"In 2002, celebrating its 25th anniversary, Fenn sits on top of the mountain — in terms of sales, the nation's largest Canadian-owned book distributor.
—
Maclean's Magazine profile on H.B. Fenn and Company, 2002"
H.B.
Fenn and Company is the kind of business story that is remarkable. The company
was founded in 1977 by Harold Fenn, current president and CEO. A former senior
executive at Coles book chain, Harold Fenn launched this new company in a 1700
square foot building, and represented one publisher: Coles Publishing
Company. During the next two years, H.B. Fenn and Company sold Coles Notes,
Coles Self-Help Publishing Program, and the Coles Canadiana Collection to
independent and alternate markets.
In the early years it was extremely difficult to build the business quickly. As
a small distribution company, only similar sized publishers were attracted. The
vision was to continually build the business to be one of the largest book
distributors in Canada.
The first big break came in 1980 when distribution rights were acquired to
Tom Thompson and The Group of Seven, published by the McMichael
Art Gallery in Kleinburg, Ontario. That book went on to sell over 150,000 copies
in Canada and gave H.B. Fenn and Company the opportunity to begin selling books
directly to the major chains. In 1981, Pinnacle Books were signed on, an
American mass-market publisher that was also acting as distributor for Tor
Books. When Pinnacle closed shop a few years later and Tor was purchased by St.
Martin's Press, SMP Paperbacks also signed a Canadian distribution deal with
H.B. Fenn and Company.
During
the next several years, Harold and his company constantly pursued publishers
that would fit the company vision. By attending international trade shows,
hiring an informed and energetic sales team, and servicing a loyal,
long-standing customer base, many more publishers were eager to sign on,
including major publishers such as Warner Books and Macmillian Books USA.
In 1996, the company relocated to a new 70,000 square foot building in Bolton,
Ontario which warehouses over 25,000 titles and boasts the latest in
distribution and inventory technology. Now entering its 31st year in business,
H.B. Fenn and Company Ltd. Represents over 50 publishers, employs over 200
office and warehouse staff. The company has a coast to coast sales team, in-house
marketing and publicity team, as well as in-house sales and support staff.
This company has sold some of the biggest bestsellers in the country over the
years such as the following titles:
- The Celestine Prophecy
- The Bridges of Madison Country
- Silence of the Lambs
- Simple Abundance
- Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series
- The Tipping Point
- The South Beach Diet
- The Five People you Meet in Heaven
In addition to the distribution lines, H.B. Fenn and Company became the
controlling shareholder in Key Porter Books in July 2004. The acquisition gave H.B. Fenn and Company an opportunity to
strengthen its position in the Canadian marketplace. While Anna Porter
(founder of Key Porter Books in 1979) continues to play a vital role in the
company, Jordan Fenn (Publisher of Fenn Publishing) stepped into the role
of Vice President and Publisher of Key Porter Books.
Fenn Publishing publishes approximately 20 new books a season, mostly in the
genre of sports / hockey.
In 2000, the company moved its receiving, returns, special handling and bulk
storage to a new facility, located behind our current warehouse. This additional
70,000 square foot facility doubled the businesses storage capacity
In 2003, a third facility was acquired. This new facility handles all processing
of customer returns. This change was made to help improve the productivity of
the returns processing and give our second warehouse additional room for
storage.
Reflecting on his company's growth, Harold Fenn attributes the success to
honesty and hard work. In the years ahead we will continue to strive to be the
top distributor in the book industry by providing the very best in service,
selection and bestsellers.