“We have had seven major expansions since joining Sexton Group in 2010. We couldn’t have done that without the tight-knit team of professionals at Sexton Group pointing us in the right direction. I’m often asked at conferences and meetings if I feel the pricing is competitive. I say “YES.” You don’t expand seven times in 10 years without competitive pricing programs. That’s why I am a Sexton member.”
Albert Pike, Pike’s Building Centre
So you can focus on what matters most — your business.
Our Promise to You: We help members succeed through advocacy, competitive programs, and transactional excellence—resolving issues fast, securing regional pricing advantages, and delivering the fastest rebates in the
ABSDA Serving the Industry for 71 years
It will come as no surprise ABSDA currently has close to 600 active Member Retail Building Supply and Associate Supplier Members.
ABSDA is the collective voice and liaison for the independent Building Supply and Home Improvement Industry.
Since 1955 this Association has focused on industry specific needs to our Members.
A Message from Our New Chair
Duane MacDonald Chair of the Board
It is an honour and privilege to serve as Chair of the Atlantic Building Supply Dealers Association for the coming year. Having been involved in the building supply industry for many years and as an owner with The Callbeck Group of Home Hardwares, I have seen firsthand the strength of our industry and the importance of the relationships that make it so unique. The building supply business has always been about people—our employees, our customers, our suppliers, and the partnerships we build through organizations like ABSDA.
I step into this role at an exciting time for our association. ABSDA continues to grow, evolve, and deliver exceptional value to its members through industry-leading events, education and training opportunities, advocacy, and the countless connections that help strengthen our businesses across Atlantic Canada.
Our industry continues to face both opportunities and challenges. Labour shortages, changing customer expectations, new technologies, and economic uncertainty are all shaping the way we do business. At the same time, these challenges are creating opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and growth. I firmly believe that by working together and sharing ideas, our members are well-positioned to meet the future with confidence.
As Chair, one of my priorities will be to continue building on the strong foundation established by those who have come before me. In particular, I would like to thank Jay Milton for his outstanding leadership and dedication during his term as Chair. Under Jay’s guidance, the association continued to grow and strengthen its position as the voice of the building supply industry in Atlantic Canada. We are fortunate that Jay will continue to serve on the Executive Committee in his new role as Past Chair, where his experience and insight will remain invaluable.
I would also like to welcome Deb Brinson of Gander Bay Building Supplies as our new Vice Chair. Deb brings tremendous industry experience, a passion for our association, and a strong commitment to supporting our members. I look forward to working alongside her and the entire Executive board in the year ahead.
At the same time, we say thank you to Tanya Hanson Rocca of Roblynn Home Hardware Building Centre as she concludes seven years of dedicated service on the ABSDA Board of Directors. Tanya has been a tremendous advocate for our industry and our association, generously sharing her time, expertise, and enthusiasm. On behalf of all our members, thank you, Tanya, for your many contributions and unwavering support of ABSDA.
As I begin my term as Chair, I am excited about what lies ahead. From our soldout events and expanding educational offerings to new initiatives that continue to connect and support our members, the future of ABSDA is bright.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement with our association. I encourage each of you to take advantage of everything your membership has to offer, connect with fellow members, and stay involved. Together, we will continue to strengthen our industry and ensure that ABSDA remains an essential resource for building supply professionals across Atlantic Canada.
I look forward to serving you in the year ahead.
Duane MacDonald, Chair
A SIGNATURE TO BE PROUD OF
When trust is on the line, every detail matters. Signature shingles are engineered for durability, performance, and style, even in Canada’s toughest conditions. With proven technology and premium colour blends, you deliver more than a roof — you give your clients peace of mind. Signature. Because peace of mind starts at the top.
AI in the Building Supply Industry: From Buzzword to Business Tool
Denis Melanson President
Artificial intelligence (AI) seems to be everywhere these days. From news headlines to social media feeds, it’s hard to avoid the conversation. But beyond the hype, one practical question remains for the building supply industry: What does AI actually mean for our businesses?
The answer is simple—it means opportunity. Like many industries, building supply is facing labour shortages, rising customer expectations, tighter margins, and the need to do more with fewer resources. AI is emerging as a practical tool that can help businesses work smarter, improve efficiency, and enhance customer service.
