Following a four-year stint with Saskatchewan’s Gang Green, Marcus Crandell has joined a different type of Green Team.
Crandell suited up for the Saskatchewan Roughriders from 2005-08 before being released last August.
Although the 11-year veteran still has aspirations of playing for another Canadian Football League team, Crandell has switched his focus to his duties as vice-president of marketing and public relations with General Bio Energy.
“The guys are well aware of that and they’re willing to work around whatever happens,” said Crandell, who helped guide the Calgary Stampeders to a Grey Cup title in 2001. “Other guys that play in the CFL, they have other jobs as well and they work around it.”
Crandell joined the Regina-based firm last October and has been working hard to promote the launch of the company’s MOPO Brand of fuels, fuel conditioners and environmentally-friendly canola-based additives and lubricants.
“It’s all about word of mouth,” Crandell said in regards to promoting the company that specializes in developing alternative energies and fuels. “I’ve been talking to everyone I know, telling them about … what we’re trying to do.”
General Bio Energy president Troy Metz said Crandell will quarterback the company’s “Green Team” of investor relations.
“Marcus believes in our vision and is passionate about sustainable products,” Metz said. “We believe that his success on the field and leading an aggressive team will translate into success on our Green Team.”
Before joining and investing in General Bio Energy, Crandell toured the company’s facility and liked what he saw.
“Our whole plant from seed to tank is a green process,” said the 35-year-old native of Charlotte, N.C., who resides in Regina with his wife and two sons. “That’s what we’re trying to promote. Everybody’s looking for an environmental solution, so to speak.”
Saskatchewan offensive lineman Jeremy O’Dea is also working as a director with General Bio Energy out of the Regina offence, while Calgary offensive lineman Rob Lazeo has joined the company to head up sales in Alberta and British Columbia.
“I just saw it as an opportunity to grow with the company and help them in areas where they want to grow,” Crandell said.
