Desdowd
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1967
- HeadquartersMontreal, Canada
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
Desdowd firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Desdowd
- Legal name
- Desdowd Inc.
- Website
- https://desdowd.qc.ca
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1967
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where Desdowd is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Montreal
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
Desdowd business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Manufacturer's agent commission: Desdowd generates revenue as a manufacturer's sales agent representing electrical product brands to distributors and end users in Quebec and the Ottawa Valley. Revenue is earned through commission arrangements with the manufacturers they represent.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels6 records
Desdowd product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Desdowd is a manufacturer's sales agent and representative for more than 40 electrical product brands serving the Quebec market and the Ottawa Valley. The company provides sales representation, technical engineering support, product selection, code interpretation, and professional training across six divisions: Electrical Markets, Lighting, Transportation Electrification (EV charging), Tools & Safety Products, Engineering, and the UniversiD webinar platform. Revenue is generated through commission arrangements with the manufacturers represented.
Product overview
Desdowd is a manufacturer's sales agent/representative for electrical products operating across Quebec and Ottawa Valley for over 55 years. The company does not manufacture products itself but represents a portfolio of 40+ electrical product manufacturers. The offering consists of six service divisions: Electrical Markets (conduits, connectors, safety equipment), Lighting (LED and smart lighting with AGI32 calculation services), Transportation Electrification (EV charging stations), Tools & Safety Products (hand tools, arc flash protection), Engineering Division (technical support, code interpretation, calculations), and UniversiD (educational webinars). The core business model is representing manufacturer brands to distribution networks rather than a unified software platform. Key represented brands include FLO (EV charging), Klein Tools, Bender, Mersen, nVent family (Gardner Bender, Ilsco, Erico, Eriflex, Caddy, Bergen), Leotek, DimOnOff, Thermon, Vitalink, Delta Transformers, Megaresistor, PMMI, RAB Design, and others covering the electrical product supply chain.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- UNIVERSID: Info-Techno webinars platform offering free training sessions for electrical distribution professionals.
Products and services
- Electrical Markets Division (Marchés Électriques) Sales representation for electrical products including wiring, conduits, connectors, safety equipment, and power distribution components for distributors, contractors, and end users in the Quebec market.
- Lighting Division (Éclairage) Sales representation for LED lighting solutions, street lighting, industrial lighting, and smart lighting systems with services including lighting calculations using AGI32 software, energy analysis, and ROI analysis.
- Transportation Electrification Division Sales representation for electric vehicle charging stations and infrastructure, supporting residential, commercial, multi-residential, and urban planning market segments in Quebec.
- Tools & Safety Products Division (Outillage) Sales representation for professional hand tools, safety equipment, arc flash protective clothing, and health and safety products for electrical contractors and electricians.
- Engineering Division (Ingénierie) Technical engineering services including product selection, code interpretation, project coordination, electrical calculations, on-site support, training, and inspections. Complements Hydro-Québec's Efficient Solutions Program.
- UniversiD (Info-Techno Webinars) Free educational webinar platform covering electrical distribution topics including EV charging, building codes, lighting, electrical markets, engineering, tools, wires and cables, ducts and accessories, and protection. Issues certificates for continuing education credits to CMEQ members, engineers, architects, and distribution professionals.
Quantifiable outcome
- Fire safety: Vitalink 2-hour fire ratings representing industry firsts with qualification to UL/CAN S-139 requirements for power, control, lighting, and fire alarm circuit survivability
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Desdowd
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Desdowd technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Desdowd partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
37 partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Klein ToolscoreDesdowd is the manufacturer's agent for Klein Tools, the leading manufacturer of hand tools for electricians and telecommunications workers for over 150 years. Klein Tools' products are preferred by most electricians for their great design and performance. Desdowd provides sales representation, product demonstrations, and customer support for Klein Tools in Quebec and the Ottawa Valley.
- FLOcoreDesdowd is the manufacturer's agent for FLO, a major player in electric vehicle charging stations and a Quebec-based company offering charging solutions for companies, multi-residential projects, and urban planning. FLO serves the Quebec market as a key partner in Desdowd's transportation electrification division.
