Our People

DON BOND, GENERAL MANAGER AND MANAGING PARTNER

As I write this in 2011, I have been in the lumber industry for 30 years, the last 26 with B&R. I am proud to be part of a 138 year old "Winnipeg institution" and its team.

I basically "grew up" at B&R and was fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from all the previous general managers over the past 21 years. They were all excellent people and I appreciate everything that they have taught me.

In 2004 I had the opportunity to become part of the ownership of the company as well as taking on the duties of general manager.

I am very proud of the B&R team and remain committed to both our individual and collective success. Taking on the general manager's role as well as sales, I have a renewed appreciation as to all the matters that make a successful business. It is time consuming but also very rewarding.

When I'm not working to "make saw dust", I can be found at the family cottage with my wife and best friend, Debbie, along with our 3 teenagers/adult "kids". We love fixing our motorized "toys", then playing with them until they break again and then, attempt to fix them again! Its an ongoing and vicious cycle.

donbond@brownandrutherford.com

PETER DEBENHAM, CONTROLLER

Peter Debenham earned a marketing degree from the University of NSW in Sydney in 1972 and then changed direction towards the accountancy profession on the advice of his father.

Peter says: "I followed my brother into marketing because it looked sexy and exciting, however, when I couldn't read a Balance Sheet my father told me to stop mucking around and become an accountant!"

Peter became a Chartered Accountant in 1978 and then decided to see the world arriving in Montreal in 1979. He worked in Montreal and Calgary before marrying a Canadian and settling in Winnipeg in 1981.

Peter joined Silpit and B&R in 1988 as controller and purchased a small interest in B&R in 2005.

Peter lives with his wife Joanne and 3 children. He particularly enjoys his local community club where he volunteers and coached hockey and baseball. He is also active with The Down Under Club of Winnipeg which has hosted an Australia/New Zealand pavilion at Folklorama.

Peter's business philosophy (derived from his marketing background) is to identify our customers' needs and satisfy those needs and we will be successful.

peter@brownandrutherford.com

TODD MONDOR, PRODUCTION MANAGER

I represent the 3rd generation of "Mondors" to work in the production area of B&R which is quite an achievement. Since starting with B&R in the 1970's, I have been witness to a lot of changes over the years. In recent years we have focused on areas where we excell which has been very gratifying. I stand behind B&R's reputation for quality and look forward to the coming years. Quality control is my responsibility and I take this duty very seriously. The future looks good.

When not hard at work, I enjoy golfing, baseball, bowling and spending time with my two children.

todd@brownandrutherford.com

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TYLER BOND, SALES

My career started at Brown & Rutherford approx. 7 years ago.  In the beginning I was in the shipping and production areas of the business.  That was an excellent way to get to know the business from the bottom up.  I always felt that the best way to sell all of the products that Brown & Rutherford produces was to work with them "hands on".

Brown & Rutherford has a solid reputation of producing top quality products, and I have had the privilege of helping to produce & ship these products. I look forward to the next step in my career in Sales.  I promise to always be accessible to our valued customers and prompt with all responses.  Brown & Rutherford has a great atmosphere, and I plan to make it a big part of my life. 

When I'm not at Brown & Rutherford I enjoy working and playing at my cottage and enjoying the company of family and friends.

tyler@brownandrutherford.com

ILONA HEUCHERT, OFFICE MANAGER

Since 1987, I have been working in the lumber industry in both the retail and wholesale sectors. I joined Brown & Rutherford in 1996 and really enjoy being part of the B&R team. It is very rewarding to be part of a company that has so much history. All of the staff are quite proud of the fact that our company was established in 1872.

My job description at B&R has been constantly changing and expanding which has provided me with an opportunity to learn and be challenged. I benefit from the wide variety of office tasks that I perform and enjoy providing a professional service to customers and suppliers.

After work, I'm a bit of a "homebody" and particularly treasure time spent with friends and family.

ilona@brownandrutherford.com

GURDEEP KAUR, SALES

I moved to Winnipeg in 1981 and worked at various jobs before joining B&R in 1988. I started as a cashier/receptionist and moved into accounts receivable and general office accounting. I have recently joined the sales department and enjoy the challenges that my new job brings.

When I'm not at Brown & Rutherford, I spend my time with my husband and our four children. Most evenings and weekends I'm busy driving our younger son to his various soccer games and track and field meets.

gurdeep@brownandrutherford.com

Our products are marketed through out the continental US and Canada.