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The North Saskatoon Business Association (NSBA) recently recognized Paul J. Hill, Executive Chairman of The Hill Companies, as the 2025 honouree of its Popcorn & Entrepreneurship Series, an annual celebration of vision, values, and the entrepreneurial spirit driving Saskatchewan forward. 

As part of this recognition, the NSBA premiered “Built to Last – The Paul J. Hill Story,” a documentary produced by Bamboo Shoots, a video production company in Regina, which highlighted Paul’s influential and enduring legacy. The film debuted at two special events hosted by the NSBA, designed to encourage networking and relationship building, with one taking place on August 27 at the Remai Modern and Persephone Theatre in Saskatoon, and the other on September 10 at Mosaic Stadium in Regina. Both featured red-carpet entrances, exclusive screenings, and a post-film Q&A with Paul and his wife and long-time partner in both business and philanthropy, Carol Hill. Guests included business leaders, elected officials, community members, and close friends and family. 

Filmed over the course of a year, Built to Last offers an in-depth look at Paul’s nearly five-decade journey leading The Hill Companies. The documentary explores his role in revitalizing Regina’s downtown core, expanding the company into a wide range of industries, and supporting charitable initiatives that have made a lasting impact across Saskatchewan and beyond. It also touches on the company’s resilience and ability to adapt through economic uncertainty, Paul’s passion for building lasting relationships with business and community leaders around the world, and his lifelong connection to the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Personally founded by Paul and Carol, the One Life Makes a Difference Foundation supports at-risk youth in Regina by providing access to quality education beginning at Mother Teresa Middle School (Grades 6–8). The program continues by guiding students through high school, whether at Notre Dame, Luther College, or other institutions, and into post-secondary education, ultimately supporting them through to their first permanent job. 

Ultimately, the film offers just a glimpse into a legacy shaped by leadership, generosity, and vision. 

 “For over 120 years, The Hill Companies’ sole purpose has been to help others realize their dreams,” said Paul. “And while Carol and I have been recognized for some of that success, there’s no question that it’s a direct result of the input and hard work of the people who work with us to achieve common goals. That’s what made the documentary so special,” he continues. “It was theoretically about me, but it was really about our whole community. Because it’s never just one person who makes things work, it’s all of us. What really stuck with me was how well they captured a great Saskatchewan story. I was part of it, but so were many others who weren’t featured, and a lot of them were here today. It takes a community to make things happen, and we’ve got a strong one here in Regina and across Saskatchewan.” 

Paul’s contributions have been recognized with numerous honours, including the Order of Canada, the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, the King’s Coronation Medal, multiple Queen’s Jubilee Medals, and was knighted by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. He and Carol have also received the National Philanthropy Award and the Red Cross Humanitarians of the Year, among others. 

While the film and events showcased his remarkable influence in business and philanthropy, Paul says he considers family his greatest achievement. He and Carol say they still have a few years left in them to give back, and they take great pride in watching the continued growth of the fourth generation of family leadership within The Hill Companies. Their daughter, Rosanne Hill Blaisdell, serves as President and CEO of Harvard Developments, one of Western Canada’s most highly respected full-service real estate companies with a diverse portfolio of major office, retail and residential projects totalling 9+ million square feet. Matthew Hill, their son, leads Harvard Diversified as President and CEO, a Canadian and US portfolio that includes Harvard Media, Harvard Resources Inc., Harvard Western Insurance, Western Surety, as well as U.S.-based companies Harvard Integrations and Harvard Investments, which focus on manufacturing and community development. Together, their leadership ensures the family’s legacy of leadership, vision, and values will continue to thrive.   

About The Hill Companies  

Founded in 1903 by Walter Hill and E.A. McCallum, The Hill Companies have remained deeply committed to the people and province of Saskatchewan for over 120 years. From its early beginnings, the company has grown into a prominent North American enterprise, credited with building Regina’s first skyscraper and developing the province’s two largest destination shopping centres in Regina and Saskatoon. Over time, The Hill Companies have expanded into a diverse range of industries, including real estate, insurance, surety, media, manufacturing, and oil & gas. Despite its growth and national reach, the organization remains firmly rooted in its identity as a Saskatchewan-based, family-owned business.