It Begins with a Handshake
Sometimes, it’s as simple as that. In 1986, Al Side of Northern Metalic set his sights on building a brand that could provide specialized oilfield expertise. The idea was there, and a team was possible. From there, a handshake between Al Side and Barry Smith set history in motion to bring us Baron Oilfield today.
Growing since 1986
Baron had a humble beginning, opening its doors in 1986 as a two-person operation. The team grew to three the following year and, from there, our growth has been exponential with branch locations throughout Alberta and northern British Columbia. With the robust activity in the Montney Duvernay area at the time, Grande Prairie was the prime location to push off our business and establish our head office. From there, we continued to branch out — both in locations and in product offerings — and today, we boast some of the industry’s most experienced staff. We are very grateful for our roots and proud to maintain Grande Prairie as our head office today.
Pride in Our Team, Proud of Our Experience
As Baron Oilfield Supply has grown, many of the staff who first joined have stayed with us, ranging from 10 to over 35 years of longevity. This, coupled with the passion, pride, and respect our staff have for each other, has been amazing to watch grow. We are touched by the commitment of our teams and know that it is this commitment that has made us the Baron people know today.
Oilfield Supply is a People Business
In business, location-location matters. And the Grande Prairie region, in the centre of the two major liquid-rich natural gas plays in North America and home to some of Canada’s top oil and gas companies, location-location is also a key factor of the dynamic Baron Oilfield Supply success story. “Our business is built on service!” says the personable, and industry-respected Barry Smith, President of Baron Oilfield Supply, the 100% Canadian-owned and operated company and part of the diverse Side Group of companies, serving the oil and gas industry. “At the core of Baron’s service is to always deliver on customer expectations. It is one of our greatest strengths.” People. Service. Quality. It’s more, much more than Baron’s slogan. It is the company’s commitment.
While Baron focuses on its wide selection of oilfield products – from forged steel fittings and flanges, cast, and forged steel valves, pipe, tubing and nipples to lubricants, tools and, even wiping products, rags, cleaning supplies, and more – Baron’s trusted and respected service expertise puts the company into a league of its own. In its 37th year of earning a solid reputation for quality products, state-of-the-art systems and expertise, the Baron difference is people. “It’s a funny thing about reputation,” Smith notes. “We can’t buy it. We earn it, every day, with every order and with every service call. Of course, the equipment and systems are technical, complex, and critical, but relationships are Baron’s unique specialty.” Despite the ups and downs of the oil and gas industry, the exciting technology and state-of-the art systems and equipment, Smith emphasizes that oilfield service is still very much a people business! “The customers, the suppliers, and the service excellence of our skilled staff. Our people are #1. Most have been part of our team for 12 to 35 years. They are family,” he says with passion. They create the growth and the success, and they make us who we are.”
With 45 years of industry experience, Barry Smith acknowledges the constant changes in the oil and gas sector. The needs and expectations of Baron’s customers have changed. Oilfield services change. Newer and newer materials, equipment, and technology are constantly changing and are key aspects of Baron’s efficient and up-to-date expertise. He admits with high-energy positivity that the oilfield supply services, like most businesses, occasionally have unexpected speedbumps, such as recent supply chain issues. “But with solid relationships and decades of exceptional troubleshooting and problem-solving experience, we have the quality products and the expertise to listen to our customers, understand their situations, resolve their issues, and get the job done.”
