Entering into the warehouse business only by chance, George Alexander Howell, founded Howell Warehouse in 1913. Mr. Howell carved an entire industry, the beginnings of public warehousing for himself and others to follow.

Previously, George used warehouse space to store his pulp and paper goods he imported from Europe under the name Howell Trading. With the beginning of the war, imports were at a standstill, so Mr. Howell devoted his time and energy by starting a new venture. In 1913, George utilized the excess space from his trading company, and opened Howell Warehouses. Starting off with 130,000 cubic feet at 109-111 George Street the business quickly expanded. George knew what people wanted and what they expected, he had been on both sides of the coin, so he quickly became a master of the game. His goal was to exceed all expectations. The Company in 1914, moved into a modern new warehouse adjoined to the old one, adding another 400,000 cubic feet. Shortly thereafter expanding with space of 350,000 cubic feet on Frederick Street and by 1918 he consolidated these warehouses with one at 321 King Street East. Success and rapid growth prompted the addition of the warehouse on Liberty Street. By 1923, Howell Warehouses had become the market leader with ten owned facilities that it operated in Ontario.

Early on George Howell recognized the importance of integrating storage and transportation. A career based on running a commodity trading business had clearly demonstrated the need for skills in storage, forwarding and transportation. So in 1914, George became involved with a local cartage company and was appointed manager of the operation. Through the working relationship, George in October of 1917 merged Howell Warehouses with Ontario Storage and Cartage. The Howell Warehouses chain had begun.

Aside from his activities in his special field, Mr. Howell had long been known to the citizens of Toronto as a public spirited and highly useful member of the community. George was one of the first who agitated for the city to construct and own street railways. He was a charter member of the Civic Guild; he was President of the Canadian Club; he organized and was for two years President of the Central Canada Warehouse Men's Association, established to increase the value of the industry to the community. His patriotic work during the war was notable. He was Acting Chairman of the Voluntary Aid Association's Committee for Meeting Returned Soldiers and was Treasurer of the Toronto Branch of the Red Cross. He was also a member and Director of the Rotary Club, and Chairman of the Canadian section of the membership committee of the American Warehouse Association. George Howell was instrumental in the organization of the Young Men's Club of the Toronto Board of Trade.