The good news is that AI isn’t about replacing people—it’s about helping people do their jobs better.
Imagine an estimator generating a first draft of a material takeoff in minutes instead of hours. Picture a customer service representative instantly finding product specifications or installation instructions instead of searching through multiple catalogs and websites. Routine tasks such as drafting marketing content, responding to common customer inquiries, or organizing meeting notes can now be completed in a fraction of the time.
These aren’t future possibilities—they’re happening today.
Across North America, companies are already using AI to improve inventory forecasting, predict seasonal demand, create personalized marketing campaigns, and analyze purchasing trends. AI-powered tools are also helping businesses monitor stock levels and identify products that may require replenishment before shortages occur. For independent building supply dealers, this represents a significant opportunity. Our industry has always been built on relationships, expertise, and service. Those qualities will never change. What AI can do is give employees faster access to information and knowledge, allowing them to spend more time serving customers and less time on administrative tasks.
AI can also simplify employee onboarding by providing quick answers, summarizing product information, and helping new staff become productive more quickly. As labour shortages continue to challenge our industry, tools that accelerate learning will become increasingly valuable.
Marketing is another area where AI is making a difference. Creating newsletters, social media posts, product descriptions, and promotional campaigns can consume valuable time. AI can help generate ideas and draft content, allowing businesses to communicate more effectively without increasing workload.
Of course, adopting AI also requires balance. Human expertise, sound judgment, and trusted relationships remain essential. AI can provide insights and recommendations, but it cannot replace the experience of knowledgeable employees or the personal connections that have always defined our industry.
The most successful companies will view AI as a partner—not a replacement.
The building supply industry has always adapted to change, and AI is simply the next tool available to help businesses become more efficient, make better decisions, and remain competitive.
The question is no longer whether AI will influence our industry, but how we choose to embrace it.
This October, the ABSDA Leadership Conference will explore practical AI applications and how they can help shape the future of our businesses. Whether you’re already experimenting with AI or simply curious about where to begin, one thing is certain—the conversation is only just getting started.
Denis Melanson, President
“ ” There’s never a day that goes by that we don’t have the resources that we need.
Amanda Fancy Store Owner Bridgewater, NS
100% Canadian.
100% Dealer-owned and operated.
When you join the Home Hardware family, you become part of a tight-knit community that’s free from the pressures of external shareholders. Gain access to a trusted brand with personalized resources dedicated to helping your unique business thrive, plus a coastto-coast Dealer network ready to back you every step of the way.
Scan to learn more
Patrick Goguen Director, Training and Workforce Development
HR INSIGHTS
More Human Than Ever: The Skills That Will Define Success in an AI-Powered Workplace
Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work. From drafting emails and analyzing data to automating routine tasks, AI is helping employees become more efficient than ever before. As these tools become part of everyday work, however, one question continues to surface: What skills will matter most in the future?
The answer is surprisingly human.
While AI can process information at incredible speed, it cannot replace the qualities that enable people to build relationships, navigate uncertainty, and make sound judgments. In fact, as technology advances, human skills are becoming more valuable—not less.
Communication remains a competitive advantage. AI can generate content, but people are still responsible for creating understanding. The ability to explain ideas clearly, collaborate effectively, and build trust with colleagues and clients remains essential. In a world overflowing with information, strong communication helps turn knowledge into action.
Adaptability has become the new job security. The workplace continues to evolve as technology, customer expectations, and business needs change. The employees who thrive will not necessarily be those with the most expertise today, but those who are willing to learn, grow, and adapt tomorrow. Continuous learning is no longer optional—it is a critical career skill.
a Banner where
must still evaluate information, identify risks, and make informed decisions. As AI-generated content becomes more common, the ability to ask the right questions may be just as valuable as finding the answers.
Leadership is also evolving. Technology can support decision-making, but it cannot inspire people, build culture, or guide teams through change. Today’s leaders are increasingly focused on fostering collaboration, supporting learning, and helping employees navigate uncertainty. Effective leadership remains fundamentally human.
