Hall of Fame

Mr. Davis joined Home Hardware Stores Limited in July 1970 as a stock picker in the St. Jacobs warehouse. Moving to the Computer Department as an operator in 1971, he held a number of information technology positions at the company, including Vice-President. Over the years, Terry assumed more responsibility not only in the areas of technology, but also in Dealer Support and Dealer Development. For various periods from 1990 – 2000, Terry held the positions of Vice-President Marketing and Vice-President Dealer Development. In 2007, he became Vice-President Administration and Strategic Planning and in 2010 was appointed Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer and became Chief Executive Officer in 2014.  In April, 2018, Terry was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer and held the position until he retired in October, 2018 after 48 years of service. Over his career, Terry has played an integral role in building Home Hardware and helping it become Canada’s largest independent home improvement retailer.

In 1959, Mr. Feldman started his career in the industry working at Handy Andy in Montreal as a Junior Buyer. In 1961, he joined Fuller Tool/Windsor Trading as a buyer in the Hardware/Housewares department. In 1967, Solly joined Steinberg Miracle Mart as a Senior Buyer of Hardware, and over the next seven years became Merchandise Manager of Housewares/Giftware/Traffic Appliances/Cleaning, and then Vice President & General Merchandise Manager of Hard Goods. In 1974, he left to start his own company, importing and distributing houseware products which became Accent Home Products and later transformed into what is now known today as Accent-Fairchild Group. Over the last 45+ years, the company has grown to become a significant player in the manufacturing of plastics, operating facilities in Montreal and Charlottetown, PEI where the company manufactures their own brands as well as many OEM brands for major retailers in Canada and the USA.  Today, as Chairman & Founder, Solly continues to work for the company and comes into the office every day.

Mr. Nykoliation began his business career with NCR Canada in Winnipeg and held several management posts including Director, Marketing Administration in Toronto. In 1976 he joined GE Canada’s Housewares Division in Barrie, Ontario and served in various senior marketing posts before being named Manager, Marketing and Sales for Canada in 1982. With the acquisition of GE’s worldwide housewares business by Black & Decker in 1984, Dennis was named Vice President, Marketing and Sales for the Housewares, Power Tools, and Outdoor Products businesses and played an instrumental role in transferring the GE brand name on all housewares small appliances to Black & Decker within 2 years. Dennis was appointed President and General Manager of Black & Decker Canada in early 1992 and held that position for 3 years after which he moved on to senior executive positions with Cambridge Towel Corporation, CanWel Building Products and GSW Building Products, retiring in 2007.  During his career, Dennis served on several Industry Association’s Boards including the CHHMA, Portable Appliances Manufacturers Association (PAMA) and the Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers of Canada  (EEMAC).

Mr. Byle began his career with the Remington Shaver Company in 1969 as Ontario Sales Manager after graduating from Ryerson University. Two years later, he moved over to Philips and became Western Regional Manager in 1978.  Later, he was offered a position at Sunbeam and during his time there he met the owner of a start-up company out of Montreal called Bionaire.  Over the next 15 years, Gerry went from National Sales Manager to VP Global Marketing, to President of the Canadian and US business units. During that period, sales went from virtually zero to over $80 million.  The company went from a private enterprise to publicly traded and was acquired by the Rival Company in 1996.  Gerry stayed on as VP International Sales.  In 1998, he was hired by Honeywell Consumer Products as the General Manager of its Canadian Division.  When Honeywell was acquired by Kaz Inc. in 2002, he remained as General Manager of Kaz Canada until his retirement in December 2010.

Mr. Crofford began his career working part-time for the Co-op in Salmon Arm, BC during his high school years and full time in 1968 as a hardware clerk in Calgary. After a highly successful 16-year career in various management positions throughout BC and Alberta, he was moved to the home office of Federated Co-operatives Limited as part of a management team charged with turning around the hardware department. Within two years the department was profitable and later was merged with the the building materials department. In 1994, Vaughn was approached by a couple of vendors to consider the job as President of the then struggling CHHMA. The Association thrived under his leadership as he became a voice for the manufacturers’ side of the industry. Vaughn was an integral part of the formation of the Electrical Stewardship Association which manages recycling programs in BC. He is also the creator of the calculator for determining packaging material responsibilities accepted by all blue box programs across Canada.

After graduating in Sciences at the Université de Montréal and a few years as a chemistry teacher, in 1973 M. Gagnon took over his family’s general store. He later became one of the first RONA Renovateur stores in Quebec and served time on their Board of Directors. After growing his business, into what today consists of 7 stores and a rental center with over 350 employees, he joined Groupe BMR in 1983 and became President & CEO in 1995 at which time the group consisted of 42 bannered stores with just over $200 million in sales. At the time of his retirement twenty years later, the group had 185 stores with sales reaching $1.5 billion. Under his leadership BMR expanded to include its own hardware distribution center and trucking division, along with a credit and loyalty card program and a training center. They also developed an award-winning EcoAttitude store concept. Outside of work, M. Gagnon served on numerous community boards and committees and donates generously to several local and national charities.

