A FAMILY BUSINESS FULL OF ENERGY By Nerissa McNaughton
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nergy Saving Products Ltd. manufactures Hi-Velocity, small diameter duct HVAC systems designed for optimal energy efficiency. Products are manufactured in Edmonton and components are sourced mainly from Canadian suppliers. In the beginning, Leon and Elaine Prevost ran the business while their sons, Tim and Daniel, worked on their school’s summer holidays and then on breaks from their HVAC and refrigeration courses at NAIT. Both boys joined the business full-time upon graduating. The company enjoyed a steadily growing reputation as a Canadian manufacturer of energy efficient products and established strong support across North America from clients and suppliers. Then it all went up in smoke. January 27, 2009. An arsonist broke a window, poured 10 gallons of accelerant into the building, and lit it on fire. The building burned to the ground and nearly a million dollars worth of product was destroyed. “I was just utterly devastated,” says company president, Elaine Prevost. “I was about 12 blocks away when I saw the flames. They were 100 feet high. I thought to myself ‘please, not our building!’ But it was.” Elaine’s eldest son, Tim agrees. “There was a definite anger that there would be someone out there that could devastate my family and our business the way they did. They didn’t just hurt us. They hurt all 25 of us that worked here.” Leon, the CEO, was at a tradeshow in Chicago with his two sons when he heard the news. “After the initial shock wore off,” says Leon, “It was...I’m going to go back and work harder and build it better.” It took ingenuity, planning and dedication, but they replaced their facility with a state of the art, energy efficient office and warehouse on a budget so tight, it did not exceed the insurance compensation. “It just proves you can build energy efficient on a budget,” Elaine points out. She goes on to say that while the upfront costs of installing energy efficient products are higher than their standard counterparts, the payoff is seen in the long run. The heating costs for the old facility were $3,400 per month, but in the new facility? Just $880. Through tragedy and triumph, one thing has remained constant: This has been a family business from the get go. “I remember putting stickers on vents plates and screws in bags,” laughs Daniel as his older brother, Tim, estimates their ages be around six years old at that time. Working as a family is not always easy, but this tight knit group wouldn’t have it any other way. “We are all family, some of us just happen be related,” Elaine says of the Energy Saving staff. Like all families, there comes a time when the roles of the patriarch and matriarch start to change, and for Energy Saving, that Energy Saving Products Ltd. • 30 Year Anniversary
The Prevost Family: Daniel, Leon, Elaine & Tim.
time is now. “The enthusiasm of youth brings a fresh perspective to the process,” says Leon. “It’s time for me to step back.” Energy Saving is going through another metamorphosis. The parents, Leon and Elaine, are moving to roles of support while their children, Tim and Daniel, take the company in a new direction. Tim, whose current role is technical support and training, is looking into new markets outside of North America while Daniel investigates new technologies. Unwavering enthusiasm, tenacity in the midst of adversary, and the strong bonds of family have made this company a leading industry role model and a shining example of what can be accomplished with dedication, ingenuity and optimism.
Manufactured by
12615 - 124 Street Edmonton, Alberta Ph: 780-453-2093 • Fax: 780-453-1932 Toll Free: 1-888-652-2219 www.hi-velocity.com • info@hi-velocity.com
30th Anniversary 10519 - 114 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5H 3J6 Phone: 780-423-4066 • Toll Free: 800-232-7280 Fax: 780-421-9200 www.soperssupply.com
Congratulations Energy Saving Products Ltd. on 30 years! Congratulations Energy Saving Products Ltd.on 30 years of outstanding business and continued success in the future from your friends at George L Bogowicz Professional Corporation Chartered Accountant 17315 A-108 Ave N.W, Edmonton • Ph: 780-489-3333 • Fax: 780-489-1040
Congratulations Energy Saving Products Ltd. on 30 years!
The Only Box company With 2 Factories In Alberta 16208-114th Avenue Edmonton, AB T5M 2Z5 Tel: (780) 452-9522 • Fax: (780) 452-3876 • Toll Free: (800) 661-9949
TM
Small Duct High Velocity Heating, Cooling, and Indoor Air Quality Systems
Looking for Superior Indoor Air Quality in Every Room? • Quiet Operation
• Environmentally Friendly
• Eliminate Hot and Cold Spots
• Easy Installation & Maintenance
• Space Saving Small Diameter Ducts • Residential and Commercial • Energy Smart VFD Motors • Attractive Vent Plates • Locally Owned
Perfect for Retrofit Applications, the Hi-Velocity System can heat and cool your home with no major remodelling!
www.hi-velocity.com Manufactured by Energy Saving Products Ltd. - Proudly Canadian and Family Owned - Celebrating 30 Years in Business!
Energy Saving Products Ltd. • 30 Year Anniversary