WATERAX traces its roots to 1898, when Montreal inventor and entrepreneur John Colquhoun Watson Jack founded Watson Jack & Company, laying the groundwork for a Canadian success story in wildfire-fighting equipment. Over more than a century, the company evolved through multiple iterations and mergers, eventually becoming WATERAX in 2014.
The company now serves clients in approximately 40 countries and across most of the United States and Canada. Recent contracts, including a major commitment from the U.S. Forest Service, underscore the company’s international reputation and the trust placed in its products.
‘It’s about building a community’
“We’re proud to have revived a business with a century of history,” says Gerbasi. “Our focus has been on innovation and ensuring that the firefighting community has the tools they need to do their job safely and effectively. It’s a legacy that will extend far beyond our own careers.”
With 60 employees mostly based in Montreal, WATERAX maintains a close-knit, collaborative culture that supports innovation and rapid problem-solving. Iacovella notes that it remains committed to supporting young talent through internships, some of which have led to management positions.
“It’s about building a community and giving people a chance to grow,” he says. “That’s the same spirit we want to bring to students at John Molson.”
Their latest gift builds on their long-standing support for Concordia and reflects both gratitude and a commitment to helping students succeed. By assisting undergraduate students with scholarships, the trio hopes to ease financial barriers and provide opportunities similar to those they benefited from during their EMBA.
Their commitment also includes ongoing guidance and advice, drawing on their experience as entrepreneurs to benefit students.
Iacovella reflects on the life-saving purpose of their work.
“The reason our company has such a noble purpose — why we invest in technologies and innovation — is that we know we’re saving lives,” he says.
“These men and women are out in the middle of the forest, sometimes months at a time, putting themselves at risk every day. It’s not glamorous, but it’s meaningful work, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.”