Our Journey

Walking the walk since 1915—50+ years of evolution from shoes to spaces, always making room for more.

1915

Our story began in 1915 with Jim Holmes, a visionary entrepreneur who founded a shoe store that became a legacy. His commitment to quality, service, and integrity was more than just good business—it was a family tradition.

Black and white photo of a building with multiple window awnings and a store sign that reads "Bill Holmes Shoes" and "J. Primeau Men's & Boys Wear".

1975

That tradition carried forward with his sons and, ultimately, his grandson, Rick Holmes, who expanded the family’s entrepreneurial spirit beyond footwear. In 1975, Rick founded Holmes + Brakel (H+B), bringing the same dedication to excellence into the world of office furniture solutions.

Young man with glasses smiling, wearing a shirt and jacket, standing outdoors with blurred background, possibly with others nearby.

1983

In 1983, H+B made a pivotal decision—aligning with Teknion Furniture Systems, a premier Canadian manufacturer, to bring innovative, design-driven solutions to our clients.

Empty office reception area with a desk, chairs, and shelving units

1997

To better serve our North American customers, H+B crossed into the U.S. market in 1997 establishing offices in Tampa and Jacksonville, Florida.

Tall modern skyscrapers with glass windows and curved architecture surround palm trees with large green fronds against a clear blue sky.

1998

Our journey continued in 1998 with the opening of H+B Ottawa, allowing us to expand our reach into the nation’s capital.

The Peace Tower with the Canadian flag flying on top, located in Ottawa, Canada, against a clear blue sky.

1999

One year later, in 1999, we ventured west, launching our Vancouver office—our third Canadian location and fifth in North America.

A modern building with a geodesic dome structure made of metal and glass panels, with a Canadian flag hanging from the side. The sky is blue in the background.

2025

In 2025, Holmes + Brakel reached a milestone—50 years of excellence—while staying true to our 100% Canadian-owned roots. Today, with more than 100+ employees across North America, we remain focused on delivering innovative workspace solutions. But we’re not done yet. Our journey is far from over. As we move into our next 50+ years, we continue to evolve, grow, and find new ways to better serve our clients and making space for more!

2026

Holmes + Brakel is entering an exciting new chapter. Ownership has officially consolidated under Founder Rick Holmes, while the next generation of the Holmes family steps into expanded leadership roles. It’s a thoughtful transition built on more than 50 years of shared values, experience and relationships, with a clear vision for continued growth across North America and an even stronger Holmes + Brakel for what comes next.

Two cookies with white icing and a green logo and text celebrating 50 years, wrapped in plastic, on a wooden surface with a green leaf nearby.
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Two women sitting together on a brown leather couch with yellow and green pillows, smiling at the camera. One has long gray hair and is wearing a black patterned blouse with jewelry, the other has shoulder-length black hair, glasses, and is wearing a
Two men standing together at an indoor event, smiling, one with his arm around the other, with a flower arrangement on the table in front of them.
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Two men in a bar at a social event, one wearing glasses and a black puffer jacket holding a yellow drink, the other with a beard and in a beige blazer with a red poppy pin, holding a dark beer, smiling at the camera. In the background, women and a ba
Two women smiling at a bar, with bottles of alcohol on shelves behind them, and a green tiled bar counter in front of them.
Three people smiling at a social event, standing close together in a dimly lit room with other guests in the background.
Three people smiling at a social event, standing inside a venue with a crowd in the background. The person on the left is wearing a dark suit with a light blue shirt, the person in the middle is wearing a black dress, and the person on the right is w
Three women smiling at a bar. The woman on the left has glasses, black blazer, and is holding a pink cocktail. The woman in the middle is wearing a white checked dress, holding a glass of water. The woman on the right has curly hair, glasses, a burgu
Three women smiling at a bar, with bowling pins and liquor bottles in the background.
Two men in formal attire, holding drinks, smiling at the camera at a social event in a dimly lit venue with other people in the background.
Three people standing around a table with drinks and food at a social event, smiling for the camera.
Two women smiling and holding wine glasses at a social event with other people in the background, in a dimly lit indoor setting.
Two women smiling at a social event, standing close together, wearing name tags, indoors with other people in the background.
Two people, a woman and a man, standing together at a social event in a dimly lit venue, holding glasses of white wine, with other attendees in the background.
Group of five women celebrating with drinks at a social event in a dimly lit indoor venue.
Four people at a social event, smiling, and holding drinks, in a dimly lit venue with other guests in the background.
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Group of five women at a formal event, holding drinks, standing and listening attentively.
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Three women posing together at a social event, holding drinks, and smiling, with a crowd of people in the background.
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A woman with long, curly hair talking to a man at a bar in a dimly lit, modern venue with/ people mingling in the background.
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People at a social gathering hugging and talking in a dimly lit bar or restaurant.
Two women talking at a social event, holding drinks, in a dimly lit venue.
A woman with glasses and long brown hair is holding a glass of champagne, looking at a woman with red hair in a white blazer, who is also holding a glass with ice. A server is carrying a tray of champagne glasses in front of them at a social event.
Two people standing in front of a large illuminated sign with a bowling pin graphic and the words "TEN PIN" in white. The woman on the left is wearing a pink top and black pants, and the man on the right is wearing a dark red shirt and green pants, h
A bartender pours a layered cocktail into three glasses at a bar with wooden shelves, liquor bottles, and bar utensils visible behind.
Colorful bowling balls lined up on a bowling lane with glowing pins at the end in a dimly lit bowling alley.
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People standing in a dimly lit restaurant or bar, focusing on their feet and shoes. One person is wearing red shoes and a red skirt. Two pairs of shoes are on the floor: one with black and white sneakers, and the other with black and red shoes. A wom
A woman in a red dress is sitting on a yellow couch, with beige high-heeled sandals on her feet and a pair of red and black sneakers on the floor nearby.