Laurier Grads Soar is a multi-part series that returns for it's fifth installment for the 2020-21 academic year. The segment features former Wilfrid Laurier University athletes and student-leaders in the Athletics and Recreation Department, and the success they have enjoyed since leaving Laurier. Written by award-winning journalist David Grossman, different features will be released throughout the year that will emphasize the role Athletics and Recreation played in helping them achieve success.Pat Langdon: Executive Managing Director, Newmark CanadaThere are times when we are all lucky enough to dream, challenge and even be spirited and astute when understanding our limits.
Pat Langdon knows all about it, especially those special, and even during the difficult times when he had to make an honest assessment of his future.
As a youngster growing up in Orillia, the cozy Huronia community 90 minutes north of Toronto, Langdon would be dreaming about developing into a solid basketball player. After shuffling off to Wilfrid Laurier University to study and earn an Honors Degree in History, and a Diploma in Business, the career road shifted from the hardwood to a venture in enterprise.
Some would say that the gut punch came fast and furious after those days were winding down at the former Orillia District Collegiate and Vocational Institute. Like, when he experienced life as a university student and the more serious level of the game of hoops.
At the best of times, as in 1980, Langdon was the Most Valuable Player on his high school basketball team. The team had won a Georgian Bay regional championship and he was a former tournament all-star. The itch to test his hoops skills for real came at Laurier.
“I used to go to basketball summer camps in Huntsville and Peterborough and, like most young people, you think about how far you can go with the game,” he said. “I just wanted to play basketball, dreamed of playing for Canada's National team one day. What got me going even more, was that special day. It was a Wednesday morning that I'll never forget.”
Langdon was tending to a summer job by painting fences at a resort when he looked up and saw former Laurier Athletic Director David “Tuffy” Knight walking towards him. Knight was on a recruiting mission. Langdon was like a deer who had just seen a car.
“A kid from small town Orillia seeing a guy like (Knight) coming to talk to me,” he said. “Wow. I remember feeling so special. It was a great conversation and I was very impressed with his sincerity and everything we discussed about education and basketball.”
Langdon's mind was made up. It also helped that his mother and sister had gone to the same university – when it was called Waterloo Lutheran.
Studies worked out well. Basketball, too, as Laurier tested his skills for real. A non-starter on the varsity team, he was a point guard and the first to come off the bench, and was a member of three teams that reached the Ontario University Athletic Associations (OUAA) playoffs.
But Langdon had a feeling that his on-going emphasis on the hardwood wasn't going to last. He searched for a new beginning and knew something much bigger had taken over his life.
“I was learning, growing in knowledge and discovered that there were players with great individual talent better than me,” said Langdon. “Basketball opened every door for me, meeting people from different cultures and cities. I had an opportunity to play with some great guys. As I look back, as players, we got along better away from the game than on the court.
“Laurier showed me the importance of finishing my education and gaining teammates who would be friends for life. To this day, that is something very special to me. I am one of the luckiest guys in the world in that I do what I love.”
Resilient and poignant, Langdon said his ascension started at Laurier.
“Laurier opened my eyes,” he said. “What I learned on the basketball court continued in the classroom. That was not be afraid to lead and also know when to take a back seat. I learned that the best way to get in trouble is to put yourself in trouble.”
These days, Langdon is executive managing director of business development, brokerage and recruiting for Newmark Canada – the fourth-largest major commercial and real estate advisory firm in the world.
From those flamboyant teenage basketball days in Orillia, Langdon is a changed man and has a fluidity of movements in a different world. At one time having considered a career in law, now he has a strong and positive affection for real estate transactions.
“There was a time when I had wanted to compete at the highest level,” said Langdon. “When I look at it, that's just what happened – but it happened in real estate development and management. Learning how to be able to socialize and interact with people has been huge for me.”
Langdon can fill a day with genuine conversation, highlighting his intriguing opportunities in the real estate world. But there is another aspect of his life that has become very important – volunteer work.
A popular and competent individual, Langdon has been asked to chair some major committees.
One was Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment's “Launchpad” – a state of the art sports facility in Toronto for the city's at-risk. It's become a second home for young people facing barriers, to use sport to help them recognize their potential. He was also asked to Chair the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation's Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer.
“I'm not the smartest guy in the world,” said Langdon with a chuckle. “But I am always there, connected and available to help.”
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David Grossman is a multi award-winning communicator and storyteller with a distinguished career in Broadcasting, Journalism and Public Relations in Sport and Government Relations. In 2018, he was the recipient of Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Media Member of Distinction. 2016-17 FeaturesSteve Griggs - Chief Executive Officer and President, Tampa Bay LightningSophie Kotsopoulos - Senior Director of Integrated Marketing, National Hockey LeagueMike McKenna - Former Director, Telecom, Media and Technology Investment BankingNicole Lee - Director of Integrated Marketing, National Hockey LeagueMike Bartlett - Executive Director, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment FoundationRebecca Watts - Manager, 2017 World Junior Hockey ChampionshipHugh Lawson - Director of Business Development, Staples Promotional ProductsCheryl Pounder - Former Canadian National Women's Hockey Team MemberJohn Morris - 2010 Olympic Men's Curling Gold MedalistBill Burke - Chief Executive Officer and Owner, Niagara Ice Dogs2017-18 FeaturesTania Pedron - Manager of Administration and Operations, Maple Leafs Sport and EntertainmentWayne Kemick - BMO Wealth AdvisorDenise Burke - President, Niagara Ice DogsKevin McDonald - Vice President of Football Operations and Player Safety, CFLDr. Megan Yaraskavitch - NeurologistAndrew Agro - Director of Corporate Sponsorship and Business Development, New York JetsMarcia Powers-Dunlop - Senior Manager of Professional Support Services, Toronto District School BoardJoe Vernon - Lawyer, Miller CanfieldEmily Rudow - Founder, Oneiric HockeyTodd Cooney - Vice President and Broker, CBRE LimitedJennifer Elliott - Sports Information Officer, uOttawa Gee-GeesRohan Thompson - Social Worker and Professor, Conestoga CollegeDr. Fiona Aiston - Family DoctorJeremy Hedges - Founder and President, InksmithSadie Anderson - FirefighterAndrea Elliott - Sports Information Specialist, Ryerson RamsAlyssa Lagonia - Professional Soccer Player2018-19 FeaturesAshley Stephenson - Teacher and member of Canada's national women's baseball programJ.R. Edwards - General Manager/Country Director, Carlsberg USAGinger Whitney - Vice President, Whitney and Company Realty LimitedSandy Nixon - Loopstra Nixon law firmChristina Polano - LawyerDonnie Ruiz - CFL alum, artist, personal trainer, and award-winning body builderJahmeeks Beckford - Support Worker, Carizon Family and Community ServicesMelanie Witzell - Founder and Agency Director, Mad Hatter TechnologyEric Calder - Owner and President, Skills Plus HockeyRyan MacDonald - Strength and Conditioning Coach, Volleyball Canada National Beach Team2019-20 FeaturesChrissy McEwan - Account Executive, Detroit PistonsIan Noble - LawyerTamika Marks-Grant - Marketing & Branding, Canadian Olympic CommitteeDean Boles - Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technical Officer, Swim OntarioAndrew Quattrin - Professional Rugby Player, Toronto ArrowsScott Driscoll - NHL OfficialSteve Bienkowski - Chief Operating Officer, Kitchener Rangers