M. Gatien was born a salesman, beginning his career successfully demonstrating and selling at tradeshows and fairs throughout Quebec. In the early 1960’s, he moved from doing in-store demonstrations to live TV, and history was being made. In 1965, he decided to become his own boss and started to introduce innovative new products to the marketplace and founded Atlantic Promotions Inc. with two partners. Over the years, the company introduced many products and brands including T-Fal cookware, Krazy Glue, Bee Mop, Oscar Broom, Nu Finish and Pant Saver car mats, just to name a few. In 1985, M. Gatien introduced the Starfrit brand (translation: “The Fries Star”) to Canadian consumers. In 1996, he redefined the company, focusing on kitchen products and owning the brand, since then the Heritage, Lock & Lock, The Rock and Ricardo brands have been added. Atlantic Promotions celebrated 50 years in business in 2015 and it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that every Canadian household has been touched by at least one of their products. 

Mr. Valcour began his career with Beaver Lumber in 1976 stocking shelves. After stops at D.H. Howden, Lockharts and Thornes, he ended up at what was then McLeods in Winnipeg in 1981. It was during his time there, working his way up to the VP level, that he credits for learning the do’s and don’ts of running a business. In 1988, he was given the opportunity by Jim Irving to take over what was then a chain of 5 stores known as Kent Building Supplies with 230 staff. With a mandate to expand the business over the next 28 years they have grown to 50 stores, 7 truss plants and 1 gypsum supply company and over 3,400 employees. Through the years, he has also been involved in several of the other Irving businesses, but his passion has always been the Kent family and living up to the mission of “Being the best source of home improvement products in the community.” 

In 1971, Mr. Calisina began his long career with Bissell Canada as an accountant and in a few years became the Office Manager and Controller. In 1983, they acquired a brush and injection molding company which was added to his responsibilities. He began his tenure as General Manager of both Bissell and Steven-Hepner in 1987 and five years later added responsibility as General Manager of the Bissell liquid filler plant in Massachusetts splitting his time between the two locations. That plant was sold, and in 1995 he became Vice President & General Manager of Bissell Canada for the next 15 years until his retirement in 2010. Always willing to give back to the community and the industry, Mr. Calisina served as a Director of the CHHMA from 2005 until retiring with the last two years as Chairman of the Board. He also spent many years on the Board, the last 7 as Chairman of the Branscombe Family Foundation supporting education and healthcare as well as other local charities in the Niagara Peninsula. 

Mr. Mumby literally grew up in the industry working with his parents at Mumby & Associates Ltd. In 1992, he purchased the company from his parents and set out to re-invent and build it from an agency/distributor into a brand recognized organization under Dynamic Paint Products Inc. The company grew to over 100 employees in Canada with manufacturing locations in Canada and China, and exported to over ten countries including Australia, Poland, and the United States.  Mr. Mumby sold the company to an American company in 2014 and remained as President until he retired in late 2015. During his time in the industry he spent six years as a director of the CHHMA, including four on the Executive Committee and a seventh year as Past-Chairman.

Ms. O’Halloran has spent her entire career in the publishing business since graduating from the journalism program at Humber College where she was founding editor of the college magazine. After working her way up through the ranks at Southam Business Publications winning numerous awards for her writing, she became the Editor of Housewares Canada a new publication purchased by Southam. That was the beginning of her love for the housewares industry. In 1989, she left the company and with the backing of her parents launched Home Style magazine of which she remains as publisher/editor to this day. Ms. O’Halloran has used her magazine to not only effectively promote the housewares industry, but also independent retailers and their place in the industry. She has been involved with the Global Innovator Awards at the Chicago Housewares Show since their inception 16 years ago and sponsors our national winners each year as they compete for the Global awards.  

A long time veteran of the industry, Mr. Gilbart began his career with Aqualine Products in 1969 where he rose to President. Aqualine was sold to Moen Inc. in 1985 and he worked for Moen Canada, later doing a stretch in the USA.  In 1991, he returned to Canada and joined Envirogard/Rainfresh as a partner.  A huge supporter of industry associations Mr. Gilbart served on the Board of the CHHMA on three separate occasions totalling 16 years, including Chairman in 1997/98. He is also a member and actively involved with the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating. Always ready to volunteer and a strong leader, Bryan never hesitates to give his time to any cause he deems worthy.  His charitable work involves fundraising for Sleeping Children around the World, Habitat for Humanity and The Food Bank among others. During his time at Aqualine he was instrumental in starting an industry Christmas party raising cash and collecting toys for the Children’s Aid Society, United Way and Foster Parents Plan.

Paul has been with Home Hardware since its inception, working in the accounting department of Hollinger Hardware in 1963, and prior to the emergence of the Home brand. He was responsible for designing, installing and programming the company’s first computer system. Over the course of his career, Paul advanced through the organization and held various executive level positions. In 1989, he assumed responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the company from Walter Hachborn, as Executive Vice-President and General Manager. In May 2014, Paul retired as CEO but remains the company’s President, a member of the Board of Directors and an important advisor to both the Board and Senior Management Team. 

An avid woodworker, Mr. Lee found it difficult to acquire the quality tools needed to fulfill his hobby and founded Lee Valley Tools in 1978. The business flourished nationally and internationally leading him to opening 15 stores across Canada. In 1985, he expanded into manufacturing by opening Veritas Tools in Ottawa, which still operates and employs 140+ people bringing the number of employees to almost 850. In 1991, Leonard entered the publishing business specializing in woodworking and gardening. In 1998, he founded Canica Design, designing and developing medical tools and systems. Born in Wadena, Saskatchewan, Leonard obtained a Civil Engineering Diploma from Royal Roads Military College and a B.A. in Economics from Queens before launching a 15 year career within the Government. Much of his career was spent in the Canadian Foreign Service. Leonard has received numerous awards and Honorary Doctorates including the Order of Canada and remains active in his various businesses.

