In physics, the covalent link allows two atoms to share properties to become a whole new entity. Along our history, we have always merged some of our identity with our various partners in order to become stronger. By sharing our resources and expertise with our retailers and suppliers, we created something brand new that allows us to offer products and services that couldn’t be possible otherwise. This win-win covalent relationship is part of our core and the reason why we call ourselves Coval.
OUR STORY
In 1976, Denis Fauteux joined forces with Home Fireplace (HF). He used the name La maison du foyer for its operations in Quebec. In 1978, he broke away from HF and launched La Maison D.F. inc. In the early 80s, the concept of a heating specialist did not exist. However, the founder firmly believed in it and used his vast experience in sales and marketing to help retailers become true specialists. His slogan “The expert serving specialists” is still used today.
In 1983, he founded the Association des professionnels du chauffage à combustible solide (APCCS) with other industry members to provide an independent voice for heating professionals before governmental bodies. This organization became the Association des professionnels du chauffage (APC), the oldest association of heating professionals in America.
In 2003, La Maison D.F. became a major distributor of heating products when Jean-François Fauteux, the founder’s son, joined the family business. Jean-François repositioned the company to take advantage of new trends in design and fuels, particularly gas and pellets. He also implemented a computerized business process. These changes accelerated the growth of La Maison D.F.
In 2016, the company acquired JADE heating products and began merging its operations. Some years later, in 2023, the expansion took an interprovincial form with the acquisition of Urban Hearth, an Ontarian distributor.
Continuing its development under its new identity, Coval is positioned as one of the most important distributors of high-end heating and barbecue products in the east of Canada.
The products we offer have generated strong emotions and comfort for the consumer over the years. It is a significant source of recognition and profitability for our retail network. Our role is important in many people’s lives. Your experience with Coval is at the core of our actions and we want to make that you enjoy our products as much as we do. Our ability to consistently deliver excellence in our work demonstrates that our success didn’t happen by chance, but with a lot of work and dedication.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to enhance the value of our specialized retailers.
Indeed, SMEs are the core of the North American economy. Specialty retailers are SMEs that hire locally, are involved in their community and support several families.
By becoming the business partner that allows specialty retailers to stand out from big box stores and increase their profitability, the entire economy benefits from it. In addition, consumers will appreciate a better service from people in their region.
A 2023 study showed that for every dollar invested in an SME, 0.66$ returns to the local economy. On the other side, for every dollar invested in a large chain, only 0.11$ returns to the local economy.
OUR VISION
Tomorrow’s consumers will be looking for a reliable, loyal, unique, and specialized partner. When choosing a quality appliance, their buying decisions will be influenced by the following four values: product performance, design, energy savings, and environmental protection.
We enhance the value of our specialized retailers by allowing them to be clearly identified as unique partners. To do this, we offer a wide range of services, including:
- Exclusive, high-end products
- A wide range of products and services
- Intelligent market reports and statistics
- Training programs
- Technical support.
- Marketing and e-commerce
- Strategic advisors
- Warehousing and logistics
SERVICES FOR MANUFACTURERS
Coval prides itself on having long-term relationships with all its suppliers. We have relationships with some suppliers that exceed their lifetime warranty! We choose our partners carefully and only take manufacturers who have a complementary offer to our products, similar values to ours, and who wish to work exclusively with specialized retailers. In the end, Coval is unlike any other distributor because we are, first and foremost, a sales and marketing team. We offer a wide range of services that build loyalty with our manufacturers and our retailers.
- Over 30,000 square feet of warehouse space.
- Reliable delivery service.
- Ongoing training.
- Innovative marketing strategies.
- A modern and transactional website.
- Two warehouses, one in Québec and one in Ontario.
- An extranet site for merchants with a wide range of information.
- A technician available at all times.
- An advertising team that also takes care of special events, media relations, and marketing.
- Customer service that is important to us.
- Interconnected technology.