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Steve Mazurak was between meetings, which is the story of his life. Mazurak is in charge of marketing with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. And ever since he took the job, in 2007, the Roughriders have become one of the great examples of how to successfully market a pro sports team, and make tons of money at it.

Since Jim Hopson took over as CEO and President and hired Mazurak as his marketing guru, the Roughriders have been, as the song goes, "simply amazing."

They have made the Canadian Football League playoffs every year. They have been in two Grey Cup games, winning one in 2007 and losing in 2009, the loss giving birth to more than a few jokes. Such as?

Glad you asked. "What's the difference between Tiger Woods and the Saskatchewan Roughriders? Tiger had too many women. And the Riders had too many men." That was in reference to the Grey Cup loss that came about in part when the Riders were tagged with having too many men on the field.

The Riders have survived that embarrassing loss quite well, thank you. They sold so many season tickets; they will likely have to cap it. Most of their home games are sold out. Their merchandise and sponsorship packages are going like hotcakes at a Sunday morning church breakfast. And, their coaches are optimistic they will again field a solid contender.

They truly have become Canada's Team.

Even the Dallas Cowboys, considered to be America's Team, have called the Riders for advice on some marketing issues.

It's now become a big plus for business to be aligned with the Roughriders, and never will that bring about a bigger bang than this season.

That's why Exit Realty Fusion of Regina has taken over a Game Day sponsorship. For starters, Exit Realty Fusion EcoBroker Loretta Hughes will use the sponsorship package to not only strategically place her real estate company at the top of the heap, but she also plans to use it to raise funds for charity.

And, Exit Realty Fusion, which continues to grow on a weekly basis as one agent after another comes on board, has its own Roughrider flavour. Matt Dominguez was a great receiver with the Riders and Marc Parenteau is a starting guard with the green and white. Both are real estate agents with Exit. As well, financial administrator Connie Vann is married to former Rider great linebacker Cleveland Vann, and Realtor® Mona Crandell is married to former Rider quarterback and now offensive coach Marcus Crandell.

"We really are happy to have Exit Realty Fusion as one of our Game Day sponsors," said Mazurak. "It shows their commitment to the community in a meaningful way. And we are really excited about all the promotional plans they are putting in place. They will definitely get a lot out of this sponsorship package."

What makes this season all the more special is that the Riders are celebrating their 100^th anniversary. And, there are plenty of plans already in place, everything from special 100^th anniversary merchandise to special game events. A book covering the great history of the Riders was released late last year, one that I co-authored.

"When you think about it," said Loretta Hughes, "the Riders are a tremendously important part of the province's history. And, they do so much to promote Saskatchewan right across North America. We are really just a young company so to have this opportunity, to be a part of something like the Riders is great. I think people will see this and know we are serious about getting involved big time in our community. And, I am sure they will get excited about the things we're going to do. We are now part of Rider Pride. And we are bringing to the table, Exit Pride."