From its beginnings in 1985 in a 20ft trailer on the backstretch of Mohawk racetrack in Campbellville, Ontario, Greenhawk has grown into Canada’s largest equestrian retailer with 48 locations across the country.

A family company, Greenhawk was founded by Gordon K. Russell who, at 82, still comes to the office every day. His son, Ian, took over as CEO in 1992 and has overseen the company’s transformation from a handful of corporate stores to the many corporate and franchised locations it has today. Ian is also responsible for Greenhawk’s formidable catalogue and online business growth which boasts a strong international customer base. In a clever strategic move to capitalize on the lucrative pet market, Ian acquired Bark & Fitz in 2015. Ian’s brother, Jon, is the Business Development Manager for the brand which uses the same franchise model as Greenhawk and has 19 boutiques across Canada.

With so many stores catering to such a large number of customers, being carried by Greenhawk is an important achievement for many brands in the Canadian marketplace – “I felt like I made it” commented one such entrepreneur on being accepted. The professional team at head office can make a brand and give smaller companies instant credibility that would take much longer to achieve independently. The national exposure from their large catalogue audience plus their significant website traffic gives any company a huge boost in visibility and sales.

As one of the largest equine retailers in the world, Greenhawk also influences the success of homegrown businesses by featuring product lines from over 40 Canadian entrepreneurs such as Alberta Veterinary Labs, Noel Asmar, Black Knight, Boogaloo Boots, Omega Alpha, Spiced Equestrian and many more. And Canadian equestrians are appreciative, lining up at trade shows, stores and warehouse sales – sometimes for hours – for their door-crasher deals.

Foreseeable Future

“Great health and great energy. This leads to good overall living and business.”

Memorable Moment

“Opening our first franchise 16 years ago and watching the system grow and prosper.”