02/02/2025
Echelon is a small company. Almost insignificant really. Just a half-dozen staff most times, making improvements to people’s homes. We don’t spend a lot of time on social media media. We let old-fashioned word of mouth do the talking for us. We like it that way. Also, every one of us is a principled bunch. We like working together and that includes our many customers. We all work together to make the job right. Me, the staff, the sub contractors, suppliers, the customers; we’re all one. Keeping the wheel turning.
But every once in a while something comes up that I want you all to hear, (or whoever is listing). It’s an important time to listen. To reason. One guy is making life hard for all of us Canadians. I won’t print his name here. For one, I feel this is the first salvo in his war against us as a nation. Trade tariffs won’t be the last stop, but I digress.
In this instance I pledge to our customers that we are going to be pulling away from as many American brands and suppliers as I can think of in our operations. If a Canadian brand is available it will be the first substitute. If unavailable, another country of origin will be next in line. This is not an exhaustive list and I will not be listing future examples. This is to set the tone that we, as a little business, in a little province in a middle power country don’t appreciate being messed with. I’m not alone.
DEWALT tools: This was our brand that we keep in stock. We won’t be buying them any longer.
Milwaukee Tools: We don’t carry any but we won’t be buying any in the future.
Canadian Made: Many Kindred sinks are made in Canada! We’ve recommended them for years.
Sico and Beauti-Tone paints are made in Canada!
Nearly all lumber, plywood, countertops, fasteners and many other building products are made IN CANADA! Woo hoo!
All of our window suppliers are based not only in Canada but here in the Atlantic Provinces.
Home Depot: Gone. Not a chance. American to the core. Founder was a supporter of “that guy”.
U-Line: We purchase one product from them. Rolls of cardboard for packing. They are the worst of the worst. Supporters of “that guy”. Gone.
Delta Faucets: this one is tough as it is the industry standard. We will be recommending Baril and Riobel. Both OUTSTANDING Canadian brands with premium quality, customer service and design.
Maax and Fluerco tub/showers are headquartered in Canada! Always our two favourites.
Now, we understand the nature of supply chains and how most of these brands use some components originating from the US. But if we all get up on our hind legs LOTS of people will feel this down south. The regular, good folks who just want to do business with a stable neighbour. We are that neighbour and always have been. We are saying, as a little tiny company, that we won’t be messed with. To whoever may be listening.
If you have other construction related brands or products you like to bring to our attention, please put them in the comments.
Buy Canadian, or just about anyone else, just not American.
Glen A. Creamer
President
Echelon Home Improvement.
