Don Chase

Born in Coburg, Ontario in 1936; his Family moved to Lindsay shortly after.

Don began his career with ABEX Industries in Lindsay in 1956 in the warehouse.  After a short period, he then moved on to the sales desk. 

In 1960 he assumed a sales role based in Regina, Sask., covering Manitoba, Saskatchewan & the Lakehead region. He moved to Calgary with ABEX in 1964 covering Alberta, then back to Ontario in 1968 for a sales management position in Toronto.  

In 1972, Don joined AP Parts Canada in a sales management role and after increasing responsibilities over time, became President in 1977.   

Don founded Specialty Sales and Marketing in 1982 with two partners, Frank Reeves and Doug Williams. Don identifies A. J. Blair; John Grant (Sr.) and the Grote Manufacturing Company as those that gave him guidance and encouragement throughout his career.  

Don was one of the founding Members of Shad’s R&R and supportive of a number of Industry initiatives, which included AIA Committee and Council involvement.  He is the only person by name to have been issued the Horace J Pratt Award, issued by BESTBUY Distributors for Supplier Excellence. Don always stayed behind the scenes, allowing his staff and peers to be in the forefront of anything he was involved with.  He maintains a continued interest in the well being of Specialty Sales and Marketing, and his legacy lives on through 30+ employees; and over 200 extended family members today.

Don and Ursula currently reside in Peterborough, Ontario, and enjoys time with daughter Sherri and husband Brad; two granddaughters and one great grandson.  Don enjoys a game of golf anytime (weather permitting) and regularly shoots his age or lower.  

He is also President of his Condominium Association; age has not slowed him down.