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Our History

Our History

Our History

Founded by Henri Jean in 1941, the company began life as a general store in Notre-Dame-des-Monts. It was only a few years later that Henri Jean and his two sons specialized in the sale of building materials, under the name Henri Jean et Fils Inc.

Since 1994, the company has been managed by Henri's grandson, Gilles Jean. Following this handover, the company experienced considerable growth. Today, Gilles Jean operates five hardware stores in Quebec.

As a family-run business with great attention to detail and a constant desire to do things right, Gilles Jean has succeeded in carving out an enviable place for itself in the Quebec hardware scene.

GILLES JEAN –PRESIDENT

An exceptional businessman, Gilles Jean has fostered the growth of the family business by making a number of business acquisitions over the years. Under his leadership, the Gilles Jean sole proprietorship was born, now encompassing a total of 5 hardware stores in Quebec. Despite the company's growth, he has managed to retain the essence of a family business in his stores, as well as exceptional attention to detail. Gilles Jean is not only involved in the success of his company, but also in his community, notably through his 19-year presidency of the La Malbaie Hospital Foundation. From an early age, he has always been committed to giving back to others, thanks to the values passed on by his grandfather, Henri Jean. His community involvement as well as his professional achievements earned him the prestigious Grand Bâtisseur award from the Chamber of Commerce in 2014.

Mission AND VALUES:

Our corporate mission is to offer qualitý products and service to our customers so that they enjoy their experience and encourage them to return to shop with us. To do so, the company must train its employees well to ensure a good knowledge in the field allowing to offer an exemplary customer service.

Gilles Jean aims to be a benchmark in the construction and renovation industry.

RESPECT

Mutual respect is paramount at Gilles Jean: respect among employees, towards customers, managers and suppliers.

TEAM SPIRIT

The importance of working well with colleagues and ensuring good communication is at the heart of the company.

HONESTY

Honesty and transparency are necessary at all levels to avoid disputes with our customers and colleagues, and questions from both sides.

LOYALTY

Loyalty will always be recognized at Gilles Jean. Loyalty is what builds trust, and loyalty is what builds a strong, winning team.

OUR HISTORY

OUR HISTORY IN BRIEF


1941 - Henri Jean (father of Joseph-Élie Jean and Victor Jean, and grandfather of Gilles Jean) opens a general store at his home in Notre-Dame-des-Monts.

1968 - Henri Jean sells his shares, while remaining a director, to his wife (Béatrice Bergeron) and two sons, Joseph-Élie Jean and Victor Jean, under the name ''Henri Jean et Fils Inc.

1970s - Henri Jean et Fils Inc. specializes as a hardware and materials center.

1986 - Construction begins on the new 16,500-square-foot Henri Jean et Fils Inc. hardware and materials center at 1990 boul. de Comporté, La Malbaie.

1994 - Appointment of Mr. Gilles Jean as President and General Manager of Henri Jean et Fils Inc.

1998 - Victor Jean leaves the company. Gilles Jean becomes the company's principal shareholder.

1999 - Acquisition of hardware store S. Duchesne Inc. and the hardware store located at 258 rue St-Jean-Baptiste, Baie-Saint-Paul by Mr. Gilles Jean.

2005 - Gilles Jean acquires Dionne & Fils hardware store in Drummondville. He becomes majority shareholder with 3 employees from the former management team.

2006 - Acquisition of the St-Anselme renovation center by Mr. Gilles Jean.

2011 - Acquisition of hardware store P.A. Castonguay (Isle-aux-Coudres) by Gilles Jean. Also, Gilles Jean's daughter, Marjorie Jean, takes over management of the St-Anselme branch.

2014 - A fire destroys the P.A. Castonguay hardware store (Isle-aux-Coudres). A temporary installation of several trailers was set up to continue offering our services on the Isle.

2014 - Grand Builder Award from the Chamber of Commerce won by Mr. Gilles Jean.

2015 - Opening of the new 30,000 sq. ft. Dionne & Fils hardware store (3 times larger than the previous one) with a 23,000 sq. ft. auto service warehouse, a total investment of $7 million. This year also marks the start of construction of the new hardware store in Isle-aux-Coudres.

2016 - Opening of the new branch in Isle-aux-Coudres (the P.A. Castonguay hardware store), a 5,400 sq. ft. building representing a total investment of $850,000. 

2019 - Gilles Jean sole proprietorship born. End of association with the BMR banner for Gilles Jean's 5 hardware stores.

2020 - All acquisitions (S. Duchesne Inc., Dionne & Fils, St-Anselme, Quincaillerie P.A. Castonguay) and the Henri Jean et Fils Inc. hardware store operate under the Gilles Jean name.