In 1920, H. Paulin & Company started as a small hardware store specializing in fasteners. They produced the first fastener catalogue in 1925 and began manufacturing in the 1930’s. After the war, Harry’s son Arthur led the Company expanding the business with new manufacturing capabilities, revolutionary new fastening products and patented merchandising systems. In 1977, Richard came into the family business, becoming President in 1990. Since that time the company has grown significantly and is recognized as the solution to all fastening problems. When big box stores entered Canada, Paulin developed a merchandising strategy including the “touch screen fastener finder” winning them vendor of the year on multiple occasions. Richard has nurtured a family culture resulting in over 60 associates with 30+ years. Today, they have 4 manufacturing and 10 distribution facilities in Canada and 2 in the United States. Acquired by The Hillman Group in 2013, they are now the largest supplier of fasteners and keys to the retail market in North America.

A career retailer, Mr. Cayne was introduced to the business while attending University in 1971. Working as a summer student in the buying office of the 18 store Pascal Hardware chain in Montreal he learned the art of buying and merchandising from the Pascal Family. In 1978, Jerry joined Miracle Mart, the 34 store division of Steinberg’s, as a Housewares buyer and Hard Goods Senior Buyer. In 1982, Mr. Cayne left the corporate world to learn the life of a single store operator taking on a Pro Hardware franchise. Finally in 1985, he decided to move to Toronto and start Cayne’s the Super Houseware Store. The store opened in October 1986 with 3 employees occupying 6000 sq ft. Over the next 26 years the store moved once, expanded 3 times to 25,000 sq ft. and added two supporting warehouses and a buying office. In 1998 Cayne’s started an e-commerce division shipping worldwide. In 2011 Cayne’s opened their Internet fulfilment division.  Building on the belief that one’s word is his bond, Jerry’s long term relationships with suppliers have set him apart from the less personal environment of his larger competitors. Presently Cayne’s has 35 employees and since 1997 has consecutively won the annual Consumers Choice Award voted by the GTA consumers. Mr. Cayne is very supportive of local charities, schools, churches and synagogues.

In 1986, Mr. Garant became President of the family business started by his great grandfather just over 90 years earlier manufacturing lawn, garden and snow tools in the little town of St. Francois, Quebec. After getting his degree in Business Administration from Laval University in 1974, he went to work for Sears as a management trainee. Returning to the family business in 1976 he worked his way up through sales, customer service and then on to the accounting department where he eventually became controller. In 1986, he purchased the company with his two cousins, and Louis-Marie became President.  As President he was very involved with customer relations and brought a new vision to the company supporting the two step distributors across the country. This paid off for Garant Industries as sales increased by almost 350% during this period. After selling the company in 1991, Mr. Garant stayed on as President until 1996 when he became a consultant. Since that time he has sat on several boards of directors in Quebec and the Atlantic provinces. He retired in 2006 but continues to instruct at the College of Corporate Directors at Laval University and also remains a director and president of the Governance and Human Resources committee on the Board of Familiprix, a dealer owned pharmaceutical distributor serving Quebec and the Maritimes. 

In 1971, Mr. Turgeon began his career with Beaver Lumber in Peterborough. He then joined Black & Decker in Brockville for what turned out to be a successful ten year term in marketing and sales, ending as National Sales Manager of their power tool division. In 1985, he moved to Groupe SEB Canada taking over a struggling small appliance division with 5 employees, and sales less than $5 million annually. In 1998, his division successfully repatriated the T-Fal cookware business in Canada, and over a 10 year period acquired and integrated brands such as Rowenta, Krups, Moulinex, All-Clad, Mirro and Wearever. With over 10% compounded annual growth, during his 26 plus years at the helm, Groupe SEB has established itself as industry leader and a household name, and now has over 60 employees in Canada. 

With a career spanning six decades, Bill Wilson is more than qualified to serve in his current capacity of Retail Advisor to the North American Retail Hardware Association. Bill began his career in the family hardware business in the 1960’s, eventually opening his own store, before joining D.H. Howden in 1971. After working his way up through the sales team he was promoted to Vice President of Merchandising, later adding the title of GM of the London Division of Sodisco Howden, following the acquisition by Sodisco. When the operation was moved to Quebec, Bill joined TSC Stores in 2004 as Head Merchant and was quickly promoted to VP Merchandising. In his current role with the NRHA, Bill has been using his vast experience and knowledge to give back to the industry he holds so close to his heart. He is currently helping the independent hardware and lumber retailers in Canada with their staff training and skills development needs.