- MersencoreDesdowd represents Mersen, a world leader in electrical power safety and reliability with innovative solutions for the protection of electrical equipment, providing complete lines of high-quality fuses and surge protection devices. Mersen operates in over 35 countries on 5 continents.
- ThermoncoreDesdowd is the manufacturer's agent for Thermon, serving the global Energy, Power Generation and Chemical markets with innovative solutions for industrial heating applications, specializing in flow assurance, process heating, temperature maintenance, freeze protection and environmental monitoring.
- nVent Erico CadweldcoreDesdowd represents nVent Erico (Cadweld and Eritech), the world leader in the fabrication of aluminothermic welds for grounding applications, also offering a complete line of grounding accessories including the renowned System 2000.
- nVent Gardner BendercoreDesdowd represents Gardner Bender, which has been innovating and manufacturing conduit bending and fishing equipment, electrical connection supplies, tools, and wire management products for electricians for over half a century.
- nVent Ilsco CanadacoreDesdowd represents nVent Ilsco Canada, a leader in electrical fittings, compression tools, distribution blocks, and neutral/malt bars.
- nVent EriflexcoreDesdowd represents nVent ERIFLEX, providing complex high-power installation solutions that improve reliability and safety while saving time, money, weight and space, for OEMs and panel shops in various industries.
- nVent CaddycoreDesdowd represents nVent CADDY, providing quality fixing and fastening solutions since 1956, trusted by contractors, architects, engineers and distributors for products supporting every step from design to installation to inspection.
- PMMIcoreDesdowd represents PMMI, providing arc-proof protective gear including insulated gloves (500 to 36,000 Volts), category 2 and 4 sets, full protective clothing, and specialized equipment for extreme temperatures.
- VitalinkcoreDesdowd represents Vitalink, a manufacturer of fire-rated cable systems with 2-hour fire ratings, the first in the industry to qualify to the demanding requirements of UL/CAN S-139, using a unique silicone rubber insulation material that ceramifies when exposed to flame.
- Bergen Industries (nVent Bergen)coreDesdowd represents nVent Bergen (Bergen Industries), providing quality lighting products for demanding construction and niche industry applications for over 40 years, including temporary lighting and extension products for professional use.
- BendercoreDesdowd represents Bender, a company whose mission for over 80 years has been to make electrical power safe, with a wide portfolio of cutting-edge electrical safety and monitoring products used across healthcare, solar, oil and gas, EV, mining and many other industries.
- Delta TransformerscoreDesdowd represents Delta Transformers, a Canadian company and leader in the transformer market, with leading expertise in the design and manufacturing of dry-type power and distribution transformers, and non-linear load transformers.
- LeotekcoreDesdowd represents Leotek, a leading global manufacturer of street, roadway, area and signal lighting products founded in 1992 in Silicon Valley, with over 1.5 million installations across North America.
- RAB Design LightingcoreDesdowd is the manufacturer's agent for RAB Design Lighting, a Canadian company offering a wide range of LED lighting solutions, and cost-effective, energy-efficient products for commercial, industrial, and residential applications for over 50 years.
- Precision (PMControls)coreDesdowd represents Precision (PMControls), with over 55 years of experience designing and manufacturing photocells and other lighting accessories, known for fine-quality reliable products installed around the world.
- Federal SignalcoreDesdowd is the manufacturer's agent for Federal Signal, the world leader in safety and security solutions for hazardous environments, offering audible and visual products and audio-message monitoring systems for commercial, industrial, and public safety markets.
- Duraline (Dura-Line)coreDesdowd represents Dura-Line, part of Mexichem, one of the biggest producers of plastic pipe and connections worldwide, providing conduits and connectivity solutions for the electrical market.
- DimOnOffcoreDesdowd represents DimOnOff, a pioneer in remote control and monitoring technologies and a top player in the smart cities management market, headquartered in Quebec City with over 12 years invested in R&D to create the Smart City Management System (SCMS). Ranked in the top 10 in the smart street-lighting market by Navigant in 2018.
