Allan “Keith” Brown was born and raised in Midnapore, at the time, a small town south of Calgary. When Keith was old enough to hold a wrench, he worked with his uncle Floyd Watkins a Blacksmith Machinist by trade and owner of Watkins Machine Shop in Midnapore. After graduating from high school in 1976 he started his Refrigeration apprenticeship at the age of 17. He worked for Reggin Industries Ltd where he became service manager of a crew of 23 at age 21. In April of 1983 he retired from Reggin and incorporated AK Brown Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Ltd. In the early years the business operated from a spare bedroom in Keith’s house in Midnapore. 

Keith has served over 15 years with Provincial and Local Apprenticeship committees and played a significant role in modifying the current curriculum being taught in the Alberta and Inter Provincial Apprenticeship Program. He has also served as president of Refrigeration and Air Condition Contractors of Alberta. 2023 will mark the 40th anniversary of AK Brown Ltd. Although Keith is spending more time with his wife Linda and his cattle west of Okotoks, he expects to contribute to the continued success of AK Brown for many years to come.