Dan O’Brien is a lifelong resident of Osgoode Township who holds a wide array of experience in farming (small scale to large operations), entrepreneurship and business management, and working for not for profit boards and committees.
Dan grew up on a mixed use farm, spending his days in a two-room schoolhouse near Enniskerry and his weekends and evenings learning the craft of farming, and learning the family business of school bus transportation.
Over time he took over, operated, and built up the school bus business, expanding it from just 14 vehicles to over 120, where he prioritized developing a productive relationship between employees and management. He also held a Director position with the Ontario School Bus Operators’ Association for six years.
Dan owned and operated two separate beef cattle farms, marketed purebred stock around the world including Brazil, Mexico, China, and the US, as well as across Canada, and was a preferred beef vendor to local restaurants and food service establishments. Dan also developed a loyal customer base among local Ottawa residents who purchased directly from him at the Ottawa Farmers Market, where he served as Director.
Other positions Dan held over the years include those of director of cattle associations locally, provincially and nationally, as well as Director of Two Valley Feeder Finance Corporation.
Presently, Dan serves as President of the Township of Osgoode Non-Profit Housing Corporation and for Metcalfe Stanley Non-Profit Apartments Corporation, which consists of 24 rent to income family units and over eighty seniors' apartments.
Through this work Dan has strengthened his ability to recognize the strengths each individual brings to the table and works to cultivate these strengths to benefit the respective committees, corporations, and residents. Recognizing that negotiation is key, he is able to review information and data objectively, working toward the best solution that offers the best possible service to residents of Osgoode.
