Meet Dan Olesen
Dan Olesen is a bold community-builder with a practical mindset and a people-first approach. With no party ties, he’s running as an independent to bring authentic leadership, fresh ideas, and community-driven solutions to Calgary’s Ward 1, leadership grounded in listening, guided by values, and focused on real results for real people.
He’s a husband, a father of two, and a pet parent to a golden retriever and a slightly judgy cat. His 11-year-old son is a curious tech tinkerer and a thoughtful observer with a love for rock climbing and curling. His 9-year-old daughter is full of energy, passion, and grit, most often found on the ice or in the gym. Both children bring a remarkable level of empathy for others, which keeps Dan grounded in what truly matters.
Dan’s wife, Erin, works full-time in community investment and still volunteers on the school parent council. She’s smart, steady, and probably better suited for Ward 1 leadership than Dan but she’s made it clear she’s not running. So Dan is. Because together, their family lives the values they hope to see in City Hall: service, compassion, and action rooted in community.
Dan isn’t a career politician. He’s running as an independent to bring authentic leadership, fresh ideas, and community-driven solutions to Calgary’s Ward 1. His campaign is about amplifying the voices that too often go unheard, seniors, students, small business owners, and everyday Calgarians trying to build a better life.
Dan's Background
From education and small business to community advocacy and leadership, Dan’s background reflects a lifelong commitment to building opportunities that put people first.
A Track Record of Listening and Leading.
I believe in bringing people together to solve problems.
Connecting Education to Opportunity
Over the past 15 years, Dan has helped onboard more than 1,000 employers into apprenticeship-style internships, creating pathways that now achieve an impressive 82% retention rate and lasting career success for participants.
Building Bridges Across Sectors
Dan has built strong cross-sector collaborations between government, education, and business leaders, engaging more than 5,000 stakeholders across Calgary and supporting over 125 organizations every year.
Small Business, Big Lessons
As a small business owner, Dan understands the realities of budgeting, conservative fiscal management, hustle, and earning community trust, experience that grounds his people-first approach in everyday challenges and real accountability.
Advocacy That Listens
Dan has been a longtime advocate for seniors, students, and entrepreneurs, designing grassroots programs that prioritize lived experience and amplify the voices that often go unheard.
Heroes Inspiring Heroes
Through his LinkedIn campaign, #HeroesInspiringHeroes, Dan celebrates everyday Calgarians making extraordinary impact, reminding us that leadership lives in service, not status.
Leading with Clarity & Courage
As a speaker, coach, and workshop-based learning experiences, Dan equips others to lead with empathy, communication, and confidence because stronger communities start with empowered individuals.
Why I'm Running
Life in Ward 1 is full. You are raising kids, caring for loved ones, managing work, and building community. Following City Hall should not require hours of your time. I am running as an independent because party politics should not drown out your voice. I am working toward a City Hall where residents are heard first.
Value I Live By
Teamwork
Genuine interest in others to build robust relationships
Accountability
Proactive approach to opportunities and supporting neighbours
Communication
Listening for understanding and sharing wisdom to build best practices
Resiliency
Actively employ resources to thrive during challenges with courage to ask for help
Support Dan Olesen
By displaying a sign, you’re helping share Dan’s message as an Independent Voice for Ward 1. Every sign in our community helps build visibility and support for better local leadership. Whether it’s at your home, business, or another spot in Ward 1, your sign makes a real difference.
Contact one of our team members and we’ll be happy to deliver or arrange pickup!
