Arpad Berdin was born in Lendava in 1935 - as a member of the Hungarian minority in the Prekmurje region of what is today Slovenia. In 1954 at 19 years of age, he moved to Canada and since then has been known by those around him as "Arpi". He quickly gained employment as a driller/tool push in the oil industry. Within a few years, Arpi became interested in the sheet metal and ventilation industry and from humble beginnings, ventured into his own business as Arpi's Heating in 1963.
Operating out of a double garage at 2427 7th Avenue NW, Arpi, his faithful shepherd dog "Chief," and three neatly painted trucks soon became noticed additions to the heating industry in Calgary.
Arpi's expanded with the Alberta construction industry and added a Plumbing Division in 1973. Within eighteen years, the company (now Arpi's Industries Ltd.) had an Edmonton branch, offices in British Columbia and Saskatchewan, over one hundred eighteen trucks, employed up to 500 hundred people and operated as a full service mechanical contractor in the commercial, institutional and residential fields.
The company built larger premises in Calgary and moved to 61st Avenue S.W., next to Horton Road and finally to 6815 40th Street SE, where the current operation occupies one hundred thousand square feet.
Arpi became president of Calgary's Sheet Metal Industry Association in 1977, has been a member of the National Sheet Metal Industry Association and the Mechanical Contractors Association for 35 years. Arpi was also on the Board of Directors for the Construction Labor Relations.
Arpi maintains a strong appreciation for local and international soccer and for many years sponsored the Hungarian Soccer Club in Calgary. He helped manage the team in 1967 when the team won all five major Alberta trophies.
Arpi is an intense presence in Arpi's Industries current operations. His leadership and commitment to the principles on which he built the business are as strong as ever.
Today, Arpi's Industries is an industry leader in the heating and plumbing trades and looks forward to contributing to Alberta's advantage in coming years.
|
