Keelar Contracting relies on Mack work trucks that just keep running
Hauling gravel across Saskatchewan’s rugged highways takes a tough trucker and an equally tough truck. For more than 50 years, Larry Urick, president of Keelar Contracting Ltd., has relied on Mack® Trucks to get the job done. While he no longer braves the province’s harshest winters behind the wheel, he remains at the helm of the business, preparing to pass the legacy on to his sons, Keegan and Logan.
A family tradition on Mack wheels
Keelar Contracting’s roots date back to 1965 when Peter Urick founded a construction and aggregate hauling business in Saskatchewan, Canada. As the only son, Larry, at age 17, started working alongside his father, eventually taking over and expanding the company.
Their Mack journey began in 1974 with the purchase of their first truck, a black 1963 B61 Mack. “Things were slow, but we kept going,” Larry recalls. Since then, the Urick family has owned 22 Mack trucks, each playing a vital role in their success.
For decades, Redhead Equipment has been their trusted Mack dealership, supporting their fleet’s reliability since becoming Saskatchewan’s authorized Mack dealer in 1990. “Our partnership with Redhead has been key to keeping our trucks in top shape,” Larry says. Nathan Yelland of Redhead Equipment echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the value of their long-standing relationship.
Family run
Although Larry’s father passed away in 2006, the company continues to thrive. Today, Keelar Contracting operates three Mack CH613s, one Mack CXU613, and keeps a 2002 CH613 as a backup. They maintain a fleet of specialized trailers to haul asphalt and aggregate and handle their own maintenance, turning to Redhead for parts and services. “Uptime is extremely important to our business success, and we rely on Mack equipment to handle the rugged terrain and extreme temperature,” Larry says.
Larry’s “old school” approach to work trucks has kept the business steady, though his sons may eventually modernize the fleet. It’s not an uncommon scenario in generations of Mack owners. As sons and daughters join the company, they’re attracted by the features, benefits, and technologies of Mack’s latest trucks, while their parents love the reliability and ruggedness of their current fleet. Keelar is no different, as new trucks will eventually be on the horizon. But for now, the current trucks more than get the job done, so relying on that famous Mack dependability aligns perfectly with Larry’s work ethic and business mentality. Both still go to work, and both still put in a full, productive day.
Larry’s personal favorite truck? A 1986 Mack R600. “It was fun to drive and got the job done,” he says.
His passion for the business extends beyond the trucks—working with his sons keeps him motivated. Logan has been with Keelar for 11 years, while Keegan, a service tech at Redhead Equipment for over a decade, continues the family’s connection to Mack. In addition, Larry’s wife of 45 years, Colleen, whom he met while working on a road construction crew, has been by his side throughout the company’s journey.
Driving success
Keelar Contracting primarily serves road construction crews like ASL Paving, a key client for years. Over time, Larry has seen the industry evolve—from better equipment to more efficient processes—but also the challenges of rising costs, insurance and regulations.
That’s where Redhead Equipment has made a difference. “My dad always had a strong bond with Redhead Equipment,” Larry says, emphasizing the dealership’s unwavering service and reliability. The family’s relationship with Redhead spans generations, with Keegan continuing the tradition his grandfather started—visiting the dealership for parts, only now as an employee.
Rolling strong
Although Larry says he’s cut back on driving during the coldest winter months, he has no plans to slow down. “I’m not retired yet,” he says. He’s still putting in 10-to-12-hour workdays, especially in the summer months, and says he thrives on staying busy.
While he anticipates stepping back when Colleen retires from her role as an educational assistant, he remains deeply involved in daily operations. “I’m still working because I like what I do. I can’t just sit idle,” he explains.
The road ahead
Even after decades in the industry, Larry’s love for the open road remains strong. If given the chance, he dreams of taking a Mack truck on a legendary journey along the Alaska Highway. “I’ve always been fascinated by road building,” he says. “The history of the Alaska Highway would make it the ultimate trip for me.”
For Larry Urick, Mack Trucks isn’t just a brand—it’s been a lifetime partner in hard work, family dedication, and success. As Keelar Contracting moves forward, one thing is clear: the Urick legacy, built on Mack’s strength and reliability, is here to stay.
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