Joseph Kuchar was born in Austria in 1916, and came to Montreal in 1951 with his wife Maria. He established the Record Chemical Company as a manufacturer of mothballs and deodorant blocks. The business grew steadily and 10 years later he acquired a refinery in Napierville, Quebec and began importing and exporting bulk chemicals to Europe, South America and later China. Through the 60’s and 70’s the company continued to expand opening plants in Ontario, Western Canada and Australia to produce automotive and household liquids and chemicals. His daughters Eva and Marina joined the company, which was renamed Recochem Inc. in 1981. Recochem has continued to grow, adding a refinery in Belgium, a division in Australia and an expansion in Alberta to facilitate a move into automotive coolants typically under private label for leading national brands and retailers.  Mr. Kuchar remained involved with Recochem until his recent death this past March 9, at the age of 94. He brought a passion for business, a drive to succeed and unique deal making skills to our industry. For him, Recochem’s managers and staff were more than employees, they were like family and he took care of them. The company he and his family built, has gone from one employee and two products, to over 600 employees and 200 products and is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

Annette Verschuren served as president of The Home Depot Canada from 1996 to 2010, overseeing the growth of the company from 19 to 179 stores. Annette began her career as a development officer with the Cape Breton Development Corporation in her home Province of Nova Scotia. She then moved onto Canada Development Investments Corporation, as executive vice president, privatizing crown corporations and then later moved to Imasco Ltd. as vice president corporate development. Prior to joining The Home Depot, Annette was president and co-owner of Michaels, a chain of craft stores she brought to Canada.  A passionate advocate for giving back to the community, Annette has served on many boards and charities including Cape Breton University, the Retail Council of Canada and Habitat for Humanity. Appointed by Prime Minister Harper, she served as a member of the North American Competitiveness Council. She also served on the Finance Minister’s Economic Advisory Council. In 2010, Annette was confirmed as chair of the 2012 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference.  Annette was named outstanding retailer of the year in 2005 by the Retail Council of Canada and outstanding business leader of the year by Wilfred Laurier University in 2006. Annette was named into the Canadian Marketing Hall of Legends and the Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame in 2010.  Annette Verschuren is the first female to be inducted into the Hardware and Housewares Industry Hall of Fame.

As a young man in his mid twenties, Mr. Caissie established Imperial Manufacturing Group in 1979 in the small fishing village of Richibucto N.B. As a manufacturer of sheet metal products he began selling to wholesalers in Atlantic Canada. Today, as President & CEO he is responsible for the strategic and financial direction of the Imperial Manufacturing Group of Companies which includes Imperial Sheet Metal Ltd., Imperial Kool-Ray Inc., Imperial Heat Care Products Inc. and Kel-Kem Ltd. These companies comprise 9 product lines, employ over 500 people in 6 locations across Canada and the U.S. Imperial manufactures 7,000 SKUs for the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and building products industries. Imperial Manufacturing Group sells into the Hardware, HVAC and Building Products categories throughout North America and OEM accounts in a number of countries around the world.

Mr. Pilozzi’s career spans 45 years in the Canadian retail industry starting with Woolworth Canada where he held a number of key positions including Vice-President of Hardlines Merchandise, Administrator of Store Openings, District Manager, and Store Manager over a 30 year period. When Wal-Mart purchased Woolco in 1994 Mr. Pilozzi joined Wal-Mart Canada as Vice-President of Hardlines Merchandise, and in January 2002 he was appointed President and CEO. Under Mr. Pilozzi’s leadership, Wal-Mart continued to grow into one of Canada’s leading retailers, introducing new store formats and green initiatives. In 1997, he was awarded the Retail Council of Canada’s distinguished Canadian Retailer of the Year Award. Mr. Pilozzi is also a respected leader in the community, contributing his expertise to many causes. A member of the Board of Trustees of the Children’s Miracle Network, he serves as a member of the Advisory Board of Ryerson University’s School of Retail Management, in addition to sponsoring and participating in ACE’s Campus Enterprise Challenge. 

In 1978 Gaetan Martel joined a small manufacturer of weather stripping in Boucherville, Quebec. In five years he, along with his partner and a venture capital firm, purchased the company. Over the years the company saw substantial growth both organically and through acquisition, and the broadening of their product offerings. In 2004 Mr. Martel and his partner bought out the venture capital company and, with tremendous foresight, offered shares in the company to their employees. Today the company is thirty five times larger than when he started, has earned numerous vendor awards from retailers on both sides of the border and is considered a North American market leader. Mr. Martel has been a supporter of the Parkinson, Heart and Stroke and Breast Cancer Foundations and since retiring has been establishing his own foundation for children with autism.

Mr. Sales started life in the retail business at K-Mart. He worked his way up through the ranks at that organization ending up in the executive suite. In 1991 he made the move to Canadian Tire Retail as Senior VP of Marketing. Soon after he became Executive Vice President, with responsibility for the entire supply chain, at the company. He became CEO in 2000 and held that position until his retirement in 2006. His bold strategies for the revitalization of Canadian Tire and the acquisition of Mark’s Work Wearhouse, have led to several industry awards, including Distinguished Retailer of the Year in 2004, by the Retail Council of Canada, and CEO of the year by Canadian Business Magazine in 2005. Mr. Sales was inducted into the Canadian Marketing, Hall of Legends in 2009. Since retiring as CEO, he has served on numerous Boards across North America including Tim Hortons, SuperValu Inc., Georgia Gulf Corporation and Discovery Air. Mr. Sales is a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.

After a successful start to his career as a retailer and later sales representative working with some of the industry icons, Mr. Johnstone formed a partnership in 1985 that saw the birth of Salton Canada. For the past 22 years with Al as President, he and his partner have built a true success story. Over the years they expanded and now operate three subsidiaries, Jascor Housewares, Toastess International and SWG. A strong supporter and sponsor of industry events and charities, highly ethical values, exceptional people skills, and a keen eye for innovative new products have earned Al the respect of the industry, including his customers and competitors.

