Smoke 'Em Diesel outside of Regina have built a name for themselves in the community of diesel. Denny and Leslie Jorgenson, the owners of Smoke 'Em Diesel Regina, have recently partnered with Andrew Janusz along with Kal and Crystal Harper in bringing the name and quality service of Smoke 'Em Diesel to Carlyle.
Andrew is originally from Kingston, ON, and first rebuilt an engine at the age of 10. Not only is he one of the partners in Smoke 'Em Diesel Carlyle, but he is the head mechanic.
Andrew was unable to join Kal and Crystal during the interview with The Observer, but they explained Andrew has worked on their vehicles and they have been nothing but satisfied in his dedication to excellence when it comes to diesel trucks.
Crystal, originally from Vancouver, operates Artesian Sands Equestrian outside of Carlyle and first became invested in diesel trucks when she made the decision they were what was needed to haul horse trailers effectively. Ever since her first one, she has never looked back.
Kal came into diesel engines after beginning to work rigs 10 years ago.
"I grabbed the diesel passion, the diesel bug, when I started working on the drilling rigs," Kal remembers. "Bought my first diesel and just can't imagine owning anything but. There's just something about diesel power, fuel economy that gas will never touch. It's hard to explain if you've never owned a diesel. The performance of diesel, it's fun."
Kal though originally from Estevan has spent time in and around Carlyle for the past 35 years as his family visited White Bear and Kenosee each year. Both Crystal and Kal are well versed in operating businesses with Crystal running Artesian Sands Equestrian and Kal operating Moose Mountain Oilfield Services in addition to the new Smoke Em' Diesel Carlyle shop.
The decision to open a diesel specific shop to focus on repairs and performance upgrades was a natural fit.
"We just liked jacking our trucks up and getting them more power and so it just kind of carried on," Crystal explained. " Then we met Andrew who is our head mechanic and he's really, really good. We met him through a mutual friend and he did some work on our vehicles and this was just an idea that grew."
Originally they had planned to start a business of their own but decided to approach Smoke 'Em Diesel Regina as the name brings with it reliability amongst diesel engine owners.
"We decided to approach Smoke 'Em Diesel Regina which is where we had bought our parts before and we got along really well and just decided to partner..." Crystal explained.
"There's a need for it down here because the dealerships don't always specialize in the diesel performance, so you have to kind of look around. There are a ton of people in the southeast corner of Saskatchewan that already drive to Smoke 'Em Diesel Regina because they're the best, so we just thought it would be a great partnership."
Smoke 'Em Diesel Carlyle will offer regular vehicle maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades to customers including DPF Deletes, air intakes, exhaust, and tuning vehicles to have more power, longevity, and torque.
This Kal, Crystal, and Andrew are dedicated to doing in a safe and responsible manner.
"We're going to be doing lifts as well and all the performance upgrades you could want, but we want to do it in a safe manner," Crystal said.
Plans with Smoke 'Em Diesel have been underway for six months and to open on Monday, April 14, became a goal after finishing the busy steam truck season with Kal's business and now with road bans on.
They have been working diligently to get the 2,400 square foot shop up to their standards, which comes with a new entry way for customers to do business in and a shop which houses two lifts and room enough for a third vehicle for small repairs as needed.
With expectations of success the three partners are currently interviewing for a second mechanic as there is quite a bit of excitement surrounding the business amongst diesel truck enthusiasts.
"Approximately 10 are on the waiting list," Crystal explained as Smoke 'Em Regina booked the Carlyle locations first week for them as Crystal, Kal, and Andrew focused on readying the shop for their opening.
As a celebration in bringing Smoke 'Em Diesel to Carlyle the business has decided to make a special offer to the first 30 vehicles booked according to Crystal and Kal:"The first 30 trucks to be booked in when you come in get a free Smoke 'Em Diesel t-shirt and a free decal for your window on your truck."
Kal also explained, "We'll have a little boutique in here. We have our own line of clothing and we're attempting to get Chasing the Dragon, a clothing line, they might be on consignment."
Smoke 'Em Carlyle will be open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will remain open during the lunch hour for convenience to their customers.
Located next to the Floor Store on Hwy 13, Smoke 'Em Carlyle can be reached at (306)453-5911 or through their email addresses that can be found on the Smoke 'Em website, www.smokem.ca.
