the quality of what we build, we should be proud enough to put our family name on it.” What began as a straightforward branding decision eventually became central to the company’s broader culture and operating philosophy; the founders viewed the company name as a reflection of accountability and long-term commitment. The company’s earliest projects focused heavily on retail development, particularly grocery-anchored centres and service-oriented commercial properties. “We initially built the business as a shopping centre developer, with a strong focus on grocery-anchored retail,” says Michael. “Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to work with all of the major grocery banners in Canada, including IGA, Metro, and Loblaws, delivering projects that became essential hubs within the communities they serve.” Those relationships helped establish Bertone’s reputation within the retail development sector while also teaching the company how to create developments designed around everyday community needs. The company’s beginnings were relatively modest. Michael and Claudio recall that some of their first developments included a single Couche-Tard gas station in Laval, followed by several Tim Hortons locations and other service-based retail projects. A key turning point came after a meeting with the late Pierre Gaudreau of IGA, who encouraged the company to pursue larger grocery-anchored developments. “Within a year, we were given the 38 JUL 2026 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
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