Donleigh Sales Ltd. began in 1947 under the direction of Founder and President Gordon Brown. In those early years, Donleigh specialized in the tobacco and clothing business moving into sporting goods in the late 1960’s.

Under Brown’s guidance, the successful transformation made Donleigh one of Canada’s top agencies. Venerable manufacturers such as Pedigree ski clothing, Soloman and Dynastar ski equipment, Koho and Canadien hockey sticks and equipment all received mass distribution in the Canadian marketplace under Brown.

Seeing an opportunity for further business, he entered the import business as well. Canadians were introduced to Bridgestone and BK bicycles and in the early 1970’s he was one of the founders of the Pony shoe company.

This growth offered son Gary an opportunity to join the business following his graduation from Waterloo Lutheran University and two years at Kandak Corp. At Kandak, he was involved in the marketing of the Canadian Olympic symbols for the upcoming Montreal summer games of 1976.

Following the games conclusion, he joined his father as a sales representative for Southwestern Ontario and was given an opportunity to sell selected major Canadian accounts. Gary also incorporated Donleigh Sports Ltd., to handle additional non-conflicting accounts in the sports marketing area.

When his father retired in 1983, Gary closed the Donleigh Sales Ltd. banner and moved forward with Donleigh Sports Ltd. In the over 20 years of his leadership at Donleigh Sp