OUR TEAM

Fueling Growth, Driving Success

At Holland Imports, we recognize that a strong and dedicated team is the cornerstone of any successful business. Our team works cohesively to drive growth and deliver the highest level of service and products to our partners. Our team approach fosters creativity, collaboration, and allows us to draw upon the strengths of each individual to achieve our goals. This results in a dynamic and efficient work environment that supports our continued success.

We are committed to building and maintaining a team of talented and dedicated professionals who share a passion for our business. Our team is not just a group of colleagues, but also a group of like-minded individuals who work together to achieve a common goal. We are proud of our team and are always looking for new talent to join us in driving success.

Leader, Innovator and Visionary

MOHAMED PUNJANI
Founder

Mohamed first started his career as a high school teacher in Kisumu, Kenya. Given his passion for helping others, he committed himself to engaging his students and instilling in them a work ethic and an ambition for success. In time, Mohamed decided to help at the family’s store. There, Mohamed was able to build skills in sales, marketing, and customer service. Mohamed’s good nature and charisma meant customers loved dealing with him. In addition to his interest in business, Mohamed is an athlete and competed in badminton and table tennis at a regional level.

When the Punjani family moved to Canada and established Holland Imports, Mohamed took charge of sales and later purchasing. Under the guidance of his eldest brother Sadru, Mohamed developed strong relationships with overseas suppliers which continue today.

Mohamed is well-known in the industry for his respect for customers and suppliers alike, his humility, and integrity. Mohamed was a recipient of a commemorative medal for the 125th anniversary of the confederation of Canada. This award recognizes significant contributions to compatriots, community and to Canada. His example and that of the other founders have now become the core values at Holland Imports.

Management team

RICHARD AYUEN
President

Richard is a results-oriented executive who brings 25+ years of senior leadership and extensive industry knowledge to Holland Imports. This was gained from having worked with manufacturing, distribution and logistics companies who have serviced most of Canada’s major industry sectors. He is known for his inspirational and strategic leadership style, as well as his passion for helping people and companies to be their very best.

GARY HEMLOW
DC Operations Manager

With over 30 years of warehouse operations, project management, design, and layout experience, Gary comes to Holland with a track record of success. A well-organized time manager who enjoys working with people to streamline processes and efficiencies. His many years of hands-on fulfillment provide a keen eye for making it right. Professional and goal oriented, Gary is always working toward the big picture and common goal.

MARK DE BEER
CFO

Mark is a hands-on financial executive with 30+ years of progressively senior financial management and leadership in various companies and industries. Mark received his MBA from the University of Wales and is an executive management leader with broad based strategic and front-line business and operations experience. During his career he has held various VP Finance and CFO roles and helped many companies improve financial performance through improved analysis and reporting, accompanied with staff development, training, and team building.

RHONDA SCHEMBRI
Customer Service Manager/Inside Sales

With over 21 years in Customer Service and Sales, Rhonda brings a wealth of experience. Starting as a Junior CSR in manufacturing and wholesale, she has mastered every aspect of the industry, from logistics to Sales Management. Rhonda excels in Operations, Customer Relationship management, and B2B Lead Generation. Known for her dedication and commitment to the sales process, she ensures outstanding customer experiences. Alongside her strong work ethic, Rhonda adds a touch of humor to every interaction.

CHAD NELSON
National Account Manager- Hardware

Experienced, cross-functional sales leader who is committed to exceptional customer service. Chad operates with integrity and has engendered an inclusive approach which fosters a high level of trust. His expertise in customer leadership and value creation has proven to maximize brand awareness.

KAYLA MACKAY
National Account Manager- Seasonal

Kayla is dedicated to providing an exceptional client experience by cultivating, maintaining and growing high level relationships. During her career in sales, marketing, and account management she has always conducted herself with honesty and integrity. She has proven success by focusing on communication and offering creative solutions resulting in long-lasting partnerships.