The MIBRO Group has been guided by the able leadership of Leon Lapidus since 1979 and serves customers across Canada, the United States and recently the South American markets. The strength of the company lies in the value commitments MIBRO makes to its customers and the outstanding team of managers who work to make their shared vision for the future a reality.  For MIBRO, excellence is the sum of Product Quality & Appearance, Packaging & Merchandising, Service, Flexibility, Pricing and Innovation. MIBRO has been honored as one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Private Companies three times and holds that designation in 2008.

Selling to local retailers from the trunk of his car over 30 years ago, Mr. Caplan started what is today a true Canadian success story. Task Tools & Abrasives have warehouses and offices in Vancouver, BC and Brantford, Ontario, as well as in the USA. While building his company he always had time to stay involved with the community and was the driving force in bringing Crime Stoppers to Vancouver in the late 80’s. He was an active member in the Kiwanis Club for over 20 years and served his term as President of the Vancouver chapter.

After 56 plus years of service with Home Hardware Stores Limited you would be hard pressed to find anyone who has given more to this industry than Mr. Gabel. He began his career straight out of school with what was then Hollinger Hardware, the precursor to Home Hardware. He has served in a number of roles leading up to his current position of Vice- President Merchandise & Marketing-Hardlines. Not only has he achieved tremendous success in his career, Mr. Gabel has endeared himself to industry colleagues with his generous support for community and industry fundraisers, charities and events.

Spending his entire business career in the hardware and plumbing industry Mr. Silverman, a born entrepreneur, started no less than three successful enterprises including Albany Plumbing Sales, Aqualine Products, and Polaris International. David was respected and admired by his customers, his associates and his competitors. Not one to ignore those in need, David was responsible for starting what is now the Moen Christmas Party supporting Foster Parents Plan, The Children’s Aid Society and Women’s Shelters.

Jean began his Agency in Montreal in 1978 after a stint as Regional Manager for GSW. He built a reputation as one of the most respected sales people, well liked by both customers and competitors. A major accomplishment in his career, that few agents can claim, is that Jean never lost a line other than through acquisition or closure of a company. He believed in giving back to the industry that gave you a living, which led to his involvement with the CHHMA. Elected to the Board in 1986, Jean served as Chairman of several committees including the Quebec Committee. He was active in the Italian Community and the Chamber of Commerce in Montreal as well as CHHMA Easter Seals fundraising events. Jean passed away in 1998 leaving his agency and legacy in the hands of his son Mark.  

David Grubbe started his career in the McLeods chain as a clerk in Taber Alberta and worked through various locations across the prairies. In 1978 he moved into head office as a buyer, subsequently purchasing a franchise in Shaunavan Saskatchewan. Dave was an extremely successful franchisee, and soon after opening the first store he purchased a second location. When McLeods found themselves in financial trouble, David sold his stores and returned to head office as V.P. Merchandising. When they were purchased by Cotter USA he retired. The new CEO on temporary assignment, asked Dave to come back as CEO when he was returning to the USA. As the company grew and gained financial strength, the dealers asked him to orchestrate a buy back from Cotter USA. He spent a year heading up the negotiating team and as a result TruServ is now a successful Canadian owned co-operative.

An engineer with Monsanto, Bill was inspired to start his own business by a toilet seat hanging on the wall in the Monsanto offices, that was made from wood flour and Monsanto resin. He moved back to his hometown of Barrie, sold his car and borrowed money from family to come up with the $6000 he needed to get the loan to start the enterprise. By the end of the first year they finally got the production up to the 100 per day target, and in 1954 Moldex was launched. Growing to over 10,000 units per day, Bill went looking for new challenges, and in the late 1960’s he found an extruding machine that could make flexible drainage pipe, and started United Extrusions as a separate enterprise in Orangeville. Active in the community, he served on many committees and Boards, and was instrumental in getting the Barrie hospital and the YMCA built.

Jim began his career working in his father’s lumberyard in the 1960’s, and after the business was sold he opened his first Totem store in Calgary in 1970. At the time of the sale to Rona in 2005, they had 14 retail outlets and 2 contractor yards with 900 employees and over $260 million in sales. Described by his employees as a hard worker and a great leader by example, the company has been very successful over the years, and has many employees with over 25 years of service. Loyal to staff as they were to him, Jim supported a pension fund for the employees, and made a large contribution to the fund when he sold the business. In addition to supporting local community projects and minor hockey in every town where he had a store, Mr. Thorogood was a generous donor to the Children’s Hospitals in Alberta.

Moss Kadey founded Brita Canada in 1986 and as a result of his energy, business savvy and passion for the product, the brand quickly became a household name. Within a year, Brita filter manufacturing for the entire western hemisphere market had been established and Brita USA had been launched. By mid-1988, he had sold distribution rights to Clorox while retaining royalties and replacement filter sales.Eventually, Mr. Kadey sold his entire company to Clorox and directed his focus toward philanthropy with many causes being on the  receiving end of his boundless energy and generosity.  