Perhaps most important is emotional intelligence. Empathy, self-awareness, and relationship-building influence everything from teamwork and customer service to employee engagement and workplace culture. While AI can recognize patterns, it cannot genuinely understand human experiences or create authentic connections. These uniquely human abilities continue to set great employees and leaders apart.
The future of work is not a competition between humans and technology. It is a partnership. As AI takes on more routine and repetitive tasks, people have greater opportunities to focus on the work that requires creativity, judgment, collaboration, and connection.
Critical thinking is more important than ever. AI can provide answers, but it cannot fully assess context, challenge assumptions, or exercise human judgment. Employees
Organizations that invest in both technology and human development will be best positioned for success. Likewise, employees who embrace lifelong learning while strengthening their human skills will remain valuable contributors in an ever-changing workplace.
In an AI-powered world, technical skills will continue to matter. But it is our ability to communicate, adapt, think critically, lead, and connect with others that will ultimately define success.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
Products. Features. Insights.
Versetta Stone Distributed by Alexandria Moulding
Versetta Stone® is the highest-quality, most realistic mortarless stone veneer siding available, delivering the authentic look of stone with faster, easier installation. Alexandria Moulding ships Versetta Stone directly across New Brunswick and into Nova Scotia, providing dealers with reliable access to this premium siding solution. Whether you’re looking to expand your product offering or learn more about the benefits of Versetta Stone, we’re here to help. Contact Dominic Leblanc at dleblanc@alexmo.com or connect with your KM Agency representative for more information about Versetta Stone and our Atlantic Canada distribution program.
The GENTEK Window Collection
One Window Collection. More Possibilities.
The Gentek Window Collection brings together the 4000 Series and 3000 Series in one streamlined vinyl window system designed for renovation and new construction projects, combining clean sightlines, adaptable installation options, flexible frame configurations, and energy-efficient performance across a wide range of applications.
www.gentek.ca/gentek-window-collection
Realwood Look. Superior Performance.
The architectural beauty of real wood, with efficient installation and proven performance. There’s nothing ordinary about ALIGN. As the world’s first composite cladding incorporating Glass-Reinforced Polymer and Graphite-Infused Polystyrene (GP)² Technology, ALIGN delivers the style, strength and low-maintenance durability today’s projects demand.
Now with CCMC certification for ALIGN 7” Plank in Cedar Mill Grain, providing added confidence that performance has been evaluated to Canadian construction standards. ALIGN resists moisture, fading, dents and harsh weather for lasting exterior beauty.
www.gentek.ca/align-composite-cladding
Component Picket Railing
Century Aluminum Railings’ Component Picket Railing is built to make projects easier from start to finish. Designed for builders, contractors, dealers, and homeowners, this low-maintenance aluminum system installs efficiently, looks clean, and stands up to all weather conditions. Its modular design makes it easy to use on decks, stairs, balconies, and multi-section projects, while also pairing seamlessly with Century’s Scenic Glass, privacy panels, gates, and fencing systems. With durable powder-coated finishes, hidden hardware, and classic vertical lines, Component Picket Railing delivers dependable performance without the upkeep of wood. For building supply professionals, it is an easy product to source and backed by a complete railing family built for lasting results across every project type.
www.centuryrailings.com
Owens Corning® FOAMULAR® NGX® XPS
Proven Performance. Smarter Sustainability.
FOAMULAR® NGX® XPS delivers the proven strength, moisture resistance, and R-value performance
FOAMULAR® is known for, now with a significantly lower environmental impact. Using next-generation NGX technology, it provides durable, long-term insulation performance while helping builders and homeowners meet modern sustainability expectations. Distributed by Doman Building Materials.
www.owenscorning.com
TimberTech Decking
TYPAR® BuildingWrap™
Unrivaled Tear Strength.
