Alex Hennick of Toronto, Ontario on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Alex Hennick and have shared our conversation below.

Alex, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity is everything to me. It’s the guiding principle that shapes not only my business decisions but also my personal relationships and the way I approach every challenge. Intelligence and energy are certainly valuable.

They allow us to solve problems, innovate, and push forward, but without integrity,
they lose their true meaning. Actions taken without honesty or ethical grounding
can be impressive in the short term, but they rarely lead to lasting trust or meaningful
impact. I’ve found that when integrity is at the center, it fosters genuine collaboration, builds credibility, and creates a foundation of trust that allows people to grow together and achieve results that truly matter. It’s the consistency of character, the commitment to do the right thing even when it’s hard, that ultimately defines success in any endeavor.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Alex Hennick, and in 2009 I founded A.D. Hennick & Associates,
a name that reflected my vision from day one: to eventually build a company
surrounded by a strong team of trusted associates. My focus has been simple: keep learning every day, building strong relationships, and growing just 1% at a time. My approach has always been rooted in win-win partnerships, keeping my word, and learning from both our successes and setbacks.

Our company primarily specializes in purchasing large quantities of excess inventory, cancelled orders, or distressed assets. On a day-to-day basis, that means working closely with manufacturers, distributors, bankruptcy trustees, and a variety of other sources to uncover unique opportunities. What makes our work so exciting is its variety, no two days are the same. Whether we’re acquiring sporting goods, electronics, toys, or beauty products, running auctions, clearing large warehouses, or organizing store-closing sales, every day a project is a new adventure that keeps us agile, communicative, and highly collaborative.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the culture we’ve built, one made of kindness, trustworthiness, and a true team-oriented mindset. My core team has been working together for over a decade, navigating both personal and professional highs and lows, and we continue to grow stronger together. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how we support one another, adapt, and innovate, maximizing every moment despite the limited hours in a day to accomplish the tasks at hand. This combination of integrity, teamwork, and dynamic problem-solving is what makes our company, our story, and our work, truly unique

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
If I had to pinpoint a moment that truly shaped how I see the world, it would be the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a long, confusing, and often challenging period that forced everyone to step back and reassess what really matters. For my wife and me, it was especially transformative — we welcomed our first child during that time, which brought both joy and uncertainty. Learning how to become parents in the middle of a global crisis taught us resilience, patience, and the importance of focusing on what’s truly essential.

For us at A.D. Hennick, it was also a defining moment professionally. We watched the world shift almost overnight — consumer behavior, global logistics, and supply chains were all turned upside down. Some industries exploded with demand while others stalled completely. Companies that had made bold inventory bets suddenly faced new realities: supply chain disruptions, inflated material costs, and unpredictable markets.

Even today, we continue to see the ripple effects of that period in what companies buy, how they plan, and how entire industries approach risk. That experience reinforced a belief that still guides me today: nothing in business is permanent. The key is to stay adaptable, think long-term, and never take stability for granted.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I don’t know if I’d say I almost gave up, but in the early years, I definitely had moments of serious doubt, especially about how to make the business consistently profitable. In those days, we were only as good as our last deal, and that constant uncertainty was tough. I realized early on that to build something sustainable, I needed to focus on developing stronger relationships and finding steady, reliable streams of income throughout the year.

It took years of planning, trial and error, and a lot of learning from both failures and small wins. Over time, those efforts started to pay off. We built lasting partnerships with manufacturers, bankruptcy trustees, and other key outlets that brought in consistent and repeat business. Looking back, that period taught me the value of patience, persistence, and strategic relationship-building, the foundation that still supports our business today.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
We’re deeply committed to changing the narrative around what it means to be a “liquidator.” For too long, our industry has been viewed as transactional and focused only on moving excess inventory as quickly as possible for pennies on the dollar. We’re proving that it can be so much more.

Our belief, and long-term commitment, is to redefine liquidation as a trusted, relationship-driven partnership. We’ll continue building genuine relationships, keeping our word, and treating people the way they want to be treated. Beyond simply moving products, we’re dedicated to providing our clients with meaningful insights into market trends, pricing shifts, and supply chain dynamics, helping them make smarter decisions for the future.

Changing perception takes time, consistency and proof through action. We’re committed to demonstrating that integrity, transparency and partnership can define success in our industry and that doing business the right way will always stand the test of time.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace in two main ways. The first is when I’m spending quality time with my family and close friends. Whether we’re on an adventure or simply enjoying downtime at home, those moments go by quickly but leave a lasting sense of calm and connection.

The second is when I know I’ve done the right thing, whether in business or in my personal life. When my actions align with my values and I can look back knowing I handled a situation with honesty and integrity, that’s when I truly feel at peace. For example, in our business, we always aim to give clients the best possible advice to maximize the return on their inventory or assets, even if it doesn’t directly benefit us. I’ll walk through every scenario to ensure a company gets the best outcome, because doing the right thing consistently is what brings me a sense of calm and satisfaction.

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