Philippe Emond
Philippe Emond is the Owner of GFGM Marketing, a manufacturers’ representative agency in the Canadian automotive aftermarket industry since 1992. With more than 20 years of hands-on experience on both sides of the distribution channel, Philippe brings a unique perspective to manufacturer representation: he has worked directly with automotive parts distributors and now helps manufacturers build and grow their distribution across Canada.
From Automotive Parts Distributor to Manufacturer’s Representative in Canada
From 2005 to 2017, Philippe worked as an account manager at Transbec, an independent auto parts distributor and importer based in Laval, Quebec. Over those 12 years, selling to jobber stores across the region, he gained first-hand insight into what customers actually look for when evaluating a new product line and deciding which manufacturers are worth building a long-term relationship giving him insight that now shapes how he positions every brand GFGM represents.
In 2017, Philippe acquired GFGM Marketing, taking on the mission of helping manufacturers grow their presence in the Canadian automotive aftermarket. That distributor-side experience gives him an edge most manufacturer representation firms don’t have: he doesn’t just introduce a product to a buyer, he understands what will actually move it off the shelf.
Deep Understanding of the Canadian Automotive Aftermarket
The Canadian automotive aftermarket distribution network operates differently from other markets, particularly because of its three-step distribution model. The regional differences between Eastern and Western Canada, and bilingual requirements in Quebec all shape how a product line succeeds here. Having worked inside a distributor for over a decade, Philippe understands these dynamics not as theory, but from direct experience negotiating with wholesalers and jobber stores across the network. This background allows Philippe to quickly assess a manufacturer’s product line, anticipate distributor objections before they happen, and build sales strategies grounded in how purchasing decisions are actually made, not just how they’re supposed to work on paper.
Integrity at the Core of Every Partnership
Philippe’s approach to manufacturer representation is built on a simple principle: a win-win partnership, where the manufacturer’s success and the distributor’s success go hand in hand. Delivering on that promise starts with doing what he says he’ll do, every time. That reliability has earned him lasting trust with manufacturers and distributors alike, with many relationships spanning well over a decade. Transparency guides every conversation, whether it’s flagging a slow-moving product early or being upfront about what a distributor actually needs before introducing a new line.
That same work ethic carries over from his years on the distributor side, where deals were won by showing up prepared and following through, not by overselling. Philippe listens closely to each manufacturer’s goals and constraints, adapting his approach rather than applying a one-size-fits-all sales strategy. It’s this combination of integrity, consistency, and genuine listening that turns a first meeting into a long-term partnership.
2023 Canadian Sales Representative of the Year
In 2023, Philippe Emond was named Canadian Sales Representative of the Year by CRP Automotive, recognizing his contribution to the growth of CRP’s brands across the Canadian market, and the strong sales growth he drove across multiple distributors. The recognition was also covered by industry publications : JobberNation, Autosphere.ca, Autoserviceworld and Aftermarket News.
“We are thrilled to present Philippe with this award for his commitment to growing the CRP Automotive family of brands in the Canadian market. He has worked diligently to expand the reach of the AAE, Pentosin, and Rein brands in Canada, and we look forward to a continued and successful partnership for many years to come.“
Patrick Hébert, CRP Canadian National Sales Manager
Committed to Manufacturers' Long-Term Success
As a business leader, Philippe is committed to helping manufacturers grow their market share and strengthen their presence in the competitive Canadian automotive aftermarket. Under his leadership, GFGM Marketing continues to combine deep market knowledge, established distributor relationships, and a results-driven approach to manufacturer representation across Canada.
He is equally committed to representing only manufacturers whose products meet a high standard of quality, and to backing every line with the same level of professional, responsive service he’d expect as a customer. For Philippe, representing a brand isn’t just about opening doors, it’s about standing behind what’s on the other side of them.
How Philippe Emond and GFGM Helps Automotive Parts Manufacturers Grow in Canada
Through GFGM Marketing’s sales agency and manufacturer representation services, Philippe helps automotive parts manufacturers develop new accounts, strengthen distributor relationships, and expand their sales across Canada. With a deep understanding of the Canadian automotive aftermarket and strong relationships across the distribution network, GFGM helps manufacturers enter and grow in the Canadian automotive and heavy-duty aftermarket. From manufacturer representation and account development to new product launches and ongoing market intelligence, we work as an extension of your team—providing the relationships, market knowledge, and sales support needed to turn opportunities into sustainable growth.