TYPAR® BuildingWrap™ excels in all the ways that matter most to true construction pros. This rugged building wrap is equipped with tear strength five times greater than the competition. While it blocks air and water from getting in, it’s smart enough to let moisture out of the wall cavity. This means it stands up to the elements with toughness and intelligence that other building wraps can’t touch. Distributed by Doman Building Materials.
www.typar.com
The Beauty of Wood Without the Upkeep TimberTech’s goal is to help customers live their best lives outdoors. To do that, they deliver a superior product that embodies an unrivaled combination of Timber + Tech. The name says it all! ‘Timber’ captures the beauty, textures, and colours of real wood. ‘Tech’ defines how their decking is engineered to perform far better than wood. In short, TimberTech is Everything Wood Should Be™ Distributed by Doman Building Materials. www.timbertech.com
Fusion Stone Veneer
NEW Bay Stone Colour in Orthic
Fusion Stone is a masonry product designed for DIY enthusiasts and builders alike. It is a thin stone that can be easily installed using screws and stainless steel clips. The exceptional appearance and ease of use make this stone veneer and ideal choice for both indoor and outdoor applications. Now available in the sleek new colour Orthic, for a cutting edge look. Distributed by Doman Building Materials.
www.shouldice.ca/fusion-stone
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Products. Features. Insights.
IKO Blackstone
IKO has launched Blackstone, a new color in its performance shingle range within the IKO Dynasty® collection, available throughout Canada.
“Blackstone represents our most refined black offering to date — contrast that catches the eye without overpowering the home. It’s the choice for homeowners who want their roof to make a statement in the most elegant way possible,” said Vince Carrier, Residential Product Development Manager at IKO North America.
As a rich black shingle, Blackstone pairs naturally with virtually any exterior palette. It offers striking contrast against crisp whites and light greys, blends seamlessly with deep charcoals and navy siding and adds quiet drama to warm tones like greige, taupe and cedar.
See it on a Roof: https://youtu.be/Is1dmk_yLD0
NEW: Westman Steel Signature Series
Westman Steel is proud to present Signature Series, a new lineup of steel siding profiles. Choose your profile. The 5.25” Plank brings clean, classic vertical lines. The Single 6” Lap delivers that timeless residential silhouette. The 10” Board & Batten makes a bold, architectural statement. All three are made with 26-gauge steel and have a hidden fastener system for a seamless look. Engineered to resist warping, cracking, and shrinking. Available in 10 modern colours that are backed by a 40-year paint warranty. Available this fall at your local Westman dealer.
Beach House Shake®
Rustic Collection – Pacifica
Beach House Shake’s Rustic Collection is making an impression with its authentic design, cedarinspired appearance, and long-lasting composite performance. An ideal replacement for natural individual cedar shingles, the Rustic Collection delivers the look homeowners want without discoloration and other drawbacks of natural cedar shingles. The Rustic Collection features a staggered-edge design, characterized by shingles of varying thicknesses and uneven edges.
The Rustic Collection is available in four on-trend styles – Pacifica, a fresh western red cedar; Sandcastle, fresh white eastern cedar; and two new darker shades, Galveston Gray and Ballard Brown. While the new profile can be used in a whole-house application, it is ideal in gables or accent areas for a mixed material exterior, including with fiber cement siding.
www.beachhouseshake.com
Put Your Products in the Spotlight!
Have a product that deserves attention? ABSDA’s new Product Promo feature is your opportunity to showcase innovative products, new launches, and customer favorites directly to building supply professionals across Atlantic Canada. This affordable and highly effective marketing opportunity helps you reach a targeted audience of dealers, managers, and frontline staff while increasing product awareness and brand visibility. Ready to put your products in front of more decision-makers? Contact Terry LeBlanc (606) 858-0700 or leblanc@absda.ca today to reserve your spot in an upcoming issue and start reaching a larger audience.
Lead - Adapt - Elevate LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Leading with Clarity in a Transforming World
Join us for a one day professional development experience designed just for you. Whether you are an owner, manager, supervisor, or emerging leader, you’ll leave with fresh perspectives, practical tools, and renewed confidence to lead your people through change while building stronger, healthier, and more successful organizations. Through practical strategies, real-world experiences, and actionable leadership tools, participants will discover how to build resilient teams, foster greater ownership and accountability, strengthen employee engagement, and create workplace cultures where people can perform at their best.
Why Attend
• Strengthen leadership confidence and capability
• Gain tools to navigate change and uncertainty
• Learn strategies for communication, resilience, and team performance
• Understand where AI fits into the future of work
• Connect with industry peers and partners
Who should attend
This conference is designed for people responsible for leading people and driving positive change in their organization. Whether you’re on the frontlines managing teams or steering the company from the top, you’ll gain practical strategies and tools to lead with confidence in today’s fast-changing environment.
