Our History
Back in 1958, John Christopoulos arrived in Canada with little more than a strong work ethic and skilled hands.
He found employment with a Toronto window company and quickly learned all aspects of the business. A creative, hard working man, John dreamed of being his own boss.
In 1961, GEM Windows & Doors was born.
John’s sons, Spiros and Jim, grew up in the business, watching their father work alongside his employees from dawn to dusk. Back then, jobs were done on a handshake. John’s honesty, integrity and the long-lasting relationships he built with customers and suppliers alike established GEM’s reputation and led to the company’s impressive growth.
In the late 1990s, window technology was becoming more complex and the range of products was growing rapidly. Customers didn’t want to buy windows from a brochure or website—they wanted to see, feel and operate windows in a showroom setting.
In 1997, GEM moved from its small ‘starter home’ at Dundas and Dufferin to its current 5,500 square foot state-of-the-art showroom on the Queensway in Etobicoke. Here, you can experience a wide range of models and manufacturers before committing to the one that’s right for you.
John’s son Spiros was born the same year as GEM, so it’s fitting that the year both the business and the boy turned 50, Spiros became the majority shareholder of the family-owned company.
Spiros has sat on the board of directors of SAWDAC, the Siding and Window Dealers Association of Canada, and was involved in the development of the national quality assurance program, Window Wise. He continues his father’s legacy by strengthening existing relationships while staying ahead of the curve, traveling through Europe and the U.S. to find innovative solutions for his Southern Ontario customers.
At GEM Windows & Doors, we blend the best of old and new, combining traditional values with new technology and long-standing experience with innovative approaches to manufacturing and installation.
At GEM, it’s not unusual to see an installer who has worked for the company for 20 years working along side a more recent employee. It’s part of our philosophy. We blend the best of old and new: traditional values and long-standing experience with innovative ideas, products and practices.
Andreas (on left), pictured with company owner Spiros, recently celebrated 43 years at GEM.
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Gem Windows & Doors
1590 The Queensway
Toronto, Ontario, M8Z 1V1 -
Phone: 1(888)806-2895
Fax: 416-503-9251