Fraser Edison
Fraser Edison began his entrepreneurial endeavours in 1982 when he and his partners acquired Concrete Products. That move led to over 25 years of strategic business decisions – many related to non-traditional technology and knowledge-based developments.
Concrete Products provided the foundation for the ConPro Group, an entity formulated to facilitate diversification of its interests in oil and gas. Under Fraser’s leadership, the ConPro Group demonstrated innovation in transitioning from a single enterprise with revenues dependent on a single resourcebased industrial commodity (concrete) to a group of interdependent companies founded on innovative technologies. Perhaps, the most significant innovation was the voyage data recorder (VDR), the maritime equivalent of the aircraft black box.
As president and CEO of Rutter Inc., Fraser has successfully managed the company through periods of rapid international expansion as well through extremely challenging times. Today, with the recent acquisition of a German-based, radar technology entity, the company remains recognized internationally for product quality and thought leadership in the world of high resolution radar applications for ice navigation, oil spill detection, wave and current measurement and marine security.
As a founding member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Ocean Industries Association, former president of the St. John’s Board of Trade, former chairman of the Genesis Centre Selections Board and past chair of the St. John’s Airport Authority, Fraser has demonstrated his commitment to the development of business in this province.
For over 30 years, Fraser has been a supporter of Easter Seals and its predecessor organizations. He is a member of the St. John’s Rotary Club and has been a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Canada 125 Award.
Optimistic determination, tenacity, caring and mentor are words used to describe him. These are the characteristics that led Fraser Edison to the Junior Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador Business Hall of Fame.