Albert E. McKenzie established the Brandon Seed House in 1896, with 20 9th Street becoming its office in 1900. In 1898, McKenzie created McKenzie Seeds. The businesses were incorporated in 1906, becoming A.E. McKenzie Co. Ltd. In the same year, the Canadian Phoenix Fire Insurance Co. opened an office in Brandon. McKenzie became the company’s president, and both his seed business and the insurance company co-existed at 20 9th Street. By 1910, A.E. McKenzie Co. Ltd was experiencing great success - enough to warrant the construction of a new building. The company’s new offices were built next door at 30 9th Street.