Ed Lupton founded Millwork Home Centres in 1950. Soon after, he purchased lumber mills in British Columbia so as to secure a dedicated source of supply for his Oshawa based store. Today, Millwork Home Centres consists of three retail locations in Oshawa, Ajax and Peterborough, plus Rushwood Truss in Bowmanville that can collectively boast of over $35 million in annual sales and some 200 employees. In the latter regard, a testament to the quality, climate and culture of the company is the average years of service for drivers – 20 years, and that of store and yard staff – 15 years. A founding father of the Independent Lumber Dealers’ Cooperative (ILDC) in 1964, Mr. Lupton joins fellow ILDC members Bill Kitchen, Lansing Buildall, and Joe Delesalle, Lumberland in the Industry Hall of Fame. Outside of his business interests, Mr. Lupton was active in his community as a member of the Durham Home Builders’ Association, a Director of the Oshawa Lacrosse Association, and a generous supporter of the Oshawa General Hospital and numerous other local charitable causes. Mr. Lupton passed away in 2003 but his children – Rob, Sue and Sandy, continue to successfully operate the business that their father built and ultimately handed over to them. 

Marcel Deslauriers realized a lifelong dream of running his own business when he partnered with Roméo Fillion to purchase a small-scale paint manufacturing company by the name of Sico in 1937. A businessman with strong sales abilities, M. Deslauriers’ responsibilities would include handling all the advertising, marketing and public relations needs of the company. Driven by a promise to deliver product quality, technological innovation and great attention to their customers’ needs, M. Deslauriers would often assist with the opening of new Sico paint outlets. M. Deslauriers and his partner overcame several setbacks through the years, and built the company up to become Canada’s largest paint and coatings manufacturer. He would assume the position of President in 1973, and in 1976 was named “Man of the Year” by Commerce Magazine. M. Deslauriers retired in 1988.

Having a passion for all things mechanical, Roméo Fillion was considered to be an ingenious technician and an imaginative inventor. When an opportunity presented itself in 1937 to purchase the “Peinture Sico enr.” entity from Arthur Sicard, he along with his colleague, Marcel Deslauriers, bought the Sico company for $1,400. The company suffered several setbacks through the years, including a fire that destroyed the plant in 1942. However, the company was able to overcome them all to become the largest Canadian owned paint manufacturer. M. Fillion’s concern for quality, product performance and innovation would become the basis of Sico’s success. M. Fillion served as president of Sico until his retirement in 1973. He passed away in 1979. 

In 1955, Tong Louie bought out the eleven other members of his family, and took over the family business, which his father started in 1927 as H.Y. Louie Co. Ltd. He became the franchisee for the IGA business in British Columbia, and to this day the family operates over 60 IGA stores in the province.  In 1976, Mr. Louie purchased a small chain of ten drug stores known as London Drugs. By the time of his passing in 1998, he had expanded to 50 stores. Today the organization has 59 stores, and combined with the IGA operation, employs over 6,700 people.  Always active with charitable causes and community participation, Mr. Louie served on the Boards of several non-profit foundations, and provided financial support to hospitals in every community in which they had a store. In 1989, Mr. Louie received the Order of Canada, the nation’s highest civilian award, in recognition of excellence. 

After 25 years at the helm, Mr. Grittner retired this past year as President of the company he build from $18 million in sales to over $800 million. In 1977 Carl became General Manager of West Fraser Building Supplies, an 8 store chain in the interior of British Columbia that was losing money and virtually no one in the industry had ever heard of or cared about. In 1988 they made their first acquisition when they took over 20 stores from the Revelstoke Company of Calgary. From there it mushroomed with the purchase of Eagle Canada in 1995, Lumberland of Vancouver in 1997, and Lansing in Toronto in 1998. However, it wasn’t all by acquisition, in 1993 now a profitable 30 store chain with sales in $230 million range, Grittner made the decision to go head to head with Aikenheads for market share with the big box format. By the time the company was sold they had 14 box stores up and running and both formats were profitable operations. One of the most incredible attributes of the man was the quiet way he went about his business, always believing in his staff and managers, practicing fairness and doing what was right, always approachable and even answering his own phone. The company truly grew from within, never using consultants and never hiring overpriced outside executives.

Mr. Simms became President of T.S.Simms at the age of 24 following his father’s death in 1908. Within three years he was able to double sales making Simms one of North America’s pre-eminent broom and brush applicator manufacturers. L.W. as he was known soon became an advocate for business reform across Canada, traveled extensively throughout North America extolling the virtues of free trade, and campaigned for better treatment of local manufacturers through the Maritime Freight Rates Act. At the time of his death in 1957, he was the only one to have served as President of both the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Manufacturers Association. He was a founding member of the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council and President of both the Saint John and Maritime Provinces Boards of Trade. During his career, Mr. Simms was a member of the Select Committee responsible for drafting the New Brunswick Workmen’s Compensation Act and was credited with implementing many employee benefits well ahead of their common acceptance and application. Mr. Simms was recently inducted into the New Brunswick Business Hall of Fame.

P.L. Robertson was a pioneer of new products and an astute businessman. At the turn of the century, Mr. Robertson applied for and patented numerous items, including a corkscrew, screwdriver, tracer bullets for use during the war, train cup links and a home security device. However, the one he would apply for in 1906 would make him famous – a screw with a square pyramid pointed socket punched in the centre of its head – “the Robertson screw”. Production of the screw began in 1908, using machinery mostly of his own design. His products became widely used, from the wooden bodywork of the Henry Ford Model T, to ships being built by the British navy during WWII. Robertson would also become one of the first firms in the fastener business to pre-package screws and nails. P.L. Robertson passed away in 1951. 

Charles E. Springer Sr. founded the company in 1947. The company initially sold housewares products to the hardware trade, but with the advent of the discount store, CES Company subsequently pioneered the art of in-store detailing and servicing of stores such as Gems, Towers and Sayvette. In 1953, C.E. Springer and Company was one of the first companies to establish a profit sharing plan for its employees, and incorporated it into a registered retirement plan. Charles Sr. passed away in 1982.

