In the early 1950s, Edmonton was in a period of transition. The post-war period helped drive a growing economy, including an energy boom thanks to the recent discovery of oil in Leduc. The population had grown, vehicles were overtaking the number of buses, infrastructure was ramping up and the feeling of optimism was prevalent. It was during this time that Edward Kraushar saw an opportunity.
Edward launched Industrial Repair in Edmonton in the early 1950s in order to provide honest, reliable, and knowledge-based repair services for oilfield pumps and generators. Now, with more than 60 years between the foundation of the brand and now, the company has changed names and expanded its offerings, but has never lost the passion and drive to provide professional services and products that help their customers succeed.
“While my father opened the shop as Industrial Repair, it was renamed and incorporated in 1965 as Renown Industries Ltd.,” says Myron Kraushar, General Manager and co-owner. “As the company grew and expanded, we moved twice. In 1980 we bought the building and land at our present location.”
Myron and his three brothers (Lyle, Kirby and Darrell) continue to be actively involved in the operations of the business.
Today Renown has grown into a leading wholesale distributor specializing in pumps, generators, engines and electric motors, serving Western Canada and the North. The company supports a range of sectors, including oilfield, construction, agricultural, industrial and petrochemical markets. Their extensive product lineup is suitable for a variety of industrial, commercial and residential applications. Renown offers warranty and non-warranty service for all their product lines and also services other related brands. They excel at assembling custom pump sets, complete with various power options and accessories, tailored to meet specific customer needs. The vast inventory of units and parts ensures orders are processed and shipped efficiently, often on the same day.
For Myron, it comes down to the fundamentals of, “Great products, knowledgeable, hardworking staff along with fair, honest and reliable service. We maintain good product lines, have extensive product knowledge and are fortunate to have long-serving staff and ownership. We maintain strict inventory control, keeping good stock levels and often provide same-day shipping.”
He continues, “Our clients recognize the strength of our inventory management and stocking systems, which form the foundation of our success. It’s essential for customer service that they can rely on us for the right parts, knowledgeable staff and fair, consistent pricing. Many of our clients are resellers, so we’re mindful of their margins, ensuring they can remain profitable.”
He adds, “Renown is well-known across Western Canada and Alberta as the go-to for pump issues. Whether it’s solving the problem, sourcing the part or offering advice, we prioritize helping our customers. If we don’t have what they need, we guide them to someone who does.”
This commitment to customer service was demonstrated when Renown moved to its present location. The brothers worked their jobs during the day and prepared for the move on the evenings and weekends. They didn’t close the doors, ensuring customers had access to the products and services they needed during the transition.
Now, despite a provincial labour shortage, Renown’s long-term staff ensure expertise and consistency. One of the company’s newest team members has been employed with them for nine years, and the longest-ranging team member has been with them since 1987.
Tracey Wain, operations manager, says it’s because of the outstanding corporate culture.
“Myron is a good teacher and he is very patient,” smiles Wain. “He passes the values down on which the company was founded, and he is happy to share his knowledge with the team. Our corporate culture is based on teamwork. Everyone works together. There are days we have so much product coming in and going out that some team members come to the back and help the shipper. We all work naturally together.”
On the more humourous side, Myron notes what it’s like to work in a family business for decades, “We have four brothers working together and we are all still alive to talk about it!”
The longevity of the team is vital to ensure that product knowledge remains at the forefront. Myron explains, “The average person would not know how many variables need to be considered before selling the product; we know how to ensure our customers receive the correct pump sets.”
Edmonton changed dramatically from the day the company opened the doors to its current origins, but at every step of the way, this agile family business has humbly and quietly helped shape and support the industry and the energy sector.
Myron says, “On behalf of Renown Industries, we are humbled and grateful for the many service and sales awards from our vendors. We have received great support from long-time vendors, and we have had great employees to help us achieve where we are today.”
While the awards are cherished, the team’s greatest joy stems from when clients are happy. Clients frequently commend the company for its efficient inventory management, ensuring parts are always available when needed. Many of their testimonials (which can be found on the Renown website and accompanying the 4.9/5 rating on Google reviews) highlight the knowledgeable team for providing expert advice and solutions that prioritize the customers’ bottom lines. The company’s refusal to turn away a client without help, whether by sourcing parts, offering fixes or guiding them to alternative providers, has earned them widespread trust. This dedication has positioned Renown as the go-to destination for pump and equipment needs across Alberta, Western Canada and into the North.
“At the end of the day, I feel we have lived and worked up to our father’s legacy. We are just a small company doing the right things,” Myron concludes. “For 60 years we have lived our commitment to being honest, promoting family values, being active in the community, working hard, supporting our clients and just taking things one day at a time. We have solved many pump problems over the course of six decades and it’s been wonderful to see our customers expand across Western Canada.”
With more than 60 years since the origins of the company, this family business plans to continue its legacy and ensure clients have what they need, when they need, backed expertise and outstanding customer service.
5608-94A Street NW
Edmonton AB T6E 3E4
Phone: 780-435-3447
Fax: 780-436-6691
info@renownindustries.com
