Stacey Lauer was introduced to the commercial refrigeration and HVAC trade in the 1980s through a work experience program in grade 11. He enjoyed the variety and challenge that this trade presented and has never looked back. Through the years, Lauer has mastered his technical skills while developing relationships with a wide network of professionals within the trade. One such relationship with a like-minded entrepreneur, Cal Ashby, resulted in the formation of CTR Refrigeration and Food Store Equipment in 2000.
“While we shared the responsibilities related to business operations, we each had a specialized focus within the business. I specialized on the technical side and my partner, Cal, focused on the engineering side,” says CTR President, Stacey Lauer. “Between the two of us we had the skills and ability to design and build any system that clients requested.”
Backed by the duo’s depth of knowledge, years of experience and three trusted employees, they launched their commercial refrigeration company specializing in supermarket refrigeration in Calgary. CTR quickly established a reputation for quality services and products with exemplary customer service, and its customer base grew steadily. Within 18 months, demand from northern Alberta clients resulted in the creation of an Edmonton branch.
Today, that initial team of five has grown to include a team of 70 staff members, 42 of whom are commercial refrigeration technicians providing innovative solutions to an ever-growing roster of clients. Despite this growth, Ashby and Lauer pride themselves on maintaining their hands-on, customer-centric approach. This, together with their combined 93 years of experience and vast technical knowledge, has led to the company’s longevity and success.
CTR offers diverse services, specializing in commercial refrigeration, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems along with building control systems that manage the heating, cooling and lighting of commercial buildings, primarily supermarkets. When clients come to the team with a project, they benefit from a partner who works in every aspect from designing, installing servicing and maintaining the system over the long term. From supermarket chains to pharmaceutical storage, refrigerated warehousing to storage and processing of root crops, display cases for ready-to-eat meals to blast freezers, CTR has the knowledge and experience to meet the needs of customers and their project requirements.
“We are well rounded in that we have not focused on one customer or one aspect of the industry. This has allowed us to weather a lot of storms through the changes in the economy specific to downturns and recessions,” Lauer says.
One example is High Caliber Products, CTR’s robust and well-stocked webstore and showroom where the founders incorporated their love of food by offering quality sausage supplies and equipment to everyone from hunters to BBQ enthusiasts. The knowledgeable staff helps customers navigate the custom-blended spices, cures, sausage casings and accessories for both commercial and home use, and they take it a step further by offering High Caliber’s sausage-making classes.
While CTR continues to diversify and grow, many of its original clients remain loyal customers today, helping to make CTR known as one of the top refrigeration companies in Alberta. The strength of the company didn’t go unnoticed. In 2021, Ashby and Lauer sold the business and joined The Arcticom Group, a U.S.-based commercial and industrial refrigeration company, to facilitate even more growth. CTR retained its customer-facing identity, operating independently with Lauer at the helm while benefiting from the buying power, resources and expertise that exist in the Arcticom network.
“We’ve been fortunate to be at the leading edge of the refrigeration world and we have some great opportunities to continue to grow the business,” says Stacey Lauer. “We are proud to be celebrating our 25th anniversary. While it has not always been easy, we are proud of where we came from and what we have achieved together with our amazing team, including those who have been with us from day one.”
4840 52 St. SE, Calgary, AB T2B 3R2
Ph: 403-444-2877 | Toll Free 1-877-736-7287
