Trius Corporate History
In 1972 Gordon Wheaton founded Trius Taxi Ltd. as a three car taxi service. Business growth was rapid as the fleet expanded and a courier company was acquired. Over the next four decades, Trius' growth in the transportation industry saw expansion into school bus transport, tours and tour packaging, government courier routes, commuter runs, garbage collection and vehicle sales and leasing. In 1987, Trius Taxi Ltd. officially changed its name to Trius Inc. to better reflect the nature of the company which had grown into a diversified organization with almost 100 employees and an operating fleet of 175 vehicles. The taxi division was eventually sold in 1997. Serving New Brunswick for over 35 years, Trius now operates six company divisions out of two facilities on Trius Drive and Bishop Drive in Fredericton.
The Trius Team
Gordon Wheaton is the motivating force behind the creation and expansion of the Trius group of companies. His management skills have proven that he is an able entrepreneur whose expansion into various service sectors has created long-term, stable employment. Mr. Wheaton is president of the Trius Group which comprises several companies. The managers, who are responsible for the day to day operations of each company, and the comptroller report directly to Mr. Wheaton.
Senior Management:
R. Gordon Wheaton - President
Gordon Wheaton is the president and sole director of Trius Inc. Mr. Wheaton has been an entrepreneur from the age of seven when he had a large newspaper route, handling his own banking and finances from that early age on. While growing up, Mr. Wheaton held various odd jobs as well as buying and selling cars on the side. His first taste of the commercial transportation business came while attending university where he scheduled his courses to accommodate driving a school bus as well as attending classes.
After graduating from St. Thomas University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1972 , Mr. Wheaton obtained a real estate license, set up a taxi business and continued to drive a school bus. Eventually, the demands of a growing taxi business required him to focus on that and the company grew quickly under his direction. The business began to diversify and expand into other areas of the transportation field including bus charters, courier services, garbage disposal, vehicle leasing and automotive servicing. In the 40 years since its inception, Trius has continued to grow, its success directly attributable to Mr. Wheaton's business acumen and hands-on approach.
Robert Harrison, FCGA -Comptroller
Robert Harrison has had a diverse career in accounting, working for firms in the areas of transportation, commercial printing, residential and commercial real estate, food and beverage service, radio stations, aquaculture and public accounting. He has extensive experience in financial statement preparation and interpretation, problem solving, and decision making in areas including corporate tax, working capital management, budgeting and liaison with external auditors. Mr. Harrison received his FCGA designation in 1991. Having served ten years on the Association's board (as president in 2001) he is still very actively involved in the Association at both the local chapter level and with the CGA-NB Board of Governors.
Jerry Arbeau - Manager, SA Deliveries
Jerry Arbeau has been employed with Trius since the early 1970s when he began work as a taxi driver and later, delivery driver. As his commitment to and knowledge of the courier business grew, Mr. Arbeau's responsibilities increased. Under his direction, SA Deliveries has grown to include 18 full time employees. The rapid and solid growth of the courier company is a reflection of Mr. Arbeau's commitment to quality service and his active involvement in all aspects of the business.
Mac MacDonald - Operations Manager, Trius Automotive and Trius Disposal Systems Ltd.
Malcolm MacDonald has been employed with Trius since 1984. Prior to joining Trius, he was with a General Motors dealership where he held a Truck and Tractor license and worked in a supervisory position as truck foreman. As well as Mr. MacDonald's management duties in the automotive division, he is co-manager of Trius Disposal Systems Ltd. In addition to operational responsibilities Mr. MacDonald also oversees all Trius fleet maintenance and safety.
Bob Hay - Operations Manager, Trius Disposal Systems Ltd.
Bob Hay began his duties with Trius Disposal Systems Ltd in 1998 managing many of the administrative and personnel functions of the division. Prior to being at Trius, Mr. Hay had built up 17 years experience in the restaurant business at locations in Saint John, Fredericton, and Oromocto, where for several years he owned and operated a Greco franchise, as well as in Stewiake and Truro, Nova Scotia. Mr Hay's responsibilities with Trius Disposal also include management of the Trius Dolly division, which markets sales and rentals of a popular wheeled refuse container, as well as co-ordinating the successful Junk Movers service.
Dave DeLong - Sales Manager, Trius Truck Centre
Dave DeLong joined the Trius team at the Truck Centre in 2006, coming with extensive experience from 30 years in the auto industry where he has been involved in leasing, rental, and new and used sales of a wide range of vehicles. Combining numerous sales and management courses with his hands on experience in the industry, Mr DeLong's expertise is a valuable asset in the rapidly growing business at the Truck Centre.