HUMAN series: Episode 5 Building Your Brand

Riley Harrison was recruited to play receiver for the Manitoba Bisons beginning in 2014. A self-described “humble and hard-working guy,” he played for his teammates and enjoyed every second of his journey. He had his breakout season in 2016, recording 535 yards – good for seventh in the conference – from the slotback position.

Entering the 2020 season, Harrison had 1,199 career receiving yards, placing him just outside the top ten in program history. Had there been a season, he would’ve had the chance to break the program record of 2,092 while also setting himself up in a better position to get drafted.

That didn’t happen. The COVID-19 pandemic derailed the season, and Harrison’s career was cut short right at its peak, as he was preparing for the CFL Draft.

“COVID shut everything down, and along with it my shot at the CFL,” said Harrison.

“After that, I went to work as a painter for a company. I started hating it and didn’t enjoy going to work. I realized I needed to make a change. I took a gamble and quit my job to start my own company. In doing so, I fell back in love with painting and found a new passion as an entrepreneur.”

Harrison started doing gigs last March, so he’s coming up on one year of successfully running a business (Prodigy Paint and Design). He is passionate about sharing his experiences as an entrepreneur with others, and how his time with the Bisons has helped him succeed.