What Happened to Mark Kohaykewych from Ice Road Truckers?

Mark Kohaykewych is a Canadian entrepreneur and reality television figure best recognized for his appearances on the History Channel’s hit series Ice Road Truckers. The show brought global attention to the perilous world of hauling freight across frozen lakes and rivers, where drivers faced unpredictable weather, thin ice, and isolation. For Kohaykewych, it served as both a platform to showcase his company, Polar Industries, and an introduction of his steady leadership style to audiences worldwide.

As president of Polar Industries, Kohaykewych became a central figure in the later seasons of Ice Road Truckers, ultimately appearing in at least 47 episodes. His segments on the show showcased both the logistical complexities and the human challenges of moving vital freight into Canada’s most isolated communities. What audiences saw on screen closely reflected his day‑to‑day responsibilities off camera—managing routes, coordinating loads, and ensuring that remote towns received the supplies they depended on.

This biography traces Kohaykewych’s early life, the growth of Polar Industries, his role on Ice Road Truckers, and his path forward after the series concluded in 2017

Early Life & Personal Background

Mark Kohaykewych was born and raised in Manitoba, Canada, where his respect for the North and its remote First Nation communities strongly influenced his career.

As a young man studying at the University of Manitoba, he often travelled with a university friend along winter roads east of Lake Winnipeg on day trips to go ice fishing. Each year, the pair pushed farther north and stayed longer. These trips introduced him to the reality of ice roads, where he frequently saw freight trucks passing by and began to wonder whether there was a business opportunity in serving those routes. This early curiosity planted the seed for his later career in ice road trucking.

He completed his studies at the University of Manitoba, earning a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) degree between 1996 and 2000. After graduation, Mark entered the construction industry and became part‑owner of a Winnipeg construction company. 

Polar Industries Ltd. & Career

Mark began leading Polar Industries Ltd. in October 2008 as its President, building it into one of Manitoba’s largest ice road trucking companies. Based in Winnipeg, Polar specialized in flat deck transportation across Canada, with a focus on remote northern regions. The company started with just one truck and driver, hauling 21 loads in its first winter season. Over the next six years, Polar grew rapidly, hauling more than 712 loads in a single season. The freight consisted largely of construction materials, heavy machinery, and oversized cargo that could not be flown into remote northern communities. One of the company’s most notable achievements was transporting a 130,000-pound crane across fragile ice roads—a haul that required extensive safety measures and coordination with local communities.

Before fully devoting himself to Polar, Mark also held the position of President of Jenkyns Electric Ltd. from October 2008 to January 2011, giving him valuable leadership and management experience in multiple industries.

Ice Road Truckers Fame

Polar Industries gained worldwide recognition on the History Channel’s hit reality series Ice Road Truckers after a dramatic 2010 incident in which two Polar trucks were stranded for nine days near St. Theresa Point when a sudden thaw weakened the ice roads. The convoy, which normally would have taken about 30 hours, became a nine‑day ordeal that generated major media coverage. The story caught the attention of Ice Road Truckers producers—then filming in Alaska—who soon shifted part of the show’s focus to Manitoba and to Polar Industries.

Mark Kohaykewych quickly became a familiar face on television. He appeared not only as the president of Polar Industries but also on the road. In Season 5, he was shown escorting oversized loads as a pilot driver, and by Season 7 he featured in the opening credits. One of the most talked‑about storylines highlighted Polar hauling a modular airport building into St. Theresa Point, during which a driver clipped a power line and caused a community‑wide blackout. Kohaykewych was a recurring cast member in Seasons 5 and 6 before becoming a full‑time star of the series, ultimately appearing in at least 47 episodes of Ice Road Truckers.

The global broadcast of Ice Road Truckers expanded Polar Industries’ profile well beyond Canada. Viewers from the United Kingdom, Germany, South America, Australia, Ireland, and South Africa contacted the company, and international demand for Polar‑branded sweaters and merchandise increased significantly. During a vacation in Mexico, Kohaykewych even saw the show airing under the title Rutas Mortales, complete with Spanish dubbing.

Life After Ice Road Truckers

When Ice Road Truckers ended in 2017, Mark Kohaykewych turned his full attention to running Polar Industries Ltd., ensuring freight continued to reach remote northern Manitoba and First Nation communities. The company transported essential construction supplies, heavy equipment, prefab buildings, and oversized loads that air transport could not accommodate. Polar’s operations became increasingly vital as climate change shortened the winter road season and added new challenges for northern logistics.

Polar’s growth earned national recognition. In 2015, the company was ranked 31st on Canada’s PROFIT 500 fastest-growing companies, reporting a remarkable 2,416% revenue growth over five years. The Winnipeg Free Press highlighted Polar’s expansion into northern hubs like Thompson, where it supported industries and local communities with flat deck and specialized freight. Kohaykewych himself stressed the importance of maintaining direct relationships with clients in communities such as Lynn Lake and South Indian Lake, often traveling north to oversee operations.

While Mark stepped away from television, his leadership continued to draw attention in Canadian business media. He was profiled as an example of entrepreneurial resilience in extreme conditions and frequently emphasized the urgent need for investment in northern infrastructure, pointing out that many communities still rely on seasonal ice roads.

Polar’s achievements were also formally recognized. In 2017, Kohaykewych accepted the Manitoba Small Business of the Year Award on behalf of Polar Industries. Reflecting on the honour, he wrote: “I’m very honoured to receive the 2017 Small Business Award of the Year. Thank you for all at team Polar for your dedication and hard work.” This recognition underscored both the company’s growth and the commitment of its team.

That same year, Polar Industries played a critical role in Churchill, Manitoba, after floods washed out the town’s only rail line. Working alongside Remote Area Services and Fox Lake Cree Nation, Polar crews built and drove cat trains over a 300‑kilometre ice road from Gillam to Churchill. The operation, which took 25 hours in extreme conditions, delivered nearly 9,000 kilograms of goods—including Christmas toys—just days before the holidays. Residents greeted the convoy with cheers, and Kohaykewych noted: “It was definitely an eye opener … a lot can go wrong in a hurry out here.” He added that the crew was still running on adrenaline from the achievement.

Today, Polar Industries continues to be noted for both its television exposure through Ice Road Truckers and its role in serving northern freight needs. Mark Kohaykewych is regarded as a former cast member who appeared in 47 episodes of the series, and as the long-time president of Polar, where he remains active in managing operations and supporting freight delivery to remote communities.