Connecting the Right Products to the Right Markets —
Across Canada and the United States
Broker · Representation · Solutions · 60+ Years of Industry Excellence
Partner With Us Learn MoreExcellen Solutions is a North American brokerage and solutions company specializing in food and consumer products. We work both sides of the market — representing brands and manufacturers who want to get their products into the right locations, and advising buyers and operators who need to find the right products for their shelves and programs.
Think of us as the bridge between great products and the high-volume accounts that need them. Hotels, airports, and national restaurant chains are examples of the scale we operate at — but we work across any sector where the right product fit can drive meaningful results.
Founded by Rick Woods and Chris Dobson, Excellen brings 60+ combined years of supplier relationships, buyer-side knowledge, and category expertise to every engagement. We know both sides of the table — and that makes all the difference.
We've spent 60 years on both sides of the table. We know what brands need to break into new markets — and we know what buyers need to find the right products. That's a rare combination, and it's exactly what we bring to every deal. — Rick Woods & Chris Dobson, Managing Partners
Whether you have a product that needs a market, or a shelf that needs the right product — Excellen Solutions has the relationships and expertise to make it happen. We serve both sellers and buyers with equal dedication, and that balance is what makes us genuinely useful to both.
You have a great product and need to get it in front of the right buyers. We represent you — opening doors to high-volume accounts, national chains, and large-scale operators across Canada and the US. We know who buys, what they need, and how to get a yes.
You need the right products on your shelves or menus — and the confidence that they'll perform. We work with large-scale buyers across hospitality, foodservice, travel retail, and beyond to source, vet, and match the best products to their specific programs and customer base.
Hotels, airports, national restaurant groups — these are examples of the scale we work at, not limits on who we serve. If you operate at volume and need a solutions partner who understands both product and market, we want to talk. Primarily food, but open to any product category that can scale.
We act as your boots on the ground — representing your brand to the right buyers, in the right channels, at the right time. We open doors that are hard to open alone and advocate for your product every step of the way.
Need the right product for your shelf, menu, or program? We work with retailers and operators to identify, evaluate, and secure the best-fit products — saving time, reducing risk, and improving performance.
Whether you're a brand expanding from Canada into the US or vice versa, we know both markets inside-out. We navigate the regulatory, logistical, and commercial landscape so you don't have to.
Leveraging 60+ years of category knowledge, we advise on product positioning, pricing, assortment strategy, and market fit — helping brands get shelf-ready and buyers make confident decisions.
We build and manage the relationships between brands and the high-volume accounts that matter most — foodservice, hospitality, travel retail, grocery, and beyond. We grow channels, not just transactions.
Primarily focused on food and grocery, we are open to any consumer product category that can scale. If your product is right for high-volume North American buyers, we want to hear about it.
When you engage Excellen, you work directly with Rick and Chris — not a junior account manager or a revolving door of reps. Every call, every introduction, every deal is handled personally by the people whose names are on the door.
We don't chase one-time deals. We invest in understanding your business, your goals, and your market — and then we go find the right fit. That approach takes longer to get started and produces far better results over time.
We're selective about who we represent and who we work with — because our reputation is built on results, not volume. If we take you on, it's because we genuinely believe we can deliver. And we will.
You'll always get a straight answer from us. If an opportunity isn't the right fit, we'll tell you. If a product isn't ready for a channel, we'll tell you that too. Our value is our judgment — and we don't trade it for easy business.
With over three decades at the forefront of North American food brokerage and sales, Rick has built an unrivalled network spanning suppliers, manufacturers, and high-volume buyers across Canada and the US. His ability to understand what a brand needs to succeed — and what a buyer needs to say yes — is what makes him one of the most effective connectors in the business.
Chris brings decades of experience developing market strategies, managing key accounts, and building the kind of long-term partnerships that drive sustained growth. With deep expertise across food, grocery, and consumer products, he has a proven track record of getting products into the right hands — and helping buyers build better, more profitable programs. His strategic approach and genuine commitment to every client make him a rare find in this industry.
Whether you're a brand looking to break into new markets, a buyer looking for the right products, or a company that needs a seasoned solutions partner on both sides — we'd love to hear from you.
Reach out directly to Rick or Chris, or complete the form and we'll respond within one business day.