Charles E. Springer Jr. was enlisted by his father – Charles E. Springer Sr. – in the late 1940’s to assist in running C.E. Springer and Company. Charles Jr. became President of the company in 1963, and ran the business until 1984. Under his direction, the company continued to grow and develop its pioneering approach to in-store detailing and servicing.

As co-founder of the Canadian member owned buying group Les Marchands en Quincaillerie Ltée, M. Piotte was very instrumental in the development of the co-operative, know today as RONA. During his time as General Manager the group created the RONA hardware store banner and expanded into a province wide organization. He was also instrumental in forming the country’s first “umbrella buying group” when RONA joined forces with Home Hardware in Ontario, Link Hardware in Edmonton and Falcon Hardware in Winnipeg, to form United Hardware Wholesalers. 

Bernie became involved in the family’s feed and grain business in the early 1950’s and began expanding product lines until the company developed into what it is today. It now stands as a premiere Canadian manufacturer of flexible venting products with manufacturing plants in Canada and the United States. Under Bernie’s leadership the company first branched out from feed and straw to selling upholstery supplies and then became the first manufacturer of flexible venting for the residential market in Canada. Continuing to expand the product line, the company doubled in size every five or six years through the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. In 1978 they ventured south of the border and opened their first manufacturing plant in the United States. The company continues to operate as a privately held family business. 

For 34 years, Mr. Ross managed the affairs of the Canadian Retail Hardware Association and the Canadian Hardware Show. He maintained a close relationship with international affiliates and sister organizations. Mr. Ross was involved in many research projects and industry surveys helping independent hardware dealers to become more profitable. He also championed the cause on behalf of his members on legislative issues, such as gun control, Sunday shopping, and metric conversion.

Mr. Delesalle established the Abbotsford Wood & Coal company, which supplied coal and sawdust for residential and commercial heating, in the 1940s. He began to sell lumber a few years later, with hardware added to the assortment in the 1950s. He built his first Lumberland building centre in the 1960s, which featured the world’s first reported drive-through lumberyard, designed by Mr. Delesalle and his wife Marion. Lumberland continued to grow to become the largest home improvement retailer in B.C.’s lower mainland. During his career, Mr. Delesalle also served as president of the Independent Lumber Dealers’ Co-operative. 

Mr. Kitchen opened his first Lansing Buildall store in 1951 in Toronto staffed by himself, his wife Jean and one other person. A second location opened in 1957. Expansion continued through the 1970s and 1980s, and there are currently nine stores in the Toronto area. Mr. Kitchen was active on the board of the directors of the Independent Lumber Dealers’ Co-operative, and was also the first recipient of the Lumber and Building Materials Association of Ontario’s Industry Achievement Award. 

Mr. Pountney began his career in this industry with the Hoover Company, and later moved to Shetland Lewyt. When the company merged with Proctor Silex, Mr. Pountney went on to build a career spanning more than 30 years at Proctor Silex, including the last 15 as president. Throughout his career, Mr. Pountney has always been a strong supporter of industry events and associations, such as the CHHMA and PAMA.

Mr. McDonald formed a company called Gerdon Industrial Sales in the 1960s selling fasteners to the hardware industry.  His new company called McDonald Sales was started in 1979 and was responsible for the introduction of Aqualine packaged plumbing to almost every hardware store in Canada.  He has been instrumental in the growth of Canadian companies such as Aqualine Products, Dundas-Jafine, Jamec, Imperial Sheet Metal and Valley Eastman.  

In 1962, Mr. Sparling officially launched Spar-Pak Industries Ltd. from the basement of his Vancouver home. His company went on to grow into an operation with more than 500 employees known as Spar Group. He was a pioneer in the packaging and merchandising of fasteners and builders hardware to retailers. 

In the early 1950s, M. Auger took over his family’s firm, Auger & Fils Ltée, at 22 years of age.  That marked the start of a long and successful career that eventually saw the establishment of Sodisco Distribution Inc. in 1972. Sodisco launched its first banner in 1979 called Unitotal, and continued to add new banners in the 1980s. With the purchase of D.H. Howden in 1987, M. Auger helped make Sodisco one of the most important hardware distributors in Canada. 

Mr. McKerlie was a firm believer in vendor-distributor partnerships long before it was an industry buzzword. A 40-year veteran of D.H. Howden & Co. Ltd., he was known for his integrity and honesty in his business dealings. Mr. McKerlie rose through the company’s buying ranks to become senior vice-president of Sodisco Group Inc., where he was responsible for approving all suppliers and ensuring that the company carried competitive product lines. 

Recognized as a leading player in the western Canadian hardware industry, Mr. Barregar’s career spans more than five decades. He is currently the chairman of Vancouver’s Smith-Barregar Group, which he established in 1946. Over the years, Smith-Barregar’s involvement in paints, hardware and D.I.Y. products have spearheaded marketing, sales and product innovation in these areas. 

M. Boutin began his career in the hardware industry in 1946 with the Savonal Co. He established his own agency in 1957 called Les Agences Roger Boutin Inc. He also played a major role in introducing and implementing CHHMA activities in Quebec. M. Boutin served as Association Chairman in 1986-87, and was on the Board of Directors for seven years. 

