Since 1984, Saskatchewan-based Klean King Furnace and Duct Cleaning has been providing HVAC services to Regina and surrounding communities. Last year, owner Dennis Moscaliuk sold the company to Ethiopia native Gemechu Daba. 

Daba, who moved to Canada 20 years ago as a refugee, did not initially have experience working with ductwork, but earned his Certified Ventilation Inspector (CVI) accreditation from NADCA in 2023.

“I’ve been sticking around after the sale helping with bookings and taking Gemechu to places like this,” Moscaliuk said, referring to two NADCA events the pair attended this year: The annual convention in March in New Orleans and the fall technical conference in Dallas. “He’s been a remarkably quick study. The business is in good hands.”

In addition to Klean King, Daba has invested in a number of businesses. 

“I’m also the biggest contractor for FedEx in southern Saskatchewan, own the biggest limousine, party bus and black car service in town, run the biggest roofing and janitorial companies in the area, plus some rentals and other investments in in my native country,” Daba said. 

Daba and his wife Lelise Akawak Damara have 4 kids. She oversees the janitorial company.

The duct cleaning business Daba bought with his business partner cleans all manner of ductwork, even developing a specialization for cleaning industrial ducting in uranium mines, carbon capture facilities and more. 

Canada and Saskatchewan are commodity producing powerhouses with high worker safety standards: Mine shafts are ventilated with 24/7 fans to meet standards for diesel particulates and more.

Growth is the plan for Klean King Furnace and Duct Cleaning. For example, Daba — who has a background in janitorial work — would like to add carpet cleaning services to the list of offerings. In addition, he hopes to franchise and give others the opportunity to succeed in this business. 

“Sky’s the limit,” he concluded. “I’m still young.”