Knoxville Business Leader Drew MacDonald Carries on Family Legacy

Royal Brass and Hose continues to grow under third-generation leadership.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:03am

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a polished brass pipe fitting, a hydraulic hose, and a wrench, representing the premium industrial products and services offered by Royal Brass and Hose, a family-owned business in Knoxville, Tennessee.Royal Brass and Hose's premium industrial products and services reflect the company's commitment to quality and innovation under the leadership of the MacDonald family.Knoxville Today

Drew MacDonald, the youngest of four siblings, has taken over as CEO and majority owner of the family business, Royal Brass and Hose, which was founded by his Canadian-born father in Knoxville. The company has expanded to 11 locations across 10 states and now has over 200 employees and $88 million in annual sales.

Why it matters

The story of the MacDonald family's business highlights how Knoxville has attracted diverse populations over the years, with the family emigrating from Canada and building a successful manufacturing and distribution company that has become a local institution. Drew MacDonald's leadership is helping to carry on his family's legacy and contribute to the growth and economic development of the Knoxville community.

The details

John MacDonald, Drew's father, started the family business, Royal Brass and Hose, in Knoxville as a sales representative for a Wisconsin-based firm. He later incorporated the company in Tennessee, where it is now headquartered. Under Drew's leadership, the company has expanded to 11 locations in 10 states and now has over 200 employees, 30 sales reps, and $88 million in annual sales. Drew, who has a degree in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee, has focused on implementing effective computer systems and technology to help manage the growing business.

  • Drew MacDonald began working in the family business after graduating from West High School and the University of Tennessee.
  • Drew and his wife, Betty, have been married since 1983.
  • Between 1985 and 1995, Drew and Betty were active and caring foster parents, fostering 17 children.

The players

Drew MacDonald

The CEO and majority owner of Royal Brass and Hose, a third-generation family business that has expanded to 11 locations across 10 states.

John MacDonald

Drew's father, who started the family business, Royal Brass and Hose, in Knoxville as a sales representative for a Wisconsin-based firm and later incorporated the company in Tennessee.

Betty MacDonald

Drew's wife, whom he met at a UT/GA Tech football game. They have been married since 1983 and have one adult daughter, Sarena Paige (Ramsey).

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What they’re saying

“I just couldn't keep up with what he said. I can tell you, it's NOT just the piece of brass on the top of a garden hose from Home Depot.”

— Dick Hinton, Fellow Rotary Club member

What’s next

Drew MacDonald plans to continue expanding Royal Brass and Hose's footprint and capabilities, building on the company's legacy and contributing to Knoxville's economic growth.

The takeaway

The story of the MacDonald family's business in Knoxville demonstrates how immigrant families can establish deep roots in a community, create successful enterprises, and pass on their legacy to future generations, enriching the local economy and culture.