During his 33-year career, M. St-Jean worked in different capacities for several companies, including Kelvinator of Canada, Belanger, Tappin, Findlay and General Steel Wares. He went on to to serve as president of Coronet Housewares Inc., and later acted as a consultant to several housewares manufacturers. M. St-Jean was also an avid supporter of many industry associations, including the CHHMA, where he served as Association Chairman in 1983-84. 

Mr. Johnson’s many contributions to the housewares industry gained him much recognition during his 32 years at the Hudson’s Bay Company. As principal buyer for The Bay from 1967 to 1989, he was better known throughout Canada as “Mr. Housewares.” After retiring from The Bay Mr. Johnson created his own company which offered marketing, packaging and merchandising services to housewares companies. 

Like many in the industry, Walter Hachborn began his career working in the store doing everything from stocking shelves to sweeping the floors. After purchasing Hollinger Hardware with two partners, he worked tirelessly to build the business. In 1964, Home Hardware Stores Limited began operations with 25 dealer-owners. Under his direction, Home Hardware pioneered many innovations, such as computerized retail management systems and merchandising services, and has grown to include almost 1,000 dealers serving customers from coast to coast. 

Beginning in 1951, Mr. Russell’s career with Lepage’s spanned 37 years. Starting as an office clerk, he rose through the ranks to vice-president sales and marketing, and eventually became president and CEO in 1981. An active supporter and member of various trade associations, Mr. Russell held the position of Board Chairman for the Packaging Association in 1978 and 1983, and for the CHHMA in 1985-86. Upon retirement Mr. Russell was granted an honourary lifetime membership in the CHHMA. 

Ed Hosford began his career with Sumners Hardware in Moncton, New Brunswick in 1941. After taking three years off during the war to serve in Europe, he returned to a sales job with Sumners in 1946. As Sales Manager from 1957-1972, he was largely responsible for growing the company from a sales force of five to a team of 33. In 1972, Ed was promoted to General Manager and later to Vice President, a position he held until his retirement in 1986. 

Under Mr. Lush’s guidance, Supreme Aluminum Industries Ltd. grew from a modest metal stampings company to a leading Canadian manufacturer of stainless steel cookware. He began as an apprentice in the tool room at the company in 1938, when it was still known as Metal Stampings Ltd., and worked his way up the ladder to plant manager. He became president in 1962 and continued to run the company until his retirement in 1986. 

A.J. Billes’ marketing genius helped grow the business engine he started with brother J.W. Billes known as Canadian Tire. He came up with the name Canadian Tire because, as he recalled, “it sounded big.” In 1937, at the Toronto store, it was A.J. who put his counter clerks on roller skates to more quickly fill orders. The company introduced Canadian Tire money in the early sixties, a concept which remains one of Canada’s most popular customer loyalty programs. Today, Canadian Tire stores can be found across the country; most Canadians live within a 15-minute drive of their local Canadian Tire store. 

As co-founder and first president of Canadian Tire, J.W. Billes was the patriarch of a family business that he began along with his brother A.J. selling car repair parts in Toronto in 1922. Canadian Tire’s growth was in many ways the result of J.W.’s methodical business acumen. His great idea to realize that automobiles would someday become an indispensable human tool, would set the course for a company that has become one of the world’s most successful retail stories. 

At the height of its success, Quebec-based company J. Pascal Inc., headed by Arthur Pascal, boasted more than 20 Pascal’s hardware and furniture stores in the provinces of Quebec, Ontario and New Brunswick. In addition to sitting on several boards of organizations, M. Pascal was a former honourary chairman of the Boy Scouts, a doctor of law, and a member of the Order of Canada. 

After more than six decades serving the industry, Mr. Groves has deservedly earned his nicknames of “Mr. Stanley” and “Mr. Hardware.” After retiring from Stanley Canada Inc. in 1982, he joined the Door and Hardware Institute as Canadian administrator in 1987. Mr. Groves served on the Board of the CHHMA and was Chairman in 1978-79 . His years of service with numerous industry associations have earned him countless awards and industry recognition, including an honourary lifetime membership in the CHHMA. 

M. Larocque began his career in 1939 when he purchased a small hardware store in Grand’Mère, Quebec. He opened two more stores there under the name P.A. Larocque Inc., and added locations in Shawinigan. Always active in community and industry affairs, M. Larocque served as president of the Canadian Retail Hardware Association, and was elected president of the National Retail Hardware Association in 1979, one of only a select few Canadians to hold this position. 

Mr. Sittler’s name along with that of his colleague Walter Hachborn are synonymous with the Home Hardware legend. He began his career at Hollinger Hardware, where he later became manager. Together with owner Gordon Hollinger, the two developed an aggressive retail business with value, service and dependability as its motto. Following Mr. Hollinger’s death in 1948, Mr. Sittler, along with partners Walter Hachborn and Arthur Zilliax, purchased the business and formed the foundation of what was later to become Home Hardware Stores Limited. 

The substantial growth of D.H. Howden & Co. Ltd. during the 1950s can largely be attributed to the leadership of Mr. Stewart. In 1964, Mr. Stewart introduced into Canada the American PRO Hardware franchise in association with distributors in each Canadian province. Over the years, D.H. Howden had gradually incorporated the various Pro territories in Canada, completing its integration of the entire PRO Hardware program in Canada in 1984. In 1985, the company acquired the exclusive Canadian rights to the U.S. Do-it Center franchise program.