Featured Speakers & Sessions
Session: The Irrelevant Leader: The Art of Leading by Letting Go
Phil Jewell
Founder of Impact Leadership Development and Coaching, Author, Executive Coach, and Creator of The Irrelevant Leader
What if the true measure of leadership is not how needed you are, but how well your team performs when you are not there?
In this perspective-shifting session, Phil Jewell challenges the traditional idea that great leaders must be at the centre of every decision, every solution, and every success. This session is practical, human, and deeply relevant for leaders navigating today’s fast-changing business environment. Through real stories, honest reflection, and actionable tools, participants will explore how to lead with more trust, less control, and greater impact.
You’ll explore:
• Why the best leaders are not always the most essential people in the room
• How trust, delegation, and empowerment help teams grow stronger
• How to move from holding people accountable to holding them capable
• How to build teams that can make decisions, solve problems, and move forward without waiting for permission
If your team depends on you for everything, that is not strength, it is a warning sign. This session will help you begin building the kind of leadership that creates more ownership, more confidence, and less overwhelm.
CONFERENCE 2026
Session: Building Resilient Teams in an Unpredictable World
Beverley Beuermann King Stress & Resilience Expert
Economic uncertainty, labour shortages, changing customer expectations, and increasing workplace demands continue to challenge organizations across the building supply industry. While leaders cannot eliminate uncertainty, they can create workplace conditions that help employees stay engaged, adaptable, and committed during times of change.
Drawing on practical psychology and the 10 Essential Employee Engagement Needs Framework™, Beverly provides leaders with actionable strategies to strengthen resilience, reduce burnout, and build a culture where people can perform at their best—even when facing ongoing pressure and disruption.
Participants will learn how to:
• Recognize the workplace conditions that strengthen or undermine employee resilience, engagement, and retention
• Identify warning signs of stress, disengagement, burnout, and mental fatigue before they become organizational challenges
• Foster the 10 Essential Engagement Needs that support trust, engagement, adaptability, well-being, and performance
• Improve communication and psychological safety during periods of uncertainty and change
• Apply practices that help employees feel valued, supported, and equipped to navigate challenges with confidence
Session: Putting AI to work for you
The participant feedback from last year’s AI session was loud and clear: there’s a big appetite for a deeper dive into AI!
In this session, participants will gain a better understanding of AI tools, where it can help improve efficiency, and how to begin exploring AI in a way that is practical, responsible, and low risk. Through real-world examples and hands-on insights, attendees will learn how AI can support everyday work, enhance productivity, and reduce friction across common business processes.
Participants will learn how to:
• Understand the capabilities and limitations of AI
• Identify everyday tasks where AI can save time and improve efficiency
• Recognize low-risk opportunities for AI adoption within their organization
• Evaluate practical applications for marketing, communication, HR, operations, and customer service
• Build confidence in taking a simple first step toward AI adoption
• Explore responsible and effective approaches to integrating AI into the workplace
Whether you’re AI-curious or already experimenting with new tools, this session will provide a practical roadmap for getting started and help you identify one meaningful AI opportunity you can take back to your organization.
Meet the Speakers Leadership Conference 2026
Phil Jewell is the founder of Impact Leadership Development and Coaching, executive coach, and author of The Irrelevant Leader. A graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Phil has led teams in military, government, and business environments. He helps leaders build trust, empower people, and create high-performing teams that thrive independently.
The Irrelevant Leader: The Art of Leading by Letting Go
The real test of leadership is not how much your team needs you. It is how well they can keep moving forward when you are not there.
That idea can feel uncomfortable at first. Many leaders have been taught, directly or indirectly, that being needed is a sign they are doing a good job. They become the person everyone comes to for answers. The person who solves the problem. The person who approves the decision. The person who keeps everything moving.
For a while, that can feel like leadership.
But over time, it can become something else: dependency.
It becomes bottleneck leadership. A team that waits instead of acts. A team that asks instead of decides. A team that looks upward for permission instead of outward for possibility.
