22 Times Canadian Businesses Proved They’re Built Different

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Canadian businesses stand out for various reasons, attracting numerous investors and firms. Some major corporations have a knack for standing out, reaching global heights, and proving they are built differently. Whether growing from their humble beginnings, redefining luxury, or boosting the domestic economy, they showcase exceptional creativity. Here are 23 times Canadian businesses proved they’re built differently.

Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil was started in 1984 by Guy Laliberté and Gilles Ste-Croix in Montreal. Instead of following the traditional crisis, this Canadian brand created something novel with acrobatics, theater, and music. With no animals, it leaned on human skill and is currently a billion-dollar brand that has performed for millions.

Lululemon

Lululemon is a major Canadian brand that has always been resilient and proved it was built differently. Founded in Vancouver in 1998 as a yoga-inspired apparel brand, it embraced new trends and styles. It is a global company worth $40 billion and operates in over 600 stores.

Shopify

One of the biggest e-commerce platforms ever, Shopify, was launched in 2006 by Tobias Lütke in Ottawa. This platform hosts over 1 million businesses, offering them various tools and easy payment desks.  Its user-friendly design and flexibility let anyone sell online, challenging Amazon’s dominance.

Bombardier

Bombardier was founded by Joseph-Armand Bombardier in 1937. It built snowmobiles and later started a recreational icon, Ski-Doo. By the 1980s, this company ventured into aerospace and rail, building jets like the Challenger. Its aerospace arm still creates high-end private jets, emerging as a symbol of Canadian excellence.

Canada Goose

Canada Goose began by building durable and sturdy jackets specially designed for Arctic workers. Its big break came with the Expedition Parka, designed for scientists in Antarctica. It proved it was built differently by transforming itself into a luxury brand, becoming a status symbol, and being worn by many celebrities.

BlackBerry

BlackBerry is synonymous with the smartphone revolution, starting as Research In Motion (RIM) in 1984. In 1999, BlackBerry launched the first smartphone with email, and its secure messaging made it a must-have for everyone. While its era has faded now, its contributions cannot be forgotten.

Roots

In 1973, Michael Budman and Don Green opened Roots in Toronto, inspired by Algonquin Park’s wilderness. It sells leather goods and apparel for men and women, marked by its signature heritage branding. This brand embraces its Canadian identity, keeping its production local and emphasizing quality over quantity.

Arc’teryx

Arc’teryx began in 1989 specializing in outdoor apparel for adventure sports and activities. By 2000, it was a premium outdoor name and is now sold in 40 countries. Delivering immense quality and marvelous pieces like the Alpha SV jacket, which uses Gore-Tex, it is literally built differently.

MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op)

Founded in 1971 in Vancouver, MEC began as a co-op to sell affordable gear. Members used to pay a small amount to join, contributing their resources to buy all sorts of gear. It has evolved into a massive 400 million retailer, focusing on sustainability and quality. Though it went private in 2020, its efforts and contributions cannot be forgotten.

Hudson’s Bay Company

Hudson’s Bay Company is a Canadian business built differently, operating in over 85 locations. It began in 1670 as a fur trading outlet, one of the oldest companies. With many departmental stores, it retails items such as fashion, home, beauty, and other essentials.

Molson

Canada’s oldest brewery, John Molson, brewed its first beer in Montreal in 1786. From a family-run business to its merging with Coors in 2005, this Canadian business is built differently. Taking immense pride in being a Canadian product, it has sponsored the NHL and has many cultural ties.

Canadarm (MDA)

The Canadarm debuted on NASA’s Space Shuttle in 1981, stunning the world with its inventions. This 15-meter robotic arm handled satellites and cargo in orbit and was flown on over 100 missions. Future inventions like the Canadarm 2 were also launched, showcasing Canada’s innovation and limitless potential.

Four Seasons

Four Seasons is a Canadian luxury hotel and resort company founded in 1961. By 1970, it had gone international, and today, it runs over 120 luxury properties in 47 countries. This company, too, had its humble beginnings with a modest 125-room hotel and is now the symbol of elegance and luxury.

Sobeys

A national supermarket chain in Canada, Sobeys was founded in 1907 by John W. Sobey. It initially began as solely a meat delivery company but evolved into a grocery chain in 1946. This Canadian business proved it’s built differently by growing through smart acquisitions and eventually operating with over 1,500 stores.

Air Canada

The largest airline in Canada, Air Canada, thrives amidst chaos and economic wars. By 1965, it rebranded, expanding globally with a maple leaf logo symbolizing national pride. It is built differently, surviving its 2003 bankruptcy and emerging victorious to carry nearly 50 million passengers annually.

Herschel Supply Co.

Herschel Supply Co. is a thriving Canadian business founded in 2009 by brothers Jamie and Lyndon Cormack. They blended retro style with modern utility, starting with backpacks, gaining immense popularity. It has achieved over 10,000 worldwide, and its minimalist designs have become a hipster staple.

AtkinsRéalis

Formerly known as SNC-Lavalin, AtkinsRéalis provides engineering, procurement, and construction services. This company has shifted its focus from resource-heavy sectors to green infrastructure and nuclear energy. Its ability to tackle massive, complex projects worldwide highlights its engineering excellence.

BioWare

Founded in 1995, BioWare began by making medical software before entering the gaming industry. Their 1998 hit Baldur’s Gate set a new bar for storytelling in RPGs. Other titles, such as Mass Effect and Dragon Age, have also left a permanent mark on fans’ hearts. This brand was acquired by EA in 2007 and continues to deliver new titles.

Tilley

Alex Tilley launched Tilley Endurables in 1980 from Toronto after allegedly losing his hat on a sailing trip. He decided to create high-quality, durable outdoor hats that survive windy conditions. Certified to endure 1,000 washes, this brand is built differently and sold in 18 countries.

Magna International

Founded in 1957 by Frank Stronach, Magna International began as a small tool shop. This Canadian business grew into a global auto parts giant, supplying companies like Ford and Tesla. With over 340 plants, it is one of the largest companies in Canada, and it generates $42 billion. It continues pushing the boundaries of innovation by showcasing concept cars and cutting-edge technology.

OpenText

OpenText started in 1991 at the University of Waterloo with a simple project of digitizing the Oxford English Dictionary. It proved it is built differently by becoming a leader in enterprise information management, helping numerous giants manage data. With over 24,000 employees in over 180 countries, it is Canada’s largest software firm.

Irving Oil

Irving Oil is a Canadian gasoline company that began with a single gas station in 1924. It has grown into a relational titan and operates over 900 stations in Eastern Canada and England. It can process over 320,000 barrels of crude oil daily, competing with multinational oil firms and creating several jobs.

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