The Thomas Pigeon Story
Early Beginnings: Thomas Pigeon's journey is a testament to resilience and determination. Despite academic struggles, he recognized his unique talents in business and design. Founding Pigeon Brands at 25, he set out to revolutionize brand design in Montreal.
Career Milestones:
- Started in the publishing industry, working at the Montreal Star and as a photo editor
- Transitioned to advertising and eventually bought Criterion Art in 1977
- Transformed Criterion Art into Pigeon Brands, Canada's premier package design and branding consultancy
- Led Pigeon Brands for 46 years, expanding from Montreal to Toronto and Mexico City
Philosophy and Impact: Thomas's approach to branding is rooted in emotional storytelling and innovation. He coined the concept of "brand traveling," creating integrated campaigns for leading North American marketers. His work has touched iconic brands like Tim Hortons, Pfizer's Viagra, and Kraft's peanut butter.
Personal Growth: A pivotal moment in Thomas's life came in 1991 when he survived a plane crash. This experience reinforced his commitment to building a strong management team and focusing on empowering others.
Current Endeavors: After selling Pigeon Brands in December 2023, Thomas now serves as a marketing, brand, and business consultant. He's passionate about mentoring the next generation of brand builders and has plans to launch his own magazine.
Global Adventures: A true world traveler, Thomas finds inspiration in diverse cultures and landscapes. He splits his time between Canada and Italy, embracing the spirit of "La Dolce Vita" in every aspect of his life.
"Coming from nothing and building something has always made me proud. No matter how bad things get, hard work, perseverance, belief, and good people around you will get you through." - Thomas Pigeon