Tariffs, rising costs, and global supply chain delays have made it harder for many Canadian businesses to operate smoothly, even those not directly importing from the U.S. But HMS Office Solutions, a proudly Canadian-owned and locally operated company based in Summerside, has found ways to stay ahead.
So, we spoke with the President of HMS Office Solutions, Pierre Gallant, to learn about how they’ve managed to avoid the worst of the disruption, thanks to smarter buying, clean data, and a commitment to good old-fashioned customer service.
Chamber: Tariffs have caused considerable headaches in the business community. Has HMS felt the impact?
HMS: “Oh, absolutely. Just because we’re Canadian-owned doesn’t mean we’re living in a tariff-proof bubble. But instead of panicking, we did what any resourceful Island business would do—we got a bit scrappy! – haha. No, but in all honesty, we’re getting very serious about tightening up our data, leaning harder into our local suppliers, and focusing on being intentional with how and when we buy.”
Chamber: Tell us more about the role of data in your business.
HMS: “Our data used to be… let’s call it ‘charming in its inconsistency.’ – haha! Now, it’s sharper than ever. We cleaned it up, tracked what actually moved, and we couldn’t operate on gut feelings; we constantly asked ourselves, ‘Didn’t we sell a lot of those last month?’ Anyway, with no other option, we’ve realized knowing your numbers is the secret weapon in a supply chain crunch.”
Chamber: And that helps with tariffs?
HMS: “Oh, big time. If something looks like it’s about to skyrocket in price—or disappear entirely—we get ahead of it (we have the best rate on paper right now because of this strategy alone. We bulk up where it makes sense and shift to Canadian suppliers whenever we can. Basically, we try to outsmart the chaos before it hits our customers’ desks.”
Chamber: You’ve also emphasized human-first service. Why is that important right now?
HMS “Because no one wants to scream ‘CUSTOMER SERVICE!’ into a phone menu. While we are transitioning toward a much more digitized order fulfillment system we still aim to keep things simple: when you call us, a real person answers. No bots. No awkward doctor’s office music. Just helpful humans who know your name and want to make your life easier.”
Chamber: What advice would you give to other local businesses?
HMS: “Step one: don’t ignore your data — when it’s right is has A LOT to tell you. Step two: stay on top of sales trends from previous years – more than just “oh, we sell a lot of this in the summer, no — actually punch in the numbers and see what you can negotiate with your suppliers or potential new suppliers closer to – this is a must in operations – especially on essentials. And step three: never discount the impact of human relationships. Your supplier, your customers, your team — if you treat people right, they’ll stick with you when things get turned upside down.
Chamber: And for businesses looking for support with their office supply needs?
HMS: “We’re here to make life easier, and while most don’t realize this… we DO offer competitive pricing, free delivery, and a team that picks up the phone. So, whether you need ink, office furniture, or someone who doesn’t sigh audibly when you ask a question—we’ve got you.”
If you are interested in setting up a commercial account with HMS Office Solutions, simply email accounts@hmsoffice.ca to get started!