- DialightcoreDesdowd represents Dialight, providing superior lighting products for industrial sites worldwide, serving classified locations, heavy industrial, and hazardous environments.
- Dals LightingcoreDesdowd represents Dals Lighting, an LED lighting products company focusing on innovative and emerging technologies, offering recessed lighting, under-cabinet lighting, flush mounts, smart lighting, and decorative products.
- Anamet CanadacoreDesdowd is the manufacturer's agent for Anamet Canada Inc., the main Canadian manufacturer of flexible conduits used in chemical and hazardous locations and extreme temperature applications. 80% of flexible conduits manufactured in Canada by Anamet are sold to end users in Canada.
- ArlingtoncoreDesdowd represents Arlington, which manufactures and distributes metallic and non-metallic fittings and connectors including bushings, cable connectors, concrete pipe sleeves, conduit bodies, gaskets, and screw couplings for electrical and construction markets.
- Atkore (FRE Composites)coreDesdowd represents Atkore (FRE Composites), providing reinforced epoxy pipeline systems with fiberglass and phenolic resin for underground, above ground, and confined area applications, including installations under bridges, in boreholes, tunnels, and buildings.
- MegaResistorscoreDesdowd represents MegaResistors, a Canadian company founded in 2008 specialized in the design and manufacture of high-quality power resistors for industrial intensive and critical applications. ISO 9001:2008 certified, with products meeting UL, NEC, CSA, IEEE, NEMA and IEC standards.
- Marina Electrical EquipmentcoreDesdowd represents Marina Electrical Equipment, providing high quality electrical equipment for marinas including stainless steel or polycarbonate power supply pedestals, safety equipment, and distribution equipment.
- RobroycoreDesdowd represents Robroy, a synergistic group of manufacturing pioneers and leaders in the electrical products market, manufacturing PVC-coated conduit and fittings, non-metallic enclosures, galvanized elbows, couplings, nipples, and the original Korns clamps.
- Wheatland (Zekelman Industries)coreDesdowd represents Wheatland, a division of Zekelman Industries, the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America and a leader in modular construction innovations, providing electrical conduit products.
- Target – Innovations BLPcoreDesdowd represents Target – Innovations BLP, a Quebec-based company whose primary goal is to assist master electricians in their daily work with innovative products for recessed lighting installation, saving time and improving work quality.
- TechnoVEcoreDesdowd represents TechnoVE, a Quebec-based company designing and manufacturing robust, reliable EV charging stations tailored to Canadian climates.
- Trans Canada TrafficcoreDesdowd represents Trans Canada Traffic, providing protection against theft of copper cable in lighting poles, spring-loaded bases for road signs, and surveillance cameras for speed control in urban areas.
- Valid Manufacturing Ltd.coreDesdowd represents Valid Manufacturing Ltd., designing and deploying electric vehicle charging solutions and parking infrastructure, with a focus on safety, durability, and ease of use.
- MolexcoreDesdowd represents Molex, offering a complete line of reliable electrical solutions designed to support optimal worker safety and performance for harsh duty environments, ranging from portable lighting to power distribution for commercial construction, utility, petrochemical, and food and beverage industries.
- MaddoxcoreDesdowd represents Maddox, providing cast coil transformers designed and built to NEMA, ANSI C.57, DOE, and IEEE standards for indoor and outdoor applications, single-phase padmount transformers for urban public locations, and polemounted transformers for single-phase and three-phase power distribution.
- KohlercoreDesdowd represents Kohler, providing reliable backup generators delivering superior performance and quality for over 100 years, ensuring power and connectivity through dependable backup energy sources.
- RVEcoreDesdowd represents RVE, providing energy management solutions and systems enabling the addition of electric vehicle charging stations in residential and multi-unit settings.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Desdowd competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Graybar Canada: Graybar Canada is the Canadian arm of Graybar Electric Company, one of North America's largest electrical, communications, and data networking distributors. Both Desdowd and Graybar serve electrical contractors and large industrial customers across Canada with broad manufacturer portfolios, though Graybar is a Fortune 500 distributor with national scale.
