February 16, 2024
Western Canada Shakeup: Agent Expansion & Current™ Consolidation
Alberta agent launches startup agency in Vancouver; inks deal for Current brands in two Western provinces
AM Agency, a longtime lighting and electrical agent based in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta, is embarking on a significant expansion strategy. The agency is extending its geographical coverage to include British Columbia and Yukon through the establishment of AM Pacific Agency (AMP). This move marks a notable development in the Vancouver lighting market, as lighting agent Inter-Lite Sales just lost its major lighting line to this new British Columbia startup.
In conjunction with its territorial expansion, AM Agency is strengthening its partnership with lighting giant Current. The agency has broadened its existing relationship with Current's HLI brands to now encompass Current's GLI brands in Calgary and Edmonton. Additionally, the newly formed AMP will represent both Current HLI and Current GLI in British Columbia, alongside other Current brands such as GE Lamps and Forum Lighting.
Agent territory expansion is not exclusive to the U.S.
This expansion is significant for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it positions AM Agency as the first lighting agent to cover both British Columbia and Alberta, a rare agency territorial expansion within the Canadian lighting sector — a trend more commonly observed in the United States. Secondly, it may introduce stability for Current's presence in Western Canada, following recent brand transitions of the GLI brands from Mac’s II Agencies to Inter-Lite and now to AMP within the Vancouver market over the last two years.
AMP's establishment in Vancouver is spearheaded by industry veterans. Paul Cleary, one of the principals in British Columbia, brings experience from his tenure at Douglas Lighting Controls and other agency roles, including Inter-Lite Sales, within the market. Victor Cardoso, also a principal, has a robust background in electrical representation and previously worked with GE Lighting, a precursor to his work with the Current brands in Western Canada. The agency website cites just three Vancouver-based employees currently.
Calgary-based Rob Davidson, who is one of two principals in the longtime Alberta agency, is also a principal of the startup in British Columbia.
AMP's new agency line card in British Columbia is predominantly centered around Current's HLI and GLI brands, signaling a focused approach as it begins to service the market. The agency cites additional partnerships with Nexlight and BJ Take Inc, indicating the start of a line card build that will likely pursue other agent line cards in the market.
Nabil Salem, Current's VP of Sales in Canada, expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership, noting “We are looking forward to partnering with AMP and are eager to collaborate closely. They are well-respected professionals with strong roots and expertise. I am confident we will be able to bring best in class service to our mutual customers in the region.”
Above: A message that AMP shared with Lighting People in Western Canada
