Our Story
Owned and operated in Canada, Gentec has been distributing consumer products from leading international companies for over 30 years. We are proud to partner with some of the most well-respected and celebrated consumer brands from around the world, including Sigma, SanDisk, Manfrotto, Zeiss, Sony, Klipsch and Alpine.
Together, we achieve the extraordinary.
A lot has changed since we first started distributing photographic equipment in 1990. And we’ve changed, too. Built from a team of 12 to around 100 staff today, Gentec has grown into a value-added distribution partner across multiple markets, including wireless technology, digital imaging, sporting goods, as well as home and car audio. We support over 3,000 retailers from coast to coast, from some of Canada’s biggest retailers to local and specialty shops.
Who Is Gentec?
Our Achievements
32
Years as a family-owned Canadian business.
16
Years as One of Canada's Best Managed Companies
50+
Brands Represented in the Canadian Market
650+
Customers from Independents to National Chains
Our Leaders
Meet the leadership team at Gentec International. Gentec has over 100 full-time employees supporting its operations across Canada, and our leadership team plays a critical role in driving the company's success.
Joel Seigel
President and CEO
Nick Aubry
Chief Operating Officer
Jordan Seigel
Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategy
Mathew Seigel
Director of Sales, National Accounts
Dick Tuerlings
Vice President, Consumer Electronics Division
Alan Topp
Managing Director - Sports Optics Division
Anthony Sesel
Managing Director - Wireless Division
Dorothy Hayashi
Director of Finance
Gord Brown
Director - Mobile Electronics Division
James Fralick
Managing Director, Imaging Division
Mike Last
Director of Marketing & eCommerce
Renee Lodge
Director of Sales, Imaging Division
Alexander Stretovitch
Director of IT
Liz English
Director of Sales, National Accounts
Our History
1990
The Beginning
Gentec opens its doors on the 2nd floor of the Scintrex building.
1991
Growing
Gentec moves to the 26,100-square-foot building at 80 Bentley Street.
1992
Getting Connected
Electronics accessories are added to the product line. Gentec installs the Radio Beacon wireless warehouse picking systems.
1993
Going Wireless
Gentec adds another product line to it’s offerings and enters the mobile communication accessory business.
1995
Aquisition
Gentec acquires assets of Kingsway Films.
1996
New Division
Gentec continues its growth by adding the new Tasco Optics Canada division.
1997
Aquisition
Still growing, Gentec acquires Vivitar Canada Ltd.
1998
Moving On Up
Gentec moves to the 75,000-squre-foot facility at 90 Royal Crest Court.
1999
Excellence Recognized
Gentec receives the Markham Board of Trade’s Business Excellence Award.
2001
Roots On Board
Gentec negotiates a long term licensing agreement for Roots branded products.
2002
Journey to Japan
On the strength of growing Sigma sales, Gentec rewards dealers with a trip to Japan.
2003
Gentec Hits the Road
Gentec enters the world of 12-volt mobile audio accessories.
2004
AJC Recognition
The American Jewish Committee honours Joel Seigel with its Imaging Division Human Relations Award.
2007
Accolades
Gentec named one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies.
2009
Investing
Gentec completes 100,000-square-foot warehouse expansion and celebrates a third year as one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies.
2011
Product Growth
Gentec adds several new brands, including Tamrac and NHL, and is again one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies.
2012
Vitec Imaging
Gentec is proudly named the exclusive distributor of Vitec Imaging products in Canada, providing legendary brands like Manfrotto, Gitzo, and Lastolite.
2013
Partners with Maple Leaf Sports
Gentec and Klipsch partner with Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment as the official speakers and headphones of the Toronto Raptors, Toronto Maple Leafs and Live Nation Entertainment.
2015
New Growth
Gentec continues to expand it’s portfolio of distribution with Pro-Ject Turntables, Phottix Imaging and Marumi filters.
2018
Gentec Kustom Solutions
The GKS facility opens to the Canadian B2B market, providing commercial installers and businesses with unprecedented access to high-end home and commercial audio and video technology.
2019
Sony Service Centre
Gentec becomes a Sony Electronic Inc. authorized partner for sales and service of Sony Digital Imaging (DI) products in Canada.
2020
Pioneer and Onkyo
Gentec expands alliance with The Klipsch Group to distribute Onkyo and Pioneer products exclusively for the Canadian market.