Written by Cassi Smith
The leap into entrepreneurialism can be motivated by many things – ambition, inspiration, professional drive, but turning that motivation into a successful business is something else entirely, something Blake and Brittany Fremont say, takes trust.
“To trust yourself, is a huge success in itself.”
Husband and wife duo Brittany and Blake own and run Industrial Elite Engine Rebuilding Ltd. a Métis, family-run business based in the rural Prince Albert area. Built on years of hands-on experience in the heavy-duty trucking and mechanical industry, the company specializes in precision engine machining and rebuilding, serving clients who rely on quality, accuracy, and trust in their equipment.
Blake brings nearly two decades of industry experience to the business and Brittany plays a vital role as Bookkeeper and Secretary, while also balancing homeschooling their two daughters and managing the day-to-day demands of a growing operation. Together, Blake and Brittany have built a business that reflects their values and say the trust their clients have placed in them is their greatest honour. “Our clients are how we get to where we are in this industry,” says Brittany, “the support and trust they’ve shown us is huge.”
But that trust and support didn’t come unearned. After completing his education through Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC), Blake spent many years working as a heavy-duty mechanic before branching into business ownership. His expertise is rooted in both professional and lived experience, and he has firsthand knowledge of the realities truck owners face. “I believe in authentic work with integrity,” says Blake. “Doing the mechanic work firsthand and having the experience of owning trucks myself, I knew what the industry could do better.”
The decision to launch Industrial Elite Engine Rebuilding Ltd. came after years of operating within the trucking industry and listening closely to clients, employees, and partners. The transition into engine machining allowed Blake and Brittany to focus on quality control, precision, and accountability, ensuring work is completed with confidence in the final result. “Our incredible relationships with our clients gave us the confidence to branch out,” explains Brittany. The couple talked to their clients and employees and asked if they would support a change in the business. “The amount of support from our vendors, employees, and clients was astounding. That’s when we knew this was the direction we needed to go.”
Having already worked with CCDF in a previous role, the Fremonts knew this next step would require that same level of expertise and support. “CCDF has always been supportive and incredibly easy to work with,” says Blake. “We would highly recommend them for all their work in getting our dream business going for us.”
Blake and Brittany’s dream business is currently thriving, and they’re proud to be a Métis owned company and work with an organization like CCDF that recognizes the importance of that. “Their support to Métis owned businesses is such a blessing for those wanting to be successful in this competitive world,” says Blake. “They stand behind and support the dreams of the visionaries.”
Although their entrepreneurial leap proved successful, the duo says their journey was not without hardship. As a small business, issues with parts and quality of product became a strain on their clients and their employees. Shifting their operations allowed the couple to focus on providing service and products in house that they could trust. “It was our opportunity to know we are seeing things done in shop for our customers and are satisfied by the end result,” says Blake. “It’s a great feeling to know you have done it yourself and everything is measuring up to spec.”
“Blake is incredibly smart with hands on learning,” adds Brittany, “he’s meticulous and his attention to detail is a gift. He has been able to push his limits and has learnt to trust himself.”
With the incredible support of their loyal clients and the financial and professional support of CCDF, Industrial Elite Engine Rebuilding Ltd. is primed for continued success. Looking ahead, the Fremonts plan to expand their shop space, add additional equipment, and transition fully into an engine machining and rebuild operation. “We are striving to be a business that people can know and trust and put their faith in,” says Blake. “Our hearts truly go out to those that saw our vision and trusted us to keep pushing forward.”