Grow.

Innovate.

Connect.

Join us at Connect… Canada’s Pet Trade Expo. Celebrating and promoting the growth of the Canadian pet industry with manufacturers, specialty pets live, distributors and more. A business to business show like no other.

Coming May 22-23, 2025

Niagara Falls Convention Centre

Let's Connect.


As a Canadian hosted event, Connect Canada's Pet Trade Expo is proud to showcase the thriving pet industry in Canada, which is known for its love of animals and commitment to their welfare. Canada boasts a vibrant community of pet retailers, manufacturers, distributors, specialty pet breeders and service providers, all of whom contribute to the growth and innovation of the industry. Join us! Let's Connect!

Connect:

A B2B pet trade event celebrating the Canadian pet industry hosted and created with a team that is 100% built with individuals and vendors from the Canadian Pet Industry.

Connect Lounge

Attendees and Exhibitors alike enjoyed all the amenities of the Connect Lounge. A spacious seating area with beverages, charging stations and plenty of seating area for impromptu meetings.

Education Stage

Connect brought 2 days of educational talks to attendees. Visitors heard from Candace D'Agnolo, Pet Industry Network, Pet Retail Helper, Weruva, Instinct, eTail Pet POS and many more...

Fresh Food Showcase

A highlight of the show was Connect's Fresh Food Showcase featuring a variety of frozen and gently cooked products from many of the Connect Exhibitors. Thanks to Habco for the great looking freezer setup.

Connect Live

Wednesday night featured Connect Live at the Marriott Hotel with the E.Z. Street Band. The evening kicked off with $10,000 in cash giveaways to retailers and exhibitors...oh along with a poutine bar!!

Walker Sales

A Legacy of Excellence: Walker Sales & Marketing Inc.

December 02, 20244 min read

A Legacy of Excellence: Walker Sales & Marketing Inc.

Since its founding in 2000, Walker Sales & Marketing Inc. (WSM) has become a trailblazer in the Canadian pet industry. With over 24 years of experience spanning both Canada and the U.S., this family-run business has earned a stellar reputation for representing innovative pet products from global manufacturers.

Mission and Values

At the heart of WSM Pet Products is a steadfast commitment to helping pet product manufacturers achieve success in the Canadian market. The company prides itself on exceptional communication, marketing, and sales support, guided by a team of industry experts.

President and CEO Gordon Walker, a seasoned professional with four decades of experience in the pet industry, leads the team with passion and dedication. Together, they consistently exceed client expectations, building lasting partnerships along the way.

Gord Walker

Key Milestones in WSM’s Journey

  • 2000: WSM is established, bringing extensive expertise to the pet industry.

  • 2000`s: Expanded product lines and formed partnership with major pet food manufacturer.

  • 2010s: Developed cutting-edge marketing strategies to introduce new products to Canada.

  • 2020s: Focused on eco-friendly, innovative, and high-quality pet products.

The Team Behind the Success

WSM is truly a family affair, with a talented and diverse team dedicated to client success:

  • Nathalie Casciato, Director of Sales & Marketing, is an engineer by training and joined WSM in 2014. With over a decade of experience in product development and sales, Nathalie plays a pivotal role in driving growth.

  • Wendy Price, Account Executive, brings a wealth of experience in client service management from the telecommunications industry. A certified sales professional with an advertising design background, Wendy recently joined the team.

  • Aida Pineda, Director of Finance & Accounting, manages the company’s finances with precision. She is also the mother of both Nathalie and Wendy.

Together, Gordon  and his wife Aida lead this dynamic team, creating a supportive environment that prioritizes excellence and innovation.

Partnerships with Global Leaders

WSM Pet Products has built strong relationships with several key clients, including ;

Diamond Pet Foods, a family-owned pet food manufacturer established in 1970. Diamond Pet Foods owns six state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities across the U.S. and produces several unique brands, including Taste of the Wild, Diamond Naturals, and Diamond CARE. WSM has been building Diamond Pet Foods' product lines in Canada for the past 16 years.

Other notable clients:

·         sWheatscoop:      A natural cat litter manufactured in Minnesota, U.S. This unique cat litter is made from wheat, making it scoopable with excellent odour control .

·         Fresh News:  It is a eco-friendly, paper-based cat litter, Fresh News has been a pioneer in providing sustainable pet products. Their cat litter is made from 100% recycled paper, offering a biodegradable and environmentally friendly option for cat owners.

·          Dogginstix: A premium dog treat company focused on producing natural, high-quality treats for dogs. Dogginstix uses only the finest single ingredients to ensure that every treat is healthy and delicious for your furry friend.

·         Shepherd Boy Farms: A family-owned farm that produces all-natural, farm-raised freeze dried , goats milk , pet food and treats. Shepherd Boy Farms is committed to sustainable farming practices and provides wholesome, nutritious products for pets.

These partnerships reflect WSM’s ongoing mission to represent products that are environmentally responsible and health-conscious.

Supporting Clients and Communities

WSM’s services extend beyond sales and marketing. From promoting products at trade shows to offering in-store demos and staff training, the company ensures its clients’ success at every level.

The team’s passion for pets also drives their commitment to giving back. WSM actively supports pet rescue programs and fundraisers, donating food, toys, and supplies to pets in need.

The Joy of Pet Ownership

At WSM, pets aren’t just companions—they’re family. The company believes in the profound bond between pets and their owners, emphasizing the importance of responsible pet care. Proper nutrition, regular exercise, and routine veterinary visits are just the beginning. Creating a safe, stimulating environment filled with love and attention can transform a pet’s life.

With their carefully curated selection of products, WSM Pet Products empowers pet owners to nurture this special connection and give their furry friends the happy, healthy lives they deserve.

The Future of WSM

As WSM Pet Products looks ahead, the company remains dedicated to discovering and representing groundbreaking products that align with their values of quality, innovation, and sustainability. For pet owners and manufacturers alike, WSM continues to be a trusted partner in the ever-evolving pet industry.

WSM Pet Products: Building Partnerships. Enhancing Lives.

 

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