100 Years of Bryan’s Fuel

In 1924, Roy D. Bryan, an Amaranth farmer, purchased a livery stable and blacksmith shop at what is now the location of the Leaders Building in Orangeville. From this location, Roy initiated an automotive dealership and garage selling Star & Durant, Essex and Hudson cars, Rugby trucks and BA Gasoline.

In 1929 Roy was joined by his younger brother Wilson and the business was expanded to include the buying and selling of hay and grain. In those days, a steam hay press did bailing and at their peak, Bryan’s had four such press gangs operating across Southwestern Ontario. Contracts with dairies and bakeries (both of which used horse-drawn wagons for door-to-door delivery) and the Toronto Stockyards kept a steady stream of Bryan’s trucks flowing to Toronto.

To make a two-way paying trip, Bryan’s entered the coal business in the thirties. At that time coal was the predominant heating method and sold for $10-12 per ton. Bryan’s Fuel remained in the coal business with several yards around Orangeville until the mid-1970s.

The garage business suffered a major setback when the building was destroyed by a spectacular fire on Christmas Day, 1934. The Bryan family, who lived in the apartment over the garage, were also homeless. Rather than give up, Roy and Wilson rebuilt and expanded with a new garage.

After six years as a bomber pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and obtaining a diploma in Business Administration from the University of Toronto, Roy’s son Glen returned to Orangeville and joined the family business. The post-war boom was a good time for automobile sales, cars were readily available again, and people had money to spend.

The mid-1950s saw the start of another new housing boom in Orangeville. At that time, Glen saw the opportunity to go into the home heating oil business.

“In 1956, I bought a used oil truck with an 800 gallon tank from Milnes Fuel in Toronto. My first customer was Keith Hunter who wanted the tank filled at his new home on Elizabeth Street. The tank truck wasn’t ready, so we delivered the oil in pails.”

– Glen Bryan

In 1959, the Garage was sold and the fuel and coal business was moved to 108 Mill Street and was operated from a small office next to the old grain elevator onsite.

In the 1960s, third party contractors performed almost all heating service work. In order to provide a superior service, Bryan’s Fuel began to offer service on oil-burning equipment. Within five years, installation was added to the roster of offerings at Bryan’s Fuel. Although a modest beginning, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning business has grown to be a significant portion of the total operation.

In 1966 the business moved to 42 Green Street. This was the location where the Bryan’s oil trucks picked up their fuel. Bryan’s Fuel took over management of the fuel plant, but Shell continued with the ownership of the property. This move allowed for more space for storage of furnaces and duct work and allowed parking of oil trucks and service fleet.

In the 1970s, Greg joined his father in the family business, marking a significant step in the company's evolution. With his arrival came a period of continued growth for the HVAC business, as Bryan's Fuel expanded its services and offerings. Notably, during this time, Bryan’s Fuel began to cultivate its own customer base by installing oil-burning equipment, providing the required oil supply, and offering maintenance services for the equipment as needed. This strategic move not only solidified the company's position in the market but also contributed to its reputation for reliability and comprehensive service within the community.

In 1983, Bryan's Fuel established itself as a Lennox Dealer, a partnership that has endured over the years as we continue offering quality Lennox products to customers up to the present day.

In 1988, Roy, equipped with valuable expertise as a registered professional engineer and a Master of Business Administration, joined the business, bringing new skill sets that contributed to its growth.

In the same year, Greg and Roy took over the reins of the business from their father, Glen, as he transitioned into semi-retirement.

Throughout the 1990s, Bryan’s Fuel experienced significant growth, expanding its customer base, fleet, and workforce. The company embraced new opportunities, entering the burgeoning new construction market to offer custom heating and cooling solutions tailored to clients' needs.

In 1996, Glen, the patriarch of the business, officially retired, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for Bryan’s Fuel. The following year, in 1997, the company relocated to 400 Richardson Rd, a move that provided larger office space, a full warehouse, and the capacity for much larger onsite fuel storage, including diesel, gasoline, and furnace oil.

The year 1999 held special significance for Bryan’s Fuel as it commemorated 75 years of dedicated service to Orangeville and surrounding communities. This milestone underscored the company's enduring commitment to delivering quality products and services.

In 2000, Bryan’s Fuel expanded its offerings to include propane and propane equipment, a decision driven by Roy's vision for substantial business growth.

By 2003, the company ventured into the Geothermal business, tapping into emerging energy trends.

In 2005, Bryan’s Fuel bolstered its propane services with the construction of a propane bulk plant at 400 Richardson Rd, featuring two 30,000 USWG propane storage tanks, enhancing its ability to meet increasing demand.

In 2007, Greg retired and Roy carried on the family tradition. Since 2007, Bryan’s Fuel has continued to grow as they service customers in Orangeville and beyond.

In 2014, Roy’s son Graham joined the team as Service Manager after finishing his degree in Business Administration from Acadia University. Laura joined her father and brother in 2018 as the Marketing Manager. Together, Graham and Laura proudly represent the 4th generation of Bryans dedicated to carrying on the family business.

Bryan’s Fuel has been a pioneer in adapting to changes within the home heating market, excelling in the installation of air-source and ground-source heat pumps. Concurrently, the company has expanded its custom home HVAC department, ensuring it remains a comprehensive provider of residential heating and cooling solutions.

With a fleet comprising 11 propane trucks and 5 fuel trucks, Bryan’s Fuel guarantees efficient delivery of energy products to its clientele. Supported by a dedicated team of 70 employees, the company maintains its commitment to delivering exceptional service and expertise.

In a notable milestone, Bryan’s Fuel recently installed two 50,000 USWG underground propane storage tanks, pioneering the first above and underground propane storage tank system in Canada. This reflects the company's dedication to innovation and sustainability.

Celebrating its 100th year in business, Bryan’s Fuel looks back on a century of growth, achievement, and community service. This milestone underscores its rich history and promises a future of continued success and commitment to excellence.