Robert Mowles — Founder, President & CEO, Aartech Canada
Robert Mowles is the founder, President and CEO of Aartech Canada, a 100% Canadian-owned and operated distributor specializing in smart home, security, automation, networking, electrical and related technologies.
Robert has spent approximately 35 years in the technology distribution industry. After gaining experience in retail and education sales, he moved into IT distribution as an inside sales representative. He was promoted to senior account manager, leading a team of salespeople and building the industry experience that would eventually help him launch a business of his own.
A lifelong interest in computers and electronics led Robert to become fascinated with the emerging world of home automation. He started Aartech Canada part-time from the basement of his home, initially selling X10 home automation products through a website he built himself. Order by order, the inventory grew, new products and brands were added, and what began as a small online business gradually developed into a full-scale Canadian distribution company.
Robert recognized early on that the professional and wholesale markets would be a primary focus for Aartech. That focus helped shape the company into a wholesale distributor, serving security dealers, integrators, electricians, contractors and other professionals across Canada.
The company was created at a time when home automation was mostly a curiosity and not everyone shared his vision for where the technology was headed. He built the original website, sourced the products, developed supplier relationships, sought out pro clients, and grew the business incrementally while remaining focused on a simple principle: offer innovative products backed by knowledgeable, accessible Canadian service and support. To this day, Aartech Canada often leads the way, introducing new products to the Canadian market well before larger competitors.
Robert remains an active technology enthusiast with a wide range of smart home, security and networking technologies in his own home. He enjoys experimenting with new products and exploring how things work, from connecting simple devices to programming, deploying and managing servers. That practical curiosity continues to influence the products, technologies and opportunities Aartech pursues.
“I started Aartech in my basement with a website, a phone and barely enough inventory to fill the next order. But I knew I was on to something. More than two decades later, I’m proud that Aartech remains Canadian owned and operated and that our customers can still reach real people who understand the products we sell.”
— Robert Mowles
In 2024, Robert was inducted into the SP&T News Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to Canada's security industry. Founded in 2002, Aartech celebrates its 25 year anniversary in 2027. Aartech is a 100% Canadian business involving both family and a broader team of professionals who helped build and support the company.
More than two decades after starting Aartech in his basement, Robert continues to lead the company with the same curiosity about technology, entrepreneurial drive and a strong desire to support Canadian customers and professionals with innovative products backed by people who understand and support what they sell.
