From Shoes to Spaces: Walking the Walk Since 1915
Jim Holmes
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.
Rick Holmes
50 Years Later
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.
For nearly 50 years, Holmes + Brakel has been a trusted partner in creating dynamic, functional spaces. While our industry has evolved, our values remain unchanged. Quality. Service. Integrity.
These aren’t just words—they’re the foundation of everything we do. From our first client to our most recent project, we continue to honor our roots while shaping the future of workspaces across North America
A Strategic Partnership with Teknion
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.
Expanding Beyond Borders
To better serve our North American customers, H+B crossed into the U.S. market in 1997, establishing offices in Tampa and Jacksonville, Florida.
Growing Our Footprint in Canada
Our journey continued in 1998 with the opening of H+B Ottawa, allowing us to expand our reach into the nation’s capital. One year later, in 1999, we ventured west, launching our Vancouver office—our third Canadian location and fifth worldwide.
Strengthening Our Presence in Ontario
In 2018, we opened our Kingston office, solidifying our position as the only Teknion dealer servicing the corridor from Toronto to Ottawa.
Our Journey Continues
Today, H+B remains 100% Canadian-owned, with 140 employees across North America dedicated to delivering innovative workspace solutions. But we’re not done yet—our journey is far from over. We continue to evolve, grow, and find new ways to better serve our clients.