Michael Craig Jesso
Building Community, One Event at a Time
CLASS OF 2025
Born in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, and raised in Fort McMurray from the age of nine, Michael Craig Jesso has been part of the community for nearly four decades. He began grade four at Father Beauregard, went on to St. John’s Junior High, and graduated from Father Mercredi. By 13, he was working at the Abasand Red Rooster, and by 19, he had launched his real estate career, a journey that will reach 30 years in April 2026.
For Michael, real estate is about more than buying and selling homes. “Seeing how happy people are on move-in day is the best part,” he says. “Knowing I’ve helped set them up for a better financial future means everything.” Clients often tell him they enjoy house-hunting with him because he treats each property as if he were the one buying it, pointing out flaws and features and always offering solutions. Many of those clients have since become lifelong friends.
Outside of real estate, Michael is also known for his writing in Your McMurray Magazine. “It’s amazing to know someone might take a little break and read something I wrote,” he says. “Since I don’t have kids, I love that I’ve left a little published stamp in time behind me.”
Michael’s volunteer record is as impressive as his career. It started 30 years ago with a simple highway cleanup through Realty World Classic. Today, he’s one of only two remaining original members of the Food Festival Committee, helping to organize the Patio Party and Pub Crawls that have raised more than $1-million for Waypoints.
He’s also been part of the RE/MAX Golf Tournament for nine years, helping raise about $1.8-million. In 2024, when RE/MAX partnered with St. Aidan’s for the Aging in Place program, he didn’t miss a single day, helping make 2,179 meals for seniors. That same year, his volunteer hours topped 2,300. “I’m sure I’ve forgotten a few,” he says with a laugh.
Michael’s motivation comes from the people around him. “I surround myself with people who are solution-based,” he says. “The feeling when you see 1,400 happy faces after a patio party is indescribable. Or when seniors tell us they cried because the meal was so good. It’s humbling. Some of them haven’t eaten like that at home in years. They need our help. Please volunteer with St. Aidan’s.”
His philosophy is simple: if it doesn’t exist, make it happen. “We live so far north,” he says. “You can either complain, or you can produce one of the best parties of the summer. Growing up, we had the Blueberry Festival, InterPLAY, and winter carnivals. It’s important to bring those experiences back. Embrace both the long summer days and short winter ones, and you’ll have a happy life.”
Looking ahead, Michael hopes to find the next generation of community leaders. “I’m looking for my replacement,” he says. “My eyes are open. I encourage everyone to help out when they can. I’m not going anywhere…I’ll always be around to consult.” Personally, he dreams of buying a VW Westfalia and exploring Canada from coast to coast.
Michael believes his love for his city and career go hand in hand. “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life,” he says. “There’s always a need for more—whether it’s seniors needing meals or a community needing a giant night out by the river. Bring people together, make it fun, and make it matter.”
He’s also passionate about preparing for the future. “Fort McMurray already has over 10,000 seniors,” he says. “By 2030, all the baby boomers will be seniors, and by 2036, Alberta will have over a million. We need to plan now, more support staff, facilities, and long-term strategies for healthy aging.”
As for his own role, he sees himself as both a connector and a protector of Fort McMurray’s legacy. “I remind people of our past so we can tackle the future the right way,” he says. “Too often, people pass through town just to pad their résumés. Not on my watch. This city gave me an amazing life, and I’ll keep giving back as long as I have breath in my body.”
Michael admits he’s not always easy to work with. “I’m tough sometimes,” he says. “I expect dedication and effort, even from volunteers. But my heart is always in the right place. Pay attention to my passion, not my frustration.”
