In 1967, a modest enterprise opened its doors in Verdun. Michel Pion and Gérard Lauzé met while working for the same employer and decided to work evenings and weekends selling retail doors and windows take-out style. They found immediate success among Verdun's contractors and owners of multi-story apartments. A few months later, their first premises, Mr. Lauzé's private garage at the back of his house on 486 Gordon Street, had become too small for their business needs. The partners rented two more garages before moving into a real commercial space on 636 Gordon Street. Once again, expansion became necessary, and in 1972 they were finally able to purchase their own premises on 925 Hickson Avenue, in Verdun.

In 1978, Michel Pion became the sole owner of the business when his partner decided to dedicate himself to another business which was successful as well. Then, Mr Pion became interested in a new product: the steel door that the American company Stanley had started to produce.

In 1983, along with an engineer, Mr Etan Jacob, Michel Pion founded Portes Métalliques Jacob, the first modern steel door assembly plant in Quebec.

This business became very successful. The steel door was in demand and became the standard door for all new construction as well as for renovations. Michel Pion quickly realized that the steel door was a winning product that would enable him to open several new retail outlets. He then helped his key employees open new stores, using the "franchise" formula.

This is how a second store opened in Verdun in May of 1983, followed closely by a store in Montreal in July of the same year. Another store opened in Laval in February 1984 and another in St-Basile one year later. With these stores, the franchisees could now easily meet the needs of the Montreal-area market. Thanks to their teams' dedication and efforts, all these businesses are now well integrated in their communities.

Today, the Verdun group is composed of three doors and windows factories and four more retail outlets: one in St-Isidore, one in Joliette, another one in Laval and one in Vars, near Ottawa.

The Verdun stores sell and install doors, windows and other products such as kitchens and bathrooms cabinets and counters, banisters, balconies and hardwood floors.

Both the owners and the employees of the Verdun group are convinced that their success relies on their ability to serve their clients well with good products, proper advice and excellent service.