St. Albert for thousands of kids in the region. 

Building these connections with people in his community is a practice he’s learned from his family.   

“My Dad, Rick, was very involved in the community on so many fronts. So, I saw at a very early age the value that it created,” LeLacheur says. “And, I just so value the warmth of relationships.”   

Story photos supplied by Rob LeLacheur.

Distinguished Alumni Award 

The Distinguished Alumni Award is a lifetime achievement award recognizing individuals renowned for their leadership roles, industry expertise and merit.

More 2025 NAIT Celebrates Recipients

Champions, community-builders, mentors, visionaries and leaders make up the 2025 NAIT Celebrates award recipients. Read more about the lasting impact each has made through their spirit, dedication and generosity.