Gentec International
Gentec International is a Canadian distributor of consumer accessories, headquartered in Markham, Ontario, Canada.
Industry | |
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Founded | 1990 |
Founder | Joel Seigel |
Headquarters | 90 Royal Crest Court, Markham, Ontario , |
Area served | Canada |
Key people | Joel Seigel (President and CEO) |
Number of employees | 100 |
Website | www.gentec-intl.com |
History
Founded in 1990 by Joel Seigel and Margaret Adat, Gentec International began distributing photography accessories to the Canadian retail market. Gentec outgrew two facilities in eight years, finding their current home in Markham, Ontario, in 1998.[1] Over the years, Gentec has continued to expand into new markets, including: electronics, mobile/wireless accessories, home audio products, sporting goods and car audio.
Gentec currently operates a state of-the-art, fully computerized 100,000 sq. ft. distribution centre and employs approximately 100 full-time staff.
On October 31, 2012, Alpine Electronics announced a partnership with Gentec International that would see Gentec take over sales, marketing and service of all Alpine Mobile Media Solutions for the Canadian market. The partnership went into effect January 1, 2013.
On January 1, 2013, Gentec also took over distribution for Vitec products in Canada, including Manfrotto, Gitzo, Kata Bags and National Geographic Bags.
On September 25, 2017, the Vitec Group Int. announced their acquisition of JOBY and Lowepro. As part of this acquisition, Gentec International was able to become the sole distributor in Canada.[2]
On July 26, 2018, Gentec International opened their Kustomworx facility to the Canadian B2B market, providing commercial installers and businesses with unprecedented access to high-end home and commercial audio and video technology.[3]
Brands
Gentec International represents products for over sixty brands across six markets in the Canadian consumer accessories market. Those markets include Digital Imaging, Electronics, Mobile, Audio Products, Sporting Goods and Car Audio.
Digital Imaging
Avenger, Blackrapid, DNP, Gary Fong, Gitzo, Joby, Lastolite, Lowepro, Manfrotto, Marumi, Optex, Roots, Safari Action Cameras, SanDisk, Sigma and Zeiss.
Electronics
Bell'O Furniture, Energy, iQ, Loctek, Metra and Ultralink.
Audio
Bell'O, Klipsch and Pro-Ject Audio.
Car Audio
Alpine, Amber, Best Kits & Harnesses, Metra, PAC, Phoenix Gold, Sony, and Stinger.
Awards
Gentec has been a recipient of numerous awards in the Canadian marketplace.
London Drugs
Award | Year |
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Vendor of the Year, Photography | 2003, 2006, 2011 |
Vendor of the Year, Electronics | 1996, 1999 |
Outstanding Partner of the Year | 1996, 1999, 2003 |
FotoSource Retail Group
Award | Year |
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Outstanding Customer Service Award | 2006, 2011 |
Vendor of the Year | 1999, 2006, 2011 |
Extraordinary Customer Service, Accessories | 2011 |
Vendor of the Year, Accessories | 2011 |
Supplier of the Year | 1999 |
AAMP of America
Award | Year |
---|---|
Distributor of the Year | 2010 |
Cantrex Retail Group
Award | Year |
---|---|
Outstanding Customer Service | 2005, 2006, 2007 |
Vendor of the Year | 2003, 2006 |
Service Company of the Year | 2005, 2006 |
Vendor of the Year | 2003, 2006 |
Henrys
Award | Year |
---|---|
Vendor of the Year | 2003 |
Sony of Canada
Award | Year |
---|---|
Outstanding Sales Achievement Award | 2003 |
In 1999, Gentec received the Markham Board of Trade's Business Excellence Award, presented to Joel Seigel and Margaret Adat by then-Mayor of Markham, Don Cousens.[4]
In 2012, Gentec was named one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies for the sixth consecutive year by Deloitte & Touche's Best Managed Companies program.[5]
In 2018, Gentec was named one of Canada's Best Managed Companies for the tenth consecutive year.[6]
References
- "Gentec International - History".
- "Gentec International to Distribute Lowepro and Joby in Canada". Gentec. 2017-09-25. Retrieved 2019-01-25.
- International, Gentec. "Kustomworx Opens Doors, Providing Canadian Businesses with Commercial-Grade Audio and Visual Equipment". www.newswire.ca. Retrieved 2019-01-25.
- Christine Persaud, Gentec Cuts the Ribbon on Expanded 100,000 Square-Foot Facility, June 18, 2009, "MarketNews.ca Archived 2012-10-27 at Archive.today", April 24, 2013
- "Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies". Archived from the original on 2012-12-17.
- "Gentec Celebrates 10th Consecutive Year as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies". Gentec. 2018-03-14. Retrieved 2019-01-25.