- Sonepar Canada: Sonepar Canada operates multiple regional electrical distribution brands (e.g., Guay, Rockwell, Texcan) across Canada. It is the world's largest B-to-B electrical distributor. Like Desdowd, it serves electrical contractors and industrial customers with comprehensive manufacturer portfolios, including several of the same principals (nVent, Mersen, Schneider Electric).
- Gescan (Rexel Canada): Gescan is Rexel Canada's industrial and commercial electrical distribution brand with operations across Canada, including Quebec. Comparable to Desdowd because both serve the same end customers and carry overlapping manufacturer relationships (e.g., Schneider, nVent, Eaton-affiliated lines), differing mainly in business model (distributor vs. sales agent).
- Border States Electric: Border States Electric is a large U.S. employee-owned electrical distributor serving utility, contractor, and industrial customers across the Midwest, Mountain, and Southwest U.S. Comparable to Desdowd in serving the same electrical contractor customer base with broad manufacturer portfolios, though Border States is a distributor and operates in different geographies.
- Consolidated Electrical Distributors (CED): CED is one of North America's largest electrical distributors with operations across the U.S. and a growing Canadian footprint. Both CED and Desdowd serve electrical contractors and consulting engineers with multi-manufacturer portfolios covering lighting, distribution equipment, tools, and EV infrastructure.
- Westburne (Rexel Canada): Westburne is Rexel Canada's flagship electrical distribution brand and one of Canada's largest electrical distributors. It serves contractors, industrials, and commercial customers across Canada, including Quebec. As a national distributor with manufacturer relationships, it is comparable in customer base to Desdowd, though operating under a different (distributor vs. sales agent) model.
- Nedco (Rexel Canada): Nedco is a Rexel Canada electrical distribution brand focused on residential and light-commercial markets across Canada, including Quebec. Comparable to Desdowd because both serve the same electrical contractor and consulting engineer customer base, though Nedco sells directly to customers rather than on commission.
Regional players
- Steiner Electric: Steiner Electric is a large independent electrical distributor serving the Midwest U.S. Like Desdowd, it serves electrical contractors and industrial customers with comprehensive manufacturer portfolios and technical support services, though operating as a distributor in a different region.
- E.B. Horsman & Son: E.B. Horsman & Son is a large Western Canadian independent electrical distributor serving BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon. While Desdowd is a manufacturer's sales agent and Horsman is a distributor, both serve electrical contractors and consulting engineers in regional Canadian territories with broad manufacturer portfolios.
Others
- Electro-Federation Canada (EFC): Electro-Federation Canada is the Canadian industry association for the electrical, electronics, and telecommunications industries. While not a commercial peer, it is a relevant ecosystem participant: Desdowd's leadership (Pierre Dowd, Patrick Marion) has held senior roles at EFC, and the organization's awards and scholarship program (including the Pierre Dowd Quebec Scholarship for Excellence) are central to Desdowd's industry profile.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Desdowd social profiles
Digital presenceDesdowd financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Desdowd leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Desdowd funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Desdowd M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Desdowd
What does Desdowd do?
Desdowd is a manufacturer's sales agent and representative for more than 40 electrical product brands serving the Quebec market and the Ottawa Valley. The company provides sales representation, technical engineering support, product selection, code interpretation, and professional training across six divisions: Electrical Markets, Lighting, Transportation Electrification (EV charging), Tools & Safety Products, Engineering, and the UniversiD webinar platform. Revenue is generated through commission arrangements with the manufacturers represented.
Is Desdowd a public or private company?
Desdowd is a private company. It is classified as management employee owned and is currently operating.
When was Desdowd founded?
Desdowd was founded in 1967. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Desdowd based?
Desdowd is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Desdowd make money?
One revenue line is on record: manufacturer's agent commission.
Who are Desdowd's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Graybar Canada, Sonepar Canada, Gescan (Rexel Canada), Border States Electric, Consolidated Electrical Distributors (CED), Westburne (Rexel Canada) and Nedco (Rexel Canada). Regional players are Steiner Electric and E.B. Horsman & Son. Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) is listed as an others.
Does Desdowd have an API?
No public API is recorded for Desdowd.