Two Oakville businesses new on Canada’s Best Managed Companies list

When it comes to being recognized as one of the nation’s best managed companies, the CEO of Oakville-based business Ren’s Pets says it’s all about the people who work for you.

“This is a first for Ren’s Pets, to be honored with the Best Managed designation. We owe it 100 per cent to our amazing team at Ren’s,” said Scott Arsenault, of the reason the local business is among the 486 listed on Canada’s Best Managed Companies, a business awards programs recognizing Canadian-owned and managed companies for their innovative, world-class business practices.

The Canadian pet retailer has been recognized for its industry-leading performance, strong culture, and sustained growth.

“We are fortunate to have the best people engaged in our business, working in our stores, home office and distribution centers,” added Arsenault. “The passion they have for pets, the unwavering respect for our core values, and their commitment to being there for your Pet’s Best Life all comes together to make Ren’s a Best Managed company.

“We are so incredibly proud of this achievement.”

The pet store is one of two Oakville businesses, along with Caravan Group of Cos., named on the list of 30 who are first-time award winners.

To qualify as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, which is celebrating its 30 anniversary, businesses have to be privately owned with revenues of $50 million or greater.

The companies are evaluated on their leadership in the areas of strategy, culture & commitment, capabilities & innovations, and governance & financial performance.

Aside from the 30 new award winners, the remaining 456 companies are placed into three groups based on the number of years they have been included in the program.

Canada’s Best Managed Companies winners are for award recipients that have re-applied and retain their designation for two years. Gold Standard winners includes those on the list for four to six years and Platinum Club members are for those on the list for seven-plus years.

Ren’s Pets, which began as a small Canadian feed and supply store in 1975, has over 700 employees and opened six stores in 2023, including a new location set to open soon at Dorval Crossing.

At the end of this year, they will have 57 stores and an award-winning national online business.

“Ren’s has been in an exciting high-growth mode, opening four to twelve stores annually for the last six years while significantly expanding our ecommerce and innovation capabilities even during the pandemic,” said Larissa Wasyliw, VP of Ecommerce & Marketing at Ren’s Pets.

“Through it all, we’ve remained focused on our people, our customers, and their pets.”

Warehousing firm Caravan Group started 25-plus years ago and today has over 500 employees and 80,000 unique delivery locations.

Started by owners John Iwaniura, Bob Workun and Steve Merena, the company has grown to form one of the country’s top privately owned cross border transportation carriers.

“From Truckload and LTL to logistics and warehousing, we are your dependable transportation services since 1997,” the company says on its website. “Our team of transportation professionals works with you to ensure seamless freight movements, on time, every time. Our dedication to you is first and foremost.”