Our Story
Hat Doctor has been part of Alberta's Western heritage since 1902. What began as a humble home-based business creating hats of all styles for early Calgarians and area pioneers quickly grew into a respected storefront on 8th Avenue in downtown Calgary. As the demand for high-quality Western hats increased, so did the reputation of Hat Doctor.
With the opening of the Calgary Stockyards in 1961, Hat Doctor moved to the center of the cattle market industry in Western Canada. Over the years, the business has passed through respected hands, including Bob Abbott and Lace Noyes, each upholding the high standards of the craft.
With the opening of the Calgary Stockyards in 1961, Hat Doctor moved to the center of the cattle market industry in Western Canada. Over the years, the business has passed through respected hands, including Bob Abbott and Lace Noyes, each upholding the high standards of the craft.
In 1995, Master Hatter Marc Wight was entrusted with the legacy of Hat Doctor. Marc relocated the business southeast of Calgary and continued crafting and restoring hats for two decades. After 20 years of dedication, he began searching for the right people to carry on the Hat Doctor name—people with a deep respect for the hat and a commitment to preserving its tradition.
The Tradition Continues
Marc found the perfect successors in Carole Leroux and Greg Alexander.
Carole Leroux may be from Chelmsford, Ontario—northeast of Toronto—but she's always had a Western heart. Raised on a 75-acre hobby farm, Carole grew up riding horses and caring for livestock. Her father, Marcel, still wears his classic Western hat daily—a tradition that inspired Carole's love for cowboy culture.
From a young age, she dreamed of experiencing the Calgary Stampede. As a young adult, she finally visited the city and never looked back. In 2000, she became a Stampede volunteer, serving on the Western Showcase committee and helping organize the gala art preview and fashion show. She also built a successful career in the corporate world, serving as Southern Alberta Manager for Scholastic Book Fairs until 2014.
Carole Leroux may be from Chelmsford, Ontario—northeast of Toronto—but she's always had a Western heart. Raised on a 75-acre hobby farm, Carole grew up riding horses and caring for livestock. Her father, Marcel, still wears his classic Western hat daily—a tradition that inspired Carole's love for cowboy culture.
From a young age, she dreamed of experiencing the Calgary Stampede. As a young adult, she finally visited the city and never looked back. In 2000, she became a Stampede volunteer, serving on the Western Showcase committee and helping organize the gala art preview and fashion show. She also built a successful career in the corporate world, serving as Southern Alberta Manager for Scholastic Book Fairs until 2014.
Carole raised her two children, Jacob and Anne, on her own hobby farm on the southeastern edge of Calgary. In 2005, her passion for agriculture and the Stampede deepened when she joined the Sheep Committee, where she contributed to events like the World Stock Dog Championship and the North American Sheep Shearing Challenge.
During this time, she met Greg Alexander, a well-known horseman, rancher, and Stampede volunteer. Greg had farmed and ranched in the Calgary area his entire life and operated Just Passing Horse Transport and Bereavement Services. Like Carole, wearing a hat came naturally to Greg, who grew up alongside his brothers Jack and Bruce, all proudly sporting their cowboy hats.
During this time, she met Greg Alexander, a well-known horseman, rancher, and Stampede volunteer. Greg had farmed and ranched in the Calgary area his entire life and operated Just Passing Horse Transport and Bereavement Services. Like Carole, wearing a hat came naturally to Greg, who grew up alongside his brothers Jack and Bruce, all proudly sporting their cowboy hats.
A Wedding, a Hat, and a New Chapter
In 2014, Carole and Greg planned a true Western wedding on their property. Greg and his daughter Laura would arrive on horseback, followed by his son Cody, daughter-in-law Kathy, and their three grandchildren, who would blow bubbles down the aisle. Carole, escorted by Jacob and Anne, would join Greg for a heartfelt ceremony, followed by a barn dance celebration.
Carole found the perfect dress, but needed a hat to match. She turned to her good friend Rochelle Ouellette, who offered her late husband Ray's cherished off-white Stockman's hat. While it was the perfect style, it needed professional care to restore it to its former glory.
Greg knew exactly where to take it—Hat Doctor. They watched in awe as Marc Wight skillfully restored the well-worn hat. Moved by the experience, Carole and Greg learned that the Hat Doctor business was for sale. On the short drive home, they discussed the opportunity. Just two hours later, they left a message for Marc expressing their interest. Two days later—while still in the middle of planning their wedding—they met with Marc and Lynsey to explore the future of Hat Doctor. Marc was thrilled. He believed Carole and Greg were the perfect pair to carry on the Hat Doctor name and uphold its legacy.
Carole found the perfect dress, but needed a hat to match. She turned to her good friend Rochelle Ouellette, who offered her late husband Ray's cherished off-white Stockman's hat. While it was the perfect style, it needed professional care to restore it to its former glory.
Greg knew exactly where to take it—Hat Doctor. They watched in awe as Marc Wight skillfully restored the well-worn hat. Moved by the experience, Carole and Greg learned that the Hat Doctor business was for sale. On the short drive home, they discussed the opportunity. Just two hours later, they left a message for Marc expressing their interest. Two days later—while still in the middle of planning their wedding—they met with Marc and Lynsey to explore the future of Hat Doctor. Marc was thrilled. He believed Carole and Greg were the perfect pair to carry on the Hat Doctor name and uphold its legacy.
A New Chapter in Merritt, BC
From 1902 to 2014 and beyond, the Hat Doctor legacy lives on. In 2020, Carole and Greg relocated Hat Doctor to Merritt, British Columbia, right in the heart of B.C.'s Cowboy Country. Surrounded by ranchland and rich cowboy culture, Merritt is the ideal setting for the next chapter in this historic journey.
With deep roots in tradition and a passion for preserving the Western way of life, Carole Leroux and Greg Alexander continue the Hat Doctor legacy one handcrafted hat at a time.
With deep roots in tradition and a passion for preserving the Western way of life, Carole Leroux and Greg Alexander continue the Hat Doctor legacy one handcrafted hat at a time.
