About Us / History
Founding: Mr. Igor L. Fokeeff founded his business in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, servicing exclusively vessels of Eastern European origin. North Star's first client was the Murmansk Shipping Co., and still being serviced to this day, a history of mutual respect of almost a half a century. An immigrant to North America in his middle years Mr. Fokeeff started building something that would survive the generations. Under his steady hand, from it's meager beginnings, NSSC grew steadily and in 1976 officially incorporated under the Canadian Federal Corporations Act. This major step began the transformation of NSSC from a nationality specific independent into one of the leading ship suppliers in Montreal and Eastern Canada.
Second Generation: During it's early stages, Mrs. Tamara Jansons, Mr. Fokeeff's eldest daughter, was brought in to help run North Star and so started the training for her eventual placement at the helm of this fast growing corporation. With her help, and under the guidance of Mr. Fokeeff, North Star steadily expanded it's customer base to include companies from Western Europe, the Far East and South America. In the early 2000's, Tamara was promoted to President of North Star, replacing Mr. Fokeef, who remained on as CEO until his unfortunate passing in early 2008. Spearheading the new millennium, Tamara was an active member of ISSA and CSSA, and truly loved attending the yearly ISSA conferences. Under Tamara's leadership North Star was brought to the fore-front of international ship supply and politics, her efforts culminating in North Star's invitation to join the Canada Trade Mission to Russia and Germany under former Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Jean Cretien. During which she had several opportunities to speak with Mr. Cretien and then President Putin of the Russian Federation. Unfortunately, the family was hit with her unexpected passing, after a courageous nine month battle with lung cancer.
Third Generation: With the sudden passing of Mrs. Jansons, Mr. Fokeeff was forced back into the leadership role in order to facilitate a smooth transition to his 3rd generation. Mrs. Jansons's son, Mr. Andrew R. Jansons, who had been active in the company from an early age, would soon follow in his mother's footsteps. Having started in the warehouse as a tee and building his knowledge of ship supply from the ground up, he was able to start making the transition into the office and later to running the corporation. Upon the death of his mother and the failing health of his grandfather, Mr. Jansons stepped up to the challenge and accepted the reigns of NSSC, starting it's 3rd generation of family ownership. In early 2008, the passing of NSSC's founder pushed Mr. Jansons into the position of President & CEO of one of the leading ship suppliers in Eastern Canada & North America. Mr. Jansons quickly acclimatized to his new role and in light of the economic crisis, started an aggressive advertising campaign to solidify the company image overseas.
Moving Forward: The passing of two generations so close together has left a sizeable void in North Star's overseas visibility. As 95% of the business is derived from foreign companies, Mr. Jansons has focused on re-visiting long term clients and meeting all newer clients, resulting in his presence in Europe and the Far East at least 4-5 times yearly. Mr. Jansons has also inherited his mother's love of ISSA and it's conferences, and actively attends each year with much eagerness. North Star is looking to expand it's operations further in the coming years. Larger facilities and some branch offices are on the horizon.