BECAUSE THE ONLY WAY TO MOVE IS FORWARD.
We’re an established distributor surrounding itself with knowledgeable, well connected, and passionate people in their respective disciplines so we can make brands grow. It starts with following our instincts and our passions and leveraging what we know. We develop strong relationships based on mutual affection, and, more importantly, trust.
OUR HISTORY
We’re moving from strength to strength. Making brands grow for over 25 years.
After decades of helping connect consumers to brands, Momentum Distribution believes that distributors are more important than ever. Retailers count on experienced distribution professionals to ensure they are connected to the most exciting brands on the market. In a time where the rules of retail are changing daily, brands can count on Momentum to ensure they are in front of customers when and where they most need to be.
For over 25 years, we have introduced a wide variety of brands to North America. Our history is one of continued success. Year over year, we have shepherded our client brands through continued growth in the Canadian and US markets.
In 2009, we expanded our traditional distribution model with the introduction of Unit-6. Demonstrating versatility and a deep knowledge of sourcing, Unit-6 designs and produces private label footwear for major retail accounts.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
We keep our focus laser tight, and our minds on business.
Our success since 1994 is based on a simple approach: we keep our focus laser-tight, and we ensure that everything we do is the outgrowth of a pro-active business mindset.
- It means we work with the brands we truly get. We focus on brands that share our passions, so that the fit is organic and natural. When we truly understand one another and what makes us tick, our chances for success are assured.
- We set our sights on what we know and know well. We’ve been outdoor and sports enthusiasts from the very start. Our deep interests in these areas mean we know the competitive landscape, have our finger on the consumer’s pulse, and have a deep knowledge of the retail network.
- We concentrate on mutually beneficial partnerships based on trust and understanding. Success begins and ends with great relationships. Over more than 25 years, we’ve maintained excellent relationships with our partners - even after long-term contracts come to an end.
- We apply it all with a rigorous business first mindset that informs our services: strategy, distribution segmentation, planning and forecasting, follow-up and communications, and marketing and business review.
OUR TEAM
Claude Roy
Claude is a 30-year veteran of the sporting goods industry: known for surrounding himself with passionate individuals with strong brand-building skills and market instincts. After graduating from University, Claude’s professional career started at Procter and Gamble, where he acquired a business mindset based on discipline, rigor, and a solid sense of structure and operations. After working in sales and account management for a leading manufacturer and distributor, Claude set out to launch his own distribution firm. More than two decades later, Claude continues to spearhead Momentum’s success as the company’s president and majority owner.
Pierre Vermette
Pierre joined Momentum in 2002 after spending 12 years in the industry sharpening his sales experience, first with Asics, and then by heading the sales and marketing team for Louis Garneau USA. He is an HEC graduate and known in the market for building brands. He has been leading our efforts with brands including Pearl Izumi, Toad and Co., Arena, Odlo, Descente, State of Elevenate, and Nalini.
Alexandre Ouimette
Alexandre and Robert have been working together as a team in white label footwear for over 20 years. Their immersion into the world of private label began in their 20s, with their first jobs, and extended trips to Asia, where they came to know the business inside and out. They founded Unit-6 in 2008 with Claude Roy, and since then have dedicated the company to developing exclusive footwear collections for the Canadian market, including some of the biggest names in retail. Their expertise extends from planning and design to detailed distribution and sales logistics.
Jean Cloutier
Jean Cloutier has been in the sporting goods industry for 25+ years for companies such Raymond Lanctot Ltd, Outdoor Gear Canada, Sunice and Jupa Sports. Mr. Cloutier has experience as a CFO, VP Operations and in Business Development. He holds a B.A.A. from HEC and obtained his CA in 1985. Mr. Cloutier sits on the board of director of the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame and Museum, sat on the board of the Bicycle Trade Association of Canada and was President in 2010 & 2011. Mr. Cloutier was named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the year in 2010 along with his 2 partners in OGC in the manufacturing category for Quebec. In 2007 Mr. Cloutier led a project to build the first “Green” warehouse (LEED certified) in Quebec with state-of-the-art logistic systems, building OGC’s reputation for operational excellence.
Robert Leroux
Alexandre and Robert have been working together as a team in white label footwear for over 20 years. Their immersion into the world of private label began in their 20s, with their first jobs, and extended trips to Asia, where they came to know the business inside and out. They founded Unit-6 in 2008 with Claude Roy, and since then have dedicated the company to developing exclusive footwear collections for the Canadian market, including some of the biggest names in retail. Their expertise extends from planning and design to detailed distribution and sales logistics.
David Milette
David comes to Momentum with 20 + years of experience in marketing, sales, and customer service environments. With a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Relations and several key sales position experience such as Canadian Sales Director at Spy Optic, Senior Manager at Trialto Wine Group, and VP Sales for North America at MtnDewds Distribution Inc. (Orage outerwear), he joined Momentum in 2019 where he now oversees our operations with rigor and outgoing charm.