RAYMOND WONG
Import & Logistics Manager

Raymond is a valuable asset to the Holland Imports team, bringing over 20 years of expertise in Transpacific freight forwarding and import/export logistics. With extensive experience in local produce import/export and working with global freight forwarders, Raymond’s knowledge and relationships in the Asia Pacific trade are instrumental to our company’s success. We are delighted to have him on our team, enhancing our capabilities and reinforcing our position in the industry.

Category managers

Matthew Strong-Clarke
Hardware and PTA
Costa Mashkov
Lawn and Garden
Azim Punjani
Christmas
Khatoon Lalani
Outdoor Living

Sales representatives

BC
Nelson Peixoto
Vancouver Island

Email › nelson.peixoto@hollandimports.com
Cell › (604) 612-7990

BC
Bobby Harrison
BC Interior, Kootenays & Fraser Valley

Email › bobby.harrison@hollandimports.com
Cell › (250) 258-3818

BC
Leanne Taylor
Lower Mainland & Sunshine Coast

Email ›leanne.taylor@hollandimports.com
Cell › (604) 315-5805

BC
Jacqueline Munro
Greater Vancouver

Email › jacqueline.munro@hollandimports.com
Cell › (604) 908-6339

AB
Darcy Wheeler
Southern Alberta, South West Saskatchewan

Email › darcy.wheeler@activeagency.ca
Cell › (403) 862-1457
Fax › (888) 630-1050

AB
Tom Cook
Northern Alberta, Northern Saskatchewan

Email › tom.cook@activeagency.ca
Office › (780) 922-3680
Cell › (780) 975-4816
Fax › (866) 418-2465

MB
David Nixon
Manitoba, Thunderbay, South East/South Central Saskatchewan

Email › david.nixon@activeagency.ca
Office › (204) 960-4940
Fax › (877) 584-5074

ON
Gary Menne
Account Manager

Email › gmenne@lm2.ca
Office › (905) 266-0332 ext. 118
Cell › (905) 301-1773

ON
Michael Schoeler
Eastern Ontario

Email › mschoeler@lm2.ca
Office › (905) 266-0332 ext. 120
Cell › (705) 957-3647

ON
Vasco Duarte
South Western Ontario

Email › vduarte@lm2.ca
Office › (905) 266-0332 ext. 119
Cell › (226) 791-0536

QC
Hugues Marcil
Account Manager

Email › hmarcil@lm2.ca
Office › (450) 664-4006 ext. 113
Cell › (514) 915-2198

QC
Mike Hachey
Account Manager

Email › mhachey@lm2.ca
Office › (450) 664-4006 ext.123 
Cell › (514) 442-8157

QC
Simon Chartrand
Sales Manager

Email › schartrand@lm2.ca
Office › (450) 664-4006 ext. 115
Cell › (514) 213-2830

QC
Joey Lurette
Quebec West

Email › jlurette@lm2.ca
Office › (450) 664-4006 ext. 116
Cell › (438) 883-2175

QC
Stephane Gendreau
Quebec South West

Email › sgendreau@lm2.ca
Office › (450) 664-4006
Cell › (514) 838-0236

QC
Hugo Poirier Olivier
Quebec East

Email › hpoirierolivier@lm2.ca
Office › (450) 664-4006
Cell › (418) 809-4209

NB
Devin Lockyer
Atlantic Provinces

Email › dlockyer@lm2.ca
Office › (450) 664-4006
Cell › (506) 588-0836

NB
Tracy Grozik
Atlantic Provinces- Christmas

Email › tracy@occasionssales.ca
Cell › (506) 650-2982

USA Sales Representatives

CA
Craig Verne
Sr. VP California Sales

City › Los Angeles 
Email › craig@kwawest.com
Phone › (714) 881-1070

ID
Ray Koval
VP – Idaho Division

City › Boise
Email › ray@kwawest.com
Phone › (208) 375-2626

OR
Ryan Verne
Sr. VP – Oregon Division

City › Portland
Email › ryan@kwawest.com
Phone › (503) 653-8013

WA
Mark Bacik
Sr. VP – Corp Hardware

City › Seattle
Email › markb@kwawest.com
Phone › (425) 212-2636