Dan Gazarek

From a young age, Dan Gazarek shone with a passion for football. He played throughout high school, with aspirations to play at the university level. Ultimately Dan chose to study here, a decision that led to the entrée of Kingdom Force Sports to the football world.

Dan believes his success is forever linked to that of the university. As a member of the first graduating class, he enjoys a strong connection to his peers, his faculty and its professors. Because they believed in his success, encouraging his entrepreneurial spirit, he is his own boss today.

After graduation Dan joined the Bank of Nova Scotia as a Personal Banker. For the next three years he learned how to build long-term relationships with clients. He also served as Branch Chair for the United Way and led fundraising campaigns for several bank branches.

However, Dan's passion is football. He made a promise to himself that he would do whatever it took to start his own company and build a football academy where young players could get the most efficient and affordable training available. Dan pursued his dream. He gained experience as a football coach at several high schools and community organizations in the Durham Region. After many months of coaching, networking, studying and training, he launched Kingdom Force in 2011. Today, his sports training business also has a cycling division.

Dan continues to be a fervent UOIT fan ("I bleed blue"), which is why he previously served on the Alumni Association Council and volunteers today on the Friends of UOIT Committee. He wants to contribute this enthusiasm to help grow and foster the university's alumni community.

His day job forms champions on the field, and his philanthropy champions student entrepreneurship. Like a great coach, he encourages students to pursue their dreams through the Daniel Gazarek Entrepreneurship Award. He wants to give students the opportunity to pursue their passion, just like he continues to do. 

"I believe in leadership through action. I want an individual to know they have support, to give them that extra nudge to think deeper about an idea and bring it to life."

– DAN GAZAREK
COMMERCE, CLASS OF 2007
FORMER VICE-CHAIR, ALUMNI ASSOCIATION COUNCIL
DIRECTOR, KINGDOM FORCE SPORTS
DONOR, DANIEL GAZAREK ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARD