Meet Kiely MacLean, Founder of RJ MacLean and 2019 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards Start-Up Award Finalist

Kiely MacLean

Founder, RJ MacLean

Finalist, Start-Up Award, West

A new player in oil and gas, Kiely Maclean is the co-founder of RJ Maclean Tank Services. Her business is a three-year-old innovation company focused on challenging the status quo in the energy sector with unique automated technology — using robotics, instead of people, to clean tanks. She is a passionate advocate for innovation in business, the environment, and promoting women in the energy field.

My first job ever was… Paper route; delegated to younger siblings.

I decided to be an entrepreneur because… It’s not a decision, it’s innate. 

My proudest accomplishment is… Co-founding and growing RJ Maclean.

I surprise people when I tell them… My age.

My best advice to people starting up a business is… Have a clear vision, adapt but do not compromise.

“Have a clear vision, adapt but do not compromise.”

My best advice from a mentor was… ‘You can’t fail if you are always willing to get back up’.  

My biggest setback was… Access to capital.

I overcame it by… Perseverance, and finding the right business partners.

I stay inspired by… My team and our potential.

If I had one more hour in the day, I would… Walk the trails with my Husky.

The future excites me because… Extending RJ Maclean’s reach and innovation to other markets.

My next step is… Opportunity for international expansion of RJ Maclean!