ESTEVAN — Grimes Sales and Service (2020) has been a big part of the southeast Saskatchewan energy sector since the late 1940s, with three generations of the Grimes family providing ownership.
The business, which is based in Lampman, was inducted into the Nick and Verna Morsky Estevan Business Hall of Fame during the Estevan Business Excellence Awards Oct. 24 at the Southeast College.
Founded in 1940 by Clayton and Kathleen Grimes as a farm implement dealership, the business evolved under the leadership of their son Mel into a “powerhouse” in oilfield production equipment.
“Mel’s early career in the oilpatch and a deep understanding of field operations laid the groundwork for a business that prioritizes responsiveness and reliability,” stated the bio. “Their mantra was simple: service first.”
Whether it was supplying parts to remote farms or answering calls at 1 a.m., the bio says Mel's commitment to customer care was the company’s defining trait.
In the late 1990s, Mel partnered with geologist Paul Cheung to introduce the HG pumping unit manufactured in China. It grew from 20 units in 2001 to over 11,000 sold across Western Canada by 2012.
“Customers knew they could call Grimes, describe their well specs and get immediate guidance,” the bio said. “That level of trust and technical expertise was rare and transformative.”
After selling to Schlumberger in 2014, Mel stayed on as a consultant until his death in 2016.
In 2020, his daughter Stacey Grimes-Wempe and the company’s long-time operations manager Kent Lees bought the company back, resuming the tradition of excellence and community service. The bio notes the business offers equipment sales, rentals, picker and wench services, and parts support throughout the Prairies.
The company is also a big part of the community through its sponsorship of events and programs.
Grimes-Wempe noted she was never able to meet her grandfather Clayton, but he was part of the community. She thanked the Estevan chamber for the induction.
“It’s truly an honour to stand here and represent three generations of hard work, dedication and community support,” said Grimes-Wempe.
She also thanked her family for their patience and support. Grimes-Wempe noted Lees wanted her to take care of speaking at the induction. She knew she needed him to run the business while she went to the oil shows, took care of the community engagement and handled other public aspects.
“During COVID, when oil was -$20 per barrel, and we decided to buy back Grimes Sales and Service, I think a few people had wondered if I was all there … but I knew this was what needed to be.”
Grimes-Wempe said her parents would be thrilled with the induction. She always thought her late brother Clinton would take over the company. Running the businesses has been a great journey and she has had a lot of encouragement.
“I’m just so proud to be here, and for the community, we wouldn’t be here. My mom and dad always said that the reason they were successful was the team they had and the community support, because if it wasn’t for that, they wouldn’t be here," said Grimes-Wempe.
The Morskys’ daughter Pam DeChief inducted Grimes Sales and Service (2020) into the business hall.
Chamney Construction is also inducted on Oct. 24.
The EBEX Awards and the Business Hall of Fame are a project of the Estevan Chamber of Commerce. The celebration is held every second year during the national Small Business Week.
The Business Hall of Fame was launched in 2011, and the Morskys were among the first honourees, thanks to their success with business ventures, including the Derrick Motor Inn, for more than 60 years, and their pride in the community.
“This award is designed to recognize exceptional business pioneers and cornerstone business leaders who demonstrate excellence over a period of at least 15 years, and whose business has also contributed to the economic well-being of Estevan and the immediate area,” said DeChief.
“This year, the judges and the chamber board thought that two companies were most deserving of being inducted into the business hall of fame,” she added later.
A total of 12 businesses and individuals are now in the Estevan business hall.
