Jim A. Hibbert
Hibbert Wholesale
1936 -

Jim A. Hibbert’s career in the cleaning industry commenced in December 1968. His experience was in machine shop and production control, and he desired to start his own business for the security of his then family of five children. In researching business opportunities, Jim and co-founder Roy Hibbert, discovered a need for a vacuum cleaner distributor in Canada. Attempts to buy an existing distribution business were unsuccessful, so they founded their own company in 1968, Hibbert Wholesale Ltd.

Hibbert Wholesale was founded on the guiding principles of honesty, integrity and decency in every business relationship. Over the past 35 years of business operation the company has grown from a small two-person company with 900 sq. ft. to over 75,000 sq. ft. with nearly 50 employees. Independent vacuum dealers nationwide are serviced within 24 hours from warehouses in Calgary and Montreal. Jim has dedicated his company to helping dealers succeed by offering fast service, competitive pricing, and a wide range of product — a one stop shop for all their repair and new vac sales requirements.

It was, and continues to remain, Jim’s concern that the independent vacuum retailer is able to compete against the mass merchants. So with that in mind he set out in 1993 to tour retail vacuum stores in Canada. Jim and his wife, Marcia, visited every province in Canada — some 32,000 kilometers, visiting 246 stores. He gathered 1,800 photographs and amassed enough data to be able to communicate his findings in a four part report directed to dealers. These reports outlined problems that existed with the health of the industry and possible solutions that could be adopted by the retailer.

Jim’s core company values — integrity, honesty, and respect — have been demonstrated over the years to both dealers and suppliers. Many of Jim’s employees have been with the company for 15 years or more: a further testament to his desire to treat everyone with the same value and respect.

Jim is now semi-retired from day to day business but still has an active role as a director of the company. He and Marcia devote much of their time to their 26 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Jim also enjoys the study of scripture and church activities.

2004 Vacuum & Sewing Hall of Fame Inductee