Business

Lessons from a lifetime of purposeful innovation and entrepreneurship

2026 International Distinguished Entrepreneur Award recipient Reinhold Schmieding visits UM and the Asper School of Business.

Michael Benarroch and Reinhold Schmieding
Estimated Read Time:
3 minutes
UM President Michael Benarroch and Reinhold Schmieding
UM President Michael Benarroch and Reinhold Schmieding
Estimated Read Time:
3 minutes

Before Reinhold Schmieding presented a video to students of the many Arthrex facilities worldwide, of multiple company campuses and manufacturing facilities larger than UM’s Fort Garry campus, he said something that reflected his incredible journey. 

“All this happened in one lifetime.”

Arthrex is one of the largest companies worldwide that you may not have heard of. It is a world leader in orthoscopic surgery tools used mainly in sports medicine—treating countless patients as well as sports figures worldwide—including just last year, Winnipeg Jets’ goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.

Reinhold Schmieding is the founder and president who built Arthrex—which generates an annual revenue of $5 billion and employs 15,000 people worldwide—from a single room after founding the company in 1981. 

He’s also the recipient of the International Distinguished Entrepreneur Award (IDEA), the highest honour given by the University of Manitoba. Both IDEATE and IDEA were organized and presented by the Associates of the Asper School of Business in support of the Asper School of Business. 

Inspiring Students

At the IDEATE student presentation, sponsored by Princess Auto, Reinhold gave more than 250 students a behind-the-scenes view of Arthrex’s incredible innovations. 

Like many students, he was unsure of what he initially wanted to do for a career. However, that all changed after attending a career fair and seeing a table displaying surgical tools. It was a small moment that sparked a lifetime of curiosity and led to the creation of Arthrex.

From there, he shared his inspiring journey, creating a purposeful company designed to help surgeons treat their patients better—a mission that connects back to the Asper School’s mission: “we keep community in business.” 

Arthrex’s tools have changed the lives of millions of individuals and professional athletes. Reinhold shared many riveting examples, such as the Fibular Nail Treatment that helped Alex Killorn play in the Stanley Cup Finals days after surgery. 

Reinhold Schmieding at a podium
Reinhold Schmieding at the Asper School of Business
IDEA gala 2026

Inspiring Manitoba’s business community

The IDEA gala dinner on May 21, 2026, not only honoured Reinhold’s achievements, but also gave 1,200 distinguished attendees from Manitoba business community a sneak peek of an innovation that will soon make Arthrex a household name in Manitoba. 

The Manitoba business community was treated to a glimpse of the renovation of Portage Place by the government of Manitoba and True North Real Estate Development. Inside, Manitobans will be able to find the Health-Care Centre of Excellence, which plans to integrate key Arthrex innovations into its design. 

Winnipeg surgeon Dr. Peter MacDonald—who used Arthrex’s minimally invasive orthopedic surgical tools on Connor Hellebuyck—shared what has set Reinhold Schmieding apart in his field.

What sets apart Mr. Schmieding is not simply what he built, but how he built it. In an era defined by short-term thinking, he has remained steadfastly committed to long-term excellence

Dr. Peter MacDonald

“He preserved a culture focused on innovation, education and quality above all else. That philosophy has allowed the company to lead, not follow,” said MacDonald, adding: “He reinvests almost everything into the business. […] In fact, he’s driven the same car for as long as I’ve known him.”

Before the business community began networking, Winnipeg Jets Executive Chairman & Governor Mark Chipman offered Reinhold one last surprise: a custom, Connor Hellebuyck-signed goalie mask. 

Reinhold Schmieding with Dr. Peter MacDonald
Reinhold Schmieding with Dr. Peter MacDonald
Reinhold Schmieding and Mark Chipman
Mark Chipman gifts Reinhold Schmieding a custom signed Connor Hellebuyck goalie mask

Supporting student success through experiential learning

The IDEA VIP auction offered bidders a choice of two trip packages generously donated by Reinhold Schmieding. The money raised will give back to support experiential learning at the Asper School of Business, a cornerstone of the school’s mission to equip students with practical, real-world experience. 

Bruno Silvestre, Dean of the Asper School of Business, describes the impact of this incredible contribution and the importance of offering high quality experiential learning opportunities to students.

“At the Asper School of Business, we take pride in giving students many opportunities to learn about business through applied, meaningful experience in real-world business contexts. This generous contribution will allow students to build confidence, sharpen their skills, and make a real impact in local organizations, all while earning credit toward their degree.”

“We are grateful to offer students this opportunity to connect with incredible business leaders like Mr. Schmieding. Thank you to The Associates of the Asper School of Business for their continued support of our mission to provide world-class business education here in Manitoba.”

Funds raised through the IDEA VIP Auction will help support experiential learning opportunities for Asper students. Learn more about how experiential learning at the Asper School is shaping the next generation of business leaders in Manitoba — and how you can support future opportunities.