In Western Canada’s resource development sector, few names have risen as quickly and as strongly as Taylor Land. Over the past two decades, this Airdrie-based firm has earned a reputation for precision, integrity and results. With a client-focused culture rooted in both family values and professional excellence, Taylor Land has evolved from a small startup into an emerging powerhouse in Alberta’s surface land industry.
A Business Built on Determination
The story of Taylor Land begins in 2005, when a young land agent named Neal Taylor faced an unexpected career setback. At just 25 years old, Taylor was laid off from his role at a consulting firm two days before Christmas. Rather than dwelling on the loss, he picked up the phone and called a client directly from his truck.
“After getting let go, I phoned the client and he said, ‘I’ll give you work,’” recalls Neal Taylor, now president and senior land agent at Taylor Land. “After Christmas, I set up shop in my mom’s quilting room in Airdrie.” That borrowed quilting room became the firm’s first office.
“When he started out, Neal didn’t have much more than a dream and an unwavering commitment to his work,” says Neal Taylor’s wife, Alida. “I remember him working out of his mother’s quilting room, balancing long hours in that small room with time in the field to make sure projects met the highest standards.”
Timing was on his side. The coalbed methane boom was driving unprecedented development, creating high demand for surface land expertise. Taylor quickly gained traction by facilitating projects across the region, and as work grew, so did the company. What began as a family-run operation with his father and sister soon required more hands. Within a decade, Taylor Land had established itself as a trusted partner across oil and gas, renewables, power transmission and distribution, and public infrastructure projects throughout Western Canada.
“Clients aren’t just a number to us. Building trust and relationships has always been at the core of what we do,” says Allen Fletcher, senior project manager and senior land agent. “Our clients know that when they send something to Taylor Land, it will be handled with care, professionalism and efficiency.”
The Human Side of Land
Taylor Land’s success is built on more than technical expertise. It’s about people. Land services require bridging the needs of developers, energy companies, landowners and communities. The Taylor team approaches this work with empathy, professionalism and a commitment to ensuring all voices are heard.
“We primarily work with farmers, ranchers and Indigenous communities, but also with developers in urban areas. A key part of our role is making sure that landowners and stakeholders understand what’s happening, how it might affect them and that they’re treated fairly,” explains Taylor.
Part of this responsibility includes engaging with Indigenous communities where projects overlap with Crown land. Taylor Land approaches these conversations with respect, focusing on meaningful dialogue and collaborative solutions. Whether assessing how a development may affect agricultural activities, hunting areas or culturally significant sites, the team emphasizes listening and working together.
Full-Service Expertise
From first contact with a landowner through to handing over final packages for construction, Taylor Land delivers cradle-to-grave surface land services. This includes compiling regulatory reports, negotiating compensation, preparing leases and navigating consultation requirements.
“We really are full-service,” says Taylor. “Our clients rely on us from the very beginning to the final hand-off, and we take pride in making that entire process seamless.”
With offices in Airdrie, Grande Prairie, Edmonton and Medicine Hat, Taylor Land has grown into a multi-location firm with a strong team of professionals. What sets the company apart is not just the scale of projects it handles but the collaborative, people-first approach that underpins its work.
Building a Strong Team
For Neal Taylor, the company’s growth has always been about people. After his father retired eight years ago, Taylor shifted his hiring strategy, focusing not only on junior land agents but also on experienced professionals who could lead projects and mentor others. Unlike competitors who often assign one senior to oversee multiple juniors, Taylor Land’s model surrounds junior agents with several experienced colleagues, accelerating their development and ensuring high-quality service.
This supportive structure fosters both professional growth and client confidence. Employees consistently describe Taylor Land as a place where their ideas are valued and leadership listens.
“Our input matters here. The leadership team is open to ideas and willing to try new approaches. That makes you feel like part of something bigger,” says Kayla Reynolds, team lead, administration.
“When you sit down with Neal, he genuinely listens,” adds Mike Groeneveld, surface land analyst. “He takes what you say seriously and follows through. He wants to make our work easier and better, and you see that in the way he leads.”
A Culture of Collaboration
Taylor Land’s culture combines professionalism with approachability. Employees describe a workplace where people work hard, support one another and enjoy the process. That energy naturally extends to client relationships, where Taylor Land positions itself as a true partner rather than just a service provider.
“We’re definitely a people-focused organization,” says Carter Hiles, director of operations. “In our work, trust is everything. We’ve been able to build a culture that attracts great people, and that’s what drives our success.”
That trust is reinforced through open communication, shared accountability and a sense of ownership across the team. Everyone stays connected to project progress, ready to step in and ensure clients receive a streamlined, high-quality product.
Small-Company Service, Big-Company Results
While Taylor Land has grown significantly, the company remains committed to providing the responsive, relationship-driven service of a boutique firm while delivering results on par with much larger competitors. Their nimble structure allows them to adapt quickly, pivot when needed and deliver exceptional outcomes in even the most challenging circumstances.
Continuous learning is encouraged at every level of the organization. From industry events and association involvement to formal post-secondary programs, Taylor Land invests heavily in professional development. This not only strengthens the team but also enhances client outcomes.
Giving Back to the Community
Beyond client work, Taylor Land is dedicated to giving back. The team regularly supports food bank programs and community initiatives across Alberta. For Taylor, this commitment is personal.
“There might be a day when one of us needs that support. Life has a funny way of coming full circle, so giving back is about gratitude,” says Taylor.
Looking Ahead
Today, Taylor Land is recognized as more than a consulting firm. It is an example of how expertise, leadership and culture can come together to create a company that delivers exceptional value while remaining deeply connected to people and communities.
As the company celebrates its 20th anniversary, it is clear Taylor Land is just getting started. With a proven record of success, a reputation for integrity, and a culture that empowers both employees and clients, Taylor Land is poised to continue shaping the future of surface land services in Western Canada.
For Neal Taylor, the vision is simple: keep building a company where people come first, clients, employees and communities alike, and the results will follow.
8, 421 East Lake Road NE
Airdrie, Alberta T4A 2J7
403.912.4640
info@taylorland.ca
