MAKING A DIFFERENCE BY IMPROVING AIR QUALITY
Hi-Velocity Systems Celebrates 40 Years
By Nerissa McNaughton with photos by Rebecca Lippiatt
The Hi-Velocity system provides exceptional heating, cooling, filtration, ventilation, humidification and dehumidification in one small and efficient package. It can be installed without disturbing drywall and is suitable for all sorts of buildings, from residential homes to commercial storefronts to industrial factories. This product is a success story that comes from right here in Edmonton.
“My father, Leon Prevost, wanted to re-invent the small duct high velocity (SDHV) system,” says Tim Prevost, director of business development.
“He saw a void in the marketplace for the product when he was selling HVAC technology to a customer base in Edmonton. When he left that job, he figured he could create a better product in his garage. And he did.”
The SDHV system Leon created changed the industry. Hi-Velocity Systems went from a home business to worldwide sales in a matter of years. Inspired by the journey, Tim joined the company in 2001, followed by his brother Daniel (now director of operations) in 2003.
“I watched my dad start the business in the garage,” smiles Tim. “I ‘helped’ around the shop since I was four or five years old. As I got older, I realized I didn’t have a passion to do anything else. I wanted to work with what I loved and what I knew. The company started me right at the bottom of the assembly line, doing all aspects of putting together and testing every product we offered at the time. I was happy to start in an entry level position so I could learn, grow and earn my way up through the various roles.”
Seeing the product grow from a prototype to an international success story fills Tim with pride.
“Taking a product made in Edmonton with our name and our brand and now having it explode into places like the United States and China… becoming a known brand internationally is something we are quite proud of.”
It’s not hard to see why the product is doing so well locally and abroad. Tim explains, “The HiVelocity system utilizes a unique small ductwork. That small duct works at a higher pressure and moves air more effectively. By moving air more effectively, we can provide better comfort and cleaner indoor air quality. We are in the business of providing our customers with cleaner, healthier air. All of our products focus on accessible, affordable, sustainable air quality. It’s simply great technology.”
The products are backed up by outstanding customer service.
“We provide exceptional support for our customers,” Tim continues. “We have fantastic staff on hand that are always ready to take calls. In fact, customer service is something we are well known for. We are also known for our aggressive approach to research and development and are always looking for better ways to do things and to get more quality into our customer’s hands. This is why we are involved in the Government of Canada’s Net Zero Advisory Body and work with other organizations to help make buildings as efficient as possible.”
Educating the customers is a priority. Tim points out, “A lot of people focus on the small duct as
why they want to use our product, and the solutions of space saving and ease of installation. They are surprised to learn that they are also getting a system that cleans
the air very efficiently. Hi-Velocity products can greatly lower the air contamination levels in a home, office or industrial building.”
The range of the Hi-Velocity system is vast. It has been installed in Landmark Homes locally in Edmonton, in both mansions and in traditional single family homes across North America and in large commercial developments like Alberta Bud Inc. and GreenGro.
Tim, Daniel and their team strive to give back to the community in other ways as well by supporting a variety of non-profit and charitable organizations, such as the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation.
To the customers, from the first one that took a chance on the innovative products coming out of a garage to the international clients relying on SDHV technology for large scale manufacturing around the world, Tim says a very big, “Thank you! Thanks for trying out technology that is unique in the industry. I hope you like it and that you will use it again and again.”
Tim also thanks “our suppliers for their very hard work. We work with a lot of local suppliers and intend to keep as much of our supply chain as possible right here in Edmonton. One thing my dad did early on was to keep our products North American sourced and made. Thanks to that, we have not had to worry about freight and quality issues, even during COVID.”
“We would like to especially say a big thank you to Landmark Homes. They gave us a chance in 2012 and never looked back. It’s a wonderful partnership that helped to grow our customer base.”
“We are also very grateful and appreciative of our staff. Every employee is considered family. We try to create a positive corporate culture to support them.”
Forty years have passed and there are many more years ahead for the agile company. Tim and Daniel’s focus is on managing the company’s growth, continuing to innovate in the industry and ensuring each customer gets the products and customer service that will make a difference in their lives.