NOV 2014
H
business elite canada 97
that offshore portion growing”, and ended up
increasing Northstar’s team from 15 to 80 em-
ployees today.
The company has always placed a priority
on innovation and investment, putting dollars
back into equipment, customer service, sup-
port processes and its specialized team. Their
vision is straightforward with a focus on profes-
sionalism, dependability, relationships, creativ-
ity and drive. But when it came to expanding
the business, Keith had to look beyond Canada
where the demand for drill stem testing was
declining, and sell the company’s services on
an international scale in countries still conduct-
ing exploration. He needed to get Northstar’s
name known among the operators of offshore
projects drilling the $100-million wells, and the
internet was the answer.
“I think we were definitely early adopters of
the internet and making sure we got ourselves
recognized,” Marshall explained. That meant
focusing on search words aimed at drill stem
testing, which was a challenge for a unique,
boutique-style service. “That’s probably our
main tool (for branding), just appropriate plac-
ing on the internet.”