In today’s business environment, that is a real risk. Whether you are leading in hardware, building supply, operations, sales, service, distribution, or any other peoplecentred business, the pace of change is too fast for one leader to carry everything. Customers expect more. Teams are stretched. Decisions need to happen quickly, often close to where the work is happening.
The old model, where the leader sits at the centre of everything, is no longer sustainable.
The new model asks a different question: How do I become less necessary so my team can become more capable?
That is the heart of The Irrelevant Leader. It is not about disappearing. It is not about abandoning your team. And it is definitely not about caring less. It is about leading in a way that builds confidence, ownership, and capacity in the people around you.
The best leaders do not measure their success by how often people need them. They measure it by how well their people think, act, decide, and contribute without needing to be rescued.
That kind of leadership takes trust. And trust is often where leaders struggle.
Not because they do not care, but because when pressure is high, it is easy to drift into control. We check too much. We step in too quickly. We answer questions people could answer themselves. We fix problems before others have the chance to learn from them.
We tell ourselves we are helping.
But sometimes our helping holds people back. In this keynote, we will explore what it really takes to lead by letting go. Drawing from more than 20 years of leadership experience across military, government, and corporate environments, I will share stories from combat missions, public-sector leadership, business, family life, and the everyday moments that shape how we lead.
The message is simple, but not always easy: Leadership is not about being the hero. It is about developing people so they do not need one.
For leaders in the building supply and hardware industry, this matters more than ever. Your businesses rely on people making good decisions every day: at the counter, in the warehouse, on the road, in the yard, with customers, with suppliers, and with each other.
The leader cannot be everywhere. The owner cannot answer every question. The manager cannot personally solve every issue.
So, the question becomes:
Have we built teams that are only compliant, or have we built teams that are capable?
A compliant team waits. A capable team moves.
This session will challenge leaders to examine where they may be unintentionally creating dependency, where they may be overfunctioning for their teams, and where they can begin to build more trust, ownership, and independence.
Because maybe the goal is not to become more important.
Maybe the goal is to build something so strong that it no longer depends on you being at the centre.
That is the art of leading by letting go. And that is what it means to become an Irrelevant Leader.
Phil Jewel
Beverly Beuermann-King
Meet the Speakers Leadership Conference 2026
With an impressive track record spanning over 25 years, Beverly Beuermann-King equips individuals, leaders, and organizations with the clarity, confidence, and resilience needed to NAVIGATE challenges, ADDRESS difficult dynamics, and ENGAGE fully – without sacrificing wellbeing or humanity.
Building Resilient Teams in an Unpredictable World
If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that uncertainty is no longer an occasional challenge. It has become part of everyday business.
For those working in the building supply industry, unpredictability can show up in many forms. Supply chain disruptions, labour shortages, changing customer expectations, economic fluctuations, rising costs, weather-related challenges, and increasing workloads all place pressure on organizations and the people who keep them running.
What often gets overlooked is the cumulative impact these pressures have on employees.
Most people don’t suddenly burn out. They gradually wear down. It starts with small signs. A normally positive employee becomes more irritable. Communication becomes shorter. Mistakes increase. People stop sharing ideas, withdraw from conversations, or simply go through the motions. Productivity may still look acceptable on the surface, but engagement, energy, and morale begin to erode underneath.
One of the biggest myths about resilience is that it is something people either have or don’t have. In reality, resilience is a set of skills, habits, and workplace conditions that can be strengthened over time.
Leaders play a significant role in that process.
One practical place to start is by paying attention to workplace pressure points before they become bigger problems. Changes in attendance patterns, increased conflict, reduced collaboration, declining customer service, or a noticeable drop in enthusiasm are often early warning signs that employees are struggling. The sooner leaders notice these signals, the easier it becomes to address concerns before they
affect performance, retention, or workplace culture.
Another simple but powerful strategy is to make regular check-ins part of how work gets done. Not lengthy meetings. Just meaningful conversations. Asking questions such as “What’s creating the most frustration right now?” or “What would make your week easier?” can uncover issues that might otherwise remain hidden until they become much larger challenges.
Resilient teams are not teams without stress. They are teams that know how to recognize challenges, communicate openly, support one another, and adapt when circumstances change.
