Partnerships are at the core of Helvar’s success, and few exemplify this better than our collaboration with JFS. The partnership is now in its 24th year, with João Fontes’ representation for Helvar dating back 37 years. As one of Helvar’s longest-standing partners, JFS has played a pivotal role in bringing intelligent lighting control solutions to Portugal and beyond.
JFS has not only led the way in lighting control solutions in Portugal but has also expanded into Portuguese-speaking markets such as Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique. Their expertise has been sought after for commissioning projects in France, Germany, Nigeria, and even on cruise ships throughout Europe. With over 3,000 projects completed, the impact of this collaboration is undeniable.
Origins of Collaboration
How the journey started?
The partnership between JFS and Helvar officially began in 2002, the year JFS was founded. However, its roots trace back much further. Prior to establishing JFS, its founder, João Fontes, was a key member of the company representing Helvar in Portugal since 1988. During that time, he was responsible for Helvar’s representation in Lighting Control and Components.
With the dissolution of the previous representative company and out of mutual interest, Alan Jackson (Helvar’s Intelligent Lighting Evangelist and Business Development Specialist) appointed João Fontes as Helvar’s new representative in Portugal. At that point, it only made sense to establish a new company for this purpose—thus, João Fontes ‘Systems’ (JFS) was born.
How has the partnership influenced JFS’s business growth and market presence?
The partnership is at the core of JFS’s activity and has helped the company establish itself as a leading reference in the market for Lighting Control and DALI. Whether in a small town or a major city, JFS has implemented Helvar systems in countless projects, ranging from large building complexes to small shops and restaurants. Wherever you go in Portugal, chances are you will walk into a space, often more than one and the same area, featuring a Helvar solution installed by JFS – João Fontes, Director at JFS.
What makes the JFS-Helvar partnership unique compared to other collaborations?
Beyond its longevity, the partnership spans a period of significant technological evolution. From the days of RDF dimmers and LCS rack systems in the 1980s to the founding of Imagine, Vision, and Ambience systems, and now into the era of DALI-2, wireless solutions, and data-driven technologies, JFS has been a key player in every stage of this transformation – João Fontes, Director at JFS.
Beyond Business: A Relationship Built on People
What makes the JFS-Helvar partnership unique isn’t just the impressive portfolio of projects, it’s the people behind it. The relationship between the teams is built on mutual respect, shared experiences, and even a bit of humour.
Whether it’s João Fontes’ legendary hospitality (and daring driving skills through downtown Porto, as witnessed by Helvar’s marketing team during the filming of the Helvar Presents video with Portuguese Lighting Designer Raúl Serafim) or lively discussions between Fabio Marcomin (Regional Partner Manager, Helvar) and Bruno (Head of Project, JFS) over the legitimacy of pineapple on pizza, or the usual review of Inter Milan’s football performance, this partnership thrives on personal connections.
From hiking in Sintra with Alan Jackson and João Fontes’ dogs to Craig Downard’s (Helvar’s Presales & Customisation Manager) love for Portuguese cuisine, the personal ties between Helvar and JFS run deep.
Partnering with JFS has been an absolute delight. From the outset, their commitment to quality and innovation has been evident in every aspect of our collaboration. But beyond their expertise, it’s the people at JFS that truly make the difference. The team is not only highly skilled and professional, but they are also a pleasure to work with. Their collaborative spirit and dedication have made every project a smooth and enjoyable experience. We’re excited to continue working with such a fantastic team and building on the strong foundation we’ve already established — Fabio Marcomin, Regional Partner Manager, Helvar.
Case Studies: Helvar and JFS Projects
Helvar’s solutions and JFS’s expertise have transformed spaces across various sectors in Portugal into more sustainable, human-centric, and smart buildings. Read the case studies below to learn more about our smart lighting control solutions in real-world applications.
A Bright Future Together
What the future holds?
As a small-scale company with a total of seven members, JFS has made a significant impact, achieving numerous projects relative to the size of its regional and operational market. Starting as a single-person venture, JFS has expanded according to demand. Our future objectives are to maintain the excellence and reputation for which both JFS and Helvar are known in the region. JFS offers continuous, full support in project, integration, and maintenance services, always guided by these principles. With the quality of Helvar’s solutions, JFS stands as one of the most reliable brands in Portugal. We are proud to share and uphold Helvar’s values: « With You All the Way » and « Turning Everyday Places Into Brighter Spaces. »
We are also focused on maintaining, improving, and creating more partnerships with key Portuguese and international market players, as well as key specifiers who generate a steady workflow of business.
From the very beginning, the ‘human factor’ has been a key reason for JFS’s success—being close to people to understand their needs, offering support, and providing better insights into technologies and solutions. To this day, this remains one of our most important and successful activities, hand-in-hand with offering full support throughout all stages. We continuously strive to stay ‘out there,’ reaching new people while also revisiting those who already know us.
In response to the needs of our clients, we have organised face-to-face events that have proven to be key initiatives by incorporating the ‘human factor.’ These events are not only about interaction and creating a good networking environment, but also about maintaining and building new relationships, as well as fostering trust and proximity—essential elements in our business. Our future partnership initiatives will maintain this focus.
In this ever-evolving world, where everything is happening at a faster pace, we are expanding our reach by building brand visibility and awareness through digital platforms — João Duarte, Marketing, Media & Communication, Assistant Manager, Assistant for Project, Sales, Technical & Commissioning at JFS.
More Than a Partnership
The JFS-Helvar partnership is a shining example of how collaboration, trust, and shared expertise can drive success. For those looking to become part of the Helvar family, this partnership stands as proof of the value of long-term collaboration and the impact that dedicated partners can have in transforming everyday spaces into brighter, more sustainable environments.
Learn more about becoming a Helvar Partner and how we can help your business thrive here.