Keenan Beavis: Avid entrepreneur, Indigenous mentor, and UFV’s 2024 Young Distinguished Alumni Award recipient

Walking into Longhouse Branding and Marketing, the values instilled by founder Keenan Beavis are immediately evident. The office buzzes with a team of nearly 15 people, working collaboratively in one large open space – reflecting the long-standing traditions of the Stó:lō People, who have done so for generations in their longhouses. Keenan is an up-and-coming leader in the business and marketing world, and his tremendous impact has earned him the University of the Fraser Valley’s (UFV) Young Distinguished Alumni Award.

Keenan’s entrepreneurial spirit began very young. At just four years old, he went door to door offering backyard bugs to his neighbours. By seventh grade, he had built the 27th most-viewed YouTube channel in Canada, using search engine optimization (SEO) so his videos would rank high in the search algorithm. Then, in high school, Keenan navigated unchartered waters with his successful online t-shirt store, “PokéShop.” Today, he channels his entrepreneurial energy into growing businesses while also pursuing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and a minor in Economics, Keenan embarked on a career fueled by a vision for the future where leaders can focus on the needs that have the most impact.

“Business and community leaders can get stuck wearing a lot of hats. Longhouse will simplify your to-do list; allowing you to focus on what needs you most” says Keenan.

Keenan founded the company in 2017 with a focus on delivering web design, graphic design, video production & digital marketing solutions that help businesses grow. During the pandemic, when many businesses struggled, Keenan pivoted from video production, which made up 35% of Longhouse’s revenue, to focus on digital advertising and SEO. This shift led to a remarkable 380% growth, helping Longhouse add jobs and support over 500 businesses, generating an estimated $335 million in revenue across 84 industries.

Beyond his role at Longhouse, Keenan is passionate about entrepreneurship. He regularly speaks at business events, sharing his journey and insights to inspire other entrepreneurs and leaders. Beyond his own ventures in the business community, Keenan has served on the board of the Black Business Association of BC, volunteers at UFV and is beginning a new role as a director for the Downtown Langley Business Association’s board.

Keenan is dedicated to empowering the next generation of Indigenous business leaders. He established the Longhouse Indigenous Youth Mentorship Award, which provides Indigenous youth with financial support and entrepreneurship training. The scholarship was founded on the principle of giving back. The award includes in-person workshops at the Longhouse office, covering web design, digital advertising and graphic design, equipping young entrepreneurs with valuable skills for their future.

Keenan’s work has earned significant recognition. He was named as one of B.C. Business magazine’s 30 under 30, highlighting young entrepreneurs making an industry impact. He has also been nominated for an Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce Award and received the Young Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the B.C. Achievement Foundation, honouring his contributions to business and commitment to Indigenous entrepreneurship.

Keenan’s journey exemplifies perseverance, innovation, and community-focused leadership. His impact in the marketing industry and commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and diversity reflect the qualities of a distinguished UFV alum. As Longhouse grows, so does Keenan’s influence, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders in the Fraser Valley and beyond.

WATCH: Learn about the other 2025 Alumni Award recipients.