With over 40 years in the construction equipment rental industry, Doug Dougherty has led Cooper Equipment Rentals through extraordinary growth. Since joining forces with business partner Darryl Cooper in 2010, he has expanded the company from two locations and 20 employees to over 85 branches and 1,300 team members across Canada, maintaining a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 42%. Under his leadership, Cooper has successfully navigated multiple acquisitions while fostering a strong workplace culture that prioritizes collaboration, innovation, and employee development.
Doug believes that great businesses are built on great teams. His leadership philosophy centers on open communication, diverse perspectives, and empowering employees to drive success. A strong advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I), he has played a key role in Cooper’s push for gender parity, earning a Bronze Parity Certification from Women in Governance in 2022. He is also passionate about workforce development, encouraging industry newcomers to explore the many career opportunities in equipment rentals.
Beyond his role at Cooper, Doug serves on the board of trustees at the George Hull Centre for Children and Families, supporting youth mental health. An avid skier, tennis player, golfer, and cyclist, he enjoys staying active and spending time with his growing family.