ST. JACOBS, ONTARIO – Nov. 14, 2023 — Home Hardware Stores Limited is proud to celebrate the five Home Dealer-Owners recognized at the 11^th Annual Gala Reconnaissance hosted by the association québécoise de la quincaillerie et des matériaux (AQMAT). The gala, held at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth on Nov. 11, 2023, recognized the achievements of the Québec hardware industry’s best stores, most innovative products, most talented employees and families that have been in the hardware business for generations.

Home Hardware’s honoured award recipients include:

PRIX ASCENSION – recognizing the rising career of an employee, in office for less than three years, who has been offered increasing responsibilities.

Winner: Marc-Antoine Perron, Granby Home Hardware

A young, dynamic businessman, Perron has demonstrated unprecedented dedication to his customers and employees at Granby Home Hardware, east of Montreal. As a leader, he is always open to suggestions and continuous improvement to both the store and his own personal development. His employees consider him a caring, respectful and inclusive manager.

PRIX MANAGER – recognizing the qualities of an executive who successfully works for the well-being and productivity of the company's human resources.

Winner: Nancy Lampron, La Sarre Home Hardware Building Centre

Nancy Lampron is a dynamic and curious person who cares about her team at La Sarre Home Hardware Building Centre in the northwestern Quebec town of La Sarre. Lampron always looks for solutions and puts the right tools in place to help the company grow. She is committed to investing in the development and training of her team and to the next generation of Home Team Members.

PRIX SOCIÉTÉ – honouring an ecological, social or humanitarian commitment that is recognized and appreciated by customers, suppliers or the community.

Winners: Sophie Denis and Philippe Moisan, Jean Denis Ltée. Quincaillerie Home Hardware

Inspired by Home’s co-founder Walter J. Hachborn, Sophie and Philippe run their business with heart and passion, guided by their values, and that is reflected in the way they give back to their community of St-Raymond de Portneuf. Whether it be raising money for a new wheelchair for a community member, sponsoring their local football team, hosting a classic car show, or giving to their local health foundation, Sophie and Philippe go above and beyond to find ways to support their community.

PRIX CONQUERANT – honouring a company that demonstrates business growth through acquisitions, marketing strategies or export activities.

Winner: Nathalie Bellerive, Home stores in Charrette, St-Étienne, and St-Paulin

For nearly 38 years, the Home Hardware Matériaux Lavergne renovation centres in Charette and Saint-Étienne-des-Grès have been community staples. Now, Bellerive and her team have acquired a third store, their second in Saint-Paulin, providing their small communities north of Montreal with reliable and consistent home improvement offerings. The new location offers more than 4,600 square feet of sales area in addition to 1,700 square feet of warehouse space to serve its community.

HERITAGE AWARD – honouring a family that has been in business for at least two generations and where the next generation plays a true role.

Winners: Benoit Rousseau and Anick Rousseau, Home stores in Alma, Roberval, St-Félicien, Dolbeau, Mistassini

Benoit and Anick Rousseau are a powerhouse father-daughter duo in south-central Quebec. More than 50 years ago, Benoit began his journey in the hardware industry when he purchased his first store. Several more locations followed, operating under the Rénomax name until officially joining the Home banner in 2008. Following in her father’s footsteps, Anick is general manager of five of their stores and owner of four.

"Our five award winners are excellent examples of what it means to be strong leaders in this industry”, said Mario Durocher, Director of Quebec Retail Operations, Home Hardware Stores Limited. “On behalf of all our Quebec Dealers and Home Hardware Stores Limited, I would like to congratulate Marc-Antoine, Nancy, Sophie and Philippe, Nathalie, and Benoit and Anick on their achievements.”

AQMAT also honoured Charles Cotton, an employee from Home Hardware Égide Dupuis et Fils, in Gaspé. He's 85 years old, and every day, to pass the time, he still comes into the Égide Dupuis et Fils hardware store in Gaspé to help out both customers and his fellow employees.

About Home Hardware Stores Limited

Home Hardware Stores Limited is Canada's largest Dealer-owned hardware, lumber, building materials, and furniture home improvement retailer with close to 1,100 stores under the Home Hardware, Home Building Centre, Home Hardware Building Centre and Home Furniture banners. Founded in 1964 in rural St. Jacobs, Ontario, Home Hardware remains 100% Canadian owned and operated. Through the Home Hardware network, Dealer-Owners have extensive distribution and marketing capabilities as well as access to thousands of quality, brand name and private label products. Home Hardware Stores Limited has received designation as one of Canada's Best Brands and Best Managed Companies and is committed to helping Canadians with all of their project needs. More information about the company is available at homehardware.ca.

For more information, please contact:

media@homehardware.ca

For more information, please contact: media@homehardware.ca