Criteria:
The following criteria is taken into
consideration when selecting a nominee:
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Must be Canadian
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Total years in the industry (minimum 15)
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Examples of innovation and pioneering
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Must be a builder of a successful business
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Involvement in outside activities that benefit the
whole industry
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Can come from the retail, distribution, manufacturing
or agencies sector
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Personal characteristics such as ethics and integrity
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GAETAN MARTEL
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame - 2009
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.
WAYNE SALES
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame - 2009
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.
LEON LAPIDUS
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame - 2008
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.
AL JOHNSTONE
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame - 2008
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.
MICHAEL CAPLAN
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame - 2007
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.
RAY GABEL
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame - 2007
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.
DAVID SILVERMAN
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame - 2007
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.
DAVID GRUBBE
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame - 2006
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.
JEAN GAGLIARDI
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame - 2006
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.
BILL CALDWELL
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame - 2005
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 THOROGOOD
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame - 2005
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
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame - 2004
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
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame - 2004
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.
TONG LOUIE
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 2003
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.
MARCEL
DESLAURIERS
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 2003
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.
ROMéO
FILLION
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 2003
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.
CARL GRITTNER
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 2002
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.
LEWIS W. SIMMS
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 2002
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.
PETER LYMBURNER (P.L.) ROBERTSON
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 2001
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.
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 2001
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.
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 2001
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.
GEORGE CLUTHé
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 2000
In the late 1930's, George Cluthé began his career in manufacturing at Schnar
Button in Kitchener. By the mid 40's Mr. Cluthé had begun his own company
manufacturing screwdrivers and other assorted hardware. In 1954, he moved his
business to Waterloo where he continued to develop his trade and make
advancements on his multi-bit interchangeable screwdrivers, which he patented
in 1965. He continued to manage his company with a hands on approach well into
his seventies. Mr. Cluthé passed away in 1997 at the age of 87.
ROLAND DANSEREAU
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 2000
In 1939, Roland Dansereau along with Napoléon Piotte, founded the first
Canadian member owned buying group Les Marchands en Quincaillerie Ltée. The two
men along with a group of hardware store owners formed the buying group to get
around a monopoly that threatened their ability to access supplies. Within two
years they opened their first warehouse, and in 1946 held their first dealer
show. M. Dansereau held controlling interest in the company until 1962, when M.
Piotte and ten other dealers bought his shares and formed a true dealer
co-operative, which they renamed Le Groupe RONA Inc.
NAPOLéON PIOTTE
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 2000
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.
TOM ROSS
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 1999
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.
BERNIE JAFINE
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 1999
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.
J.P. (JOE) DELESALLE
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 1998
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.
W.C. (BILL) KITCHEN
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 1998
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.
JACK POUNTNEY
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 1997
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.
BILL SPARLING
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 1996
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.
DON McDONALD
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 1996
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.
MICHEL AUGER
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 1994
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.
BOB McKERLIE
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 1993
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.
W.H.A. BARREGAR
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 1992
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.
ROGER BOUTIN
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 1992
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.
NORMAND ST-JEAN
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 1991
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.
JIM JOHNSON
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 1990
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.
WALTER HACHBORN
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 1989
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.
KEITH RUSSELL
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 1988
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
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 1987
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.
SHELDON LUSH
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 1987
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.
J.W. BILLES
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 1986
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.
A.J. BILLES
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 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.
ARTHUR PASCAL
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 1985
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.
LES GROVES
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 1984
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.
PIERRE LAROCQUE
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 1984
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.
DAVE STEWART
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 1984
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.
HENRY SITTLER
Inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame 1984
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.
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