At the Atlantic Building Supply Dealers Association Conference this October, we’ll explore how leaders can strengthen resilience by focusing on the workplace conditions that help people perform at their best. Drawing on the 10 Essential Employee Needs Framework™, we’ll examine the factors that influence engagement, energy, adaptability, trust, and retention. You will leave with practical strategies to identify pressure points early, create an environment where employees feel supported and valued, and build teams that can navigate uncertainty without sacrificing well-being or performance.
Because resilience isn’t built through motivational posters or occasional wellness initiatives. It grows when people have what they need to succeed, contribute, and thrive, even when the road ahead is uncertain.
Business Insurance Solutions
Endorsed & Preferred Broker Business Partner for the ABSDA
ABSDA proudly endorses PIB | Navacord as our preferred Broker Business Partner, for business insurance, employee benefits and wealth management solutions.
Supporting the long-term strength and growth of our member businesses remains a top priority. To that end, we carefully align with service providers who bring both deep expertise and proven value. PIB | Navacord Insurance stands out for its client-focused approach, strong industry knowledge, and ability to deliver comprehensive insurance solutions across all areas of business protection.
With over 45 years of experience supporting the hardware and building supply industry, PIB | Navacord Insurance brings a deep understanding of sector-specific risks and insurance needs, delivering comprehensive, customized solutions across all areas of coverage.
PIB | Navacord provides scalable insurance and financial solutions tailored to businesses of all sizes. Through this strategic partnership, ABSDA members have access to:
• Commercial Business Insurance
• Group Benefits
• Group Retirement
• Wealth Management
• Life & Health Insurance
• Personal Insurance
I encourage all ABSDA members — including hardware industry banners, vendors, and suppliers — to connect with The Bedford East Coast Team to learn how PIB | Navacord can support and protect the success of your business.
Sincerely,
Denis Melanson President, ABSDA
“Discover the advantage of group buying power”
Industry News
SEND US YOUR INDUSTRY NEWS
If you have industry news you want to spread around our network – send it in to us. New appointments or retirements; new aquisitions or expansions, anything that’s important to you is probably important to our Members. Pictures are always great too. Email Terry at leblanc@absda.ca.
Castle Appoints new VP
Castle Building Centres is pleased to announce the appointment of Doug Keeling to Vice President of Business Development & Marketing
Doug has played an instrumental role within the organization, providing exceptional guidance and leadership in his previous position as Director of Business Development. Castle is pleased to offer Doug this expanded leadership opportunity in recognition of his strong contributions.
In his new capacity, Doug will continue to oversee the Business Development segment of the business, while also working closely with Marketing and Communications.
This strategic realignment further strengthens Castle’s business model, ensuring strong leadership is in place to support continued growth and long-term success.
Please join us in congratulating Doug on this well-deserved promotion.
Global Windows and Doors Recognition
Global Windows and Doors were awarded Atlantic Region Vendor of the Year by Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. This recognition for the 4th year in a row, means so much to our team because it comes directly from the Castle Members we proudly support across Atlantic Canada every day.
Thank you to the Castle team, dealers, contractors, partners, and our entire Global family for your continued trust and support. We’re proud to keep building strong relationships, delivering quality products, and growing together year after year. Congratulations team Global.
A CENTURY IN MILLWORK DOESN’T HAPPEN BY CHANCE.
It takes employees who care, customers who want to build better, and a network of partners who believe in doing things the right way. Those partnerships and the expertise have shaped Metrie through decades of change — and it’s the same spirit that’s moving us into the next century.
Looking ahead, we’re doubling down on what matters most, supporting your success with smarter systems and sharper solutions so you can move faster and go further. It’s a commitment built on trust. Here’s to where we’ve been, and where we’re headed together.
WELCOME TO THE NEXT 100.
Scan the QR code to view our moulding and door assortment.
October 20 & 21, 2026
Celebrating 30 Years of Connecting the Home Improvement Industry
Join us in Ottawa to celebrate Hardlines’ 30th anniversary— three decades of bringing the home improvement industry together. This milestone event is your chance to stay connected, make new connections, and learn from industry leaders shaping the future of home improvement.
Dealers get a 30% discount on tickets. Contact jillian@hardlines.ca for the coupon code. Limited tickets available. Register now. hardlinesconference.ca
Industry News (cont’d)
Celebrating 30 Years of Connecting the Home Improvement Industry
The 2026 Hardlines Conference will take place at the luxurious Fairmont Château Laurier, a historic landmark in the heart of Ottawa. Join us on October 20 & 21, 2026, as we celebrate Hardlines’ 30th anniversary—three decades of bringing Canada’s home improvement industry together.
As the only national event for the home improvement industry open to all banners and suppliers, the Hardlines Conference proudly welcomes leading retailers, buying group executives, wholesalers, and manufacturers from across all sectors and all regions of the country.
Join your colleagues and customers for two incredible days of information and trends, as well as a fantastic networking experience.
www.hardlinesconference.ca
Home Hardware Stores Limited Named One of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for 14th Consecutive Year
Home Hardware Stores Limited has once again been named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for 2026, maintaining its status among an elite group of Canadianowned and managed businesses recognized for leadership, innovation, culture, and long-term performance.
The recognition, presented annually by Deloitte, celebrates organizations that demonstrate industry-leading business practices and sustained growth in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
As one of Canada’s largest home improvement retailers, Home Hardware continues to support communities from coast to coast through its network of independently owned stores, while remaining proudly Canadian-owned.
Industry News
(cont’d)
Doman Appoints New General Manager
Doman are pleased to announce the arrival of Robert Dawson as General Manager for Doman Canada’s Atlantic provinces, effective April 13, 2026. Based in Dartmouth, Robert brings over 25 years of experience in the building materials distribution industry, having held senior leadership roles across sales, product management, and operations, most recently as Division Manager at Robert Bury. His strong industry knowledge, leadership experience, and external perspective will be a great asset as he joins the established leadership team already in place across our Atlantic locations and departments, further strengthening our ability to serve customers and support continued growth in the region. We are extremely proud to operate four facilities in the Atlantic provinces— Dartmouth, NS; Sussex, NB; Deer Lake; and Mount Pearl, NL, dedicated to serving our valued customers.
BMR Group Grows in New Brunswick
Grand Falls, N.B., is getting a brand new BMR store. Brixmat Supplies Ltd. is the brainchild of four business partners, two of whom own existing BMR stores in the nearby communities of Saint-Quentin and Kedgwick. It will offer pros and homeowners 13,000 square feet of retail space and 16,000 square feet of warehouse space when it opens its doors.
Industry News (cont’d)
Sexton Hires New Business Development Manager
Please join us in welcoming Tanya Henley. Tanya brings 16 years of prior building industry experience to her new role at Sexton. She joins us at Business Development Manager for Atlantic Canada. As a born and raised Nova Scotian, she is very proud to represent and develop business in the Atlantic Provinces. She is on the board of directors for both CHBA NS and Construction Safety Nova Scotia as well as the Finance and Audit Committee with CSNS.
Outside of work, Tanya loves spending time with her family and their pets. She also loves to read and perform as a Scottish Highland Dancer. Join us in giving Tanya a warm welcome!
Canada’s Best Managed Companies
Kohltech is honoured to be recognized for the ninth year in a row as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, making us a member of the Platinum Club. This recognition has been made possible by our outstanding dealers, dedicated employees, and valued suppliers and partners.
As our team celebrates this exciting accomplishment, we remain committed to delivering on our core values of service, quality, innovation, and integrity.
Alexandria Moulding and KM Agency Expand Product Availability in Atlantic Canada
Alexandria Moulding and KM Agency are working together to bring an expanded selection of premium building products to dealers across New Brunswick and into Nova Scotia. Retailers now have access to trusted brands including Versetta Stone®, Trex® decking, Embassy Ceiling®, and Ready Pine®, backed by Alexandria Moulding’s distribution network and local market support from KM Agency.
The partnership makes it easy for dealers to source popular products while benefiting from reliable service and regional expertise. Together, Alexandria Moulding and KM Agency are committed to helping dealers grow their business with quality products and strong customer support.
For more information, contact Dominic Leblanc at dleblanc@alexmo.com or your KM Agency representative.
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