One is on the helm of Germain Hôtels, the opposite at Groupe Océan, and whereas the areas through which these entrepreneurs excel don’t have anything in frequent, they every take part within the dynamism of Quebec’s economic system in their very own distinctive method. The extraordinary achievements of those two entrepreneurial personalities had been honored by theNationwide Order of Quebec.
On the time of our interview, Christiane Germain, co-founder of lodge firm Germain Hôtels, was opening a nineteenth property, this time in Calgary. For them, this isn’t a excessive level, however an additional step within the development of their firm. “Constructing a strong firm is what drives me,” she says. The supply of my motivation has been constructing one thing for 35 years and profitability is a vital aspect. »
Gordon Bain shares this imaginative and prescient together with her, he who began the enterprise humble within the 1970’s earlier than making a sequence of strategic acquisitions at Groupe Océan, a pan-Canadian built-in maritime companies firm. “What motivated me to work onerous was the achievement of recent targets and the ambition of my group, which pushed me to surpass myself,” he explains.
JOB CREATOR
This profitable lady and businessman now admits she takes delight in creating jobs as she now has years of hindsight to see her accomplishments.
Ms. Germain believes this want to showcase native expertise stems from her dad and mom, who’re restaurant homeowners. “I’m very proud to create jobs in a stimulating work surroundings. In whole, nearly 1,500 individuals work for Germain Hôtels and nearly 1,100 for Groupe Océan. “I’m completely satisfied to supply well-paying jobs,” says Mr. Bain. There are numerous challenges conducive to skilled growth. »
THE HIGHEST HONOR OF THE PROVINCE
The Nationwide Order of Quebec rewards Quebec excellence in all areas, and the enterprise group is not any exception. Folks like Christiane Germain and Gordon Bain dared to construct empires that contributed to the prosperity of Quebec.
Right now, Groupe Océan promotes Quebec entrepreneurship and know-how overseas. In actual fact, the Quebec Metropolis firm exports its companies and experience from coast to coast, but additionally to worldwide markets.
Along with the quite a few awards that spotlight this firm’s tradition of excellence, final June Mr. Bain was awarded the celebrated Officer’s Badges of the Nationwide Order of Quebec by Prime Minister François Legault.
“I heard that my utility had been submitted, however after I came upon that it had been chosen, I used to be fully stunned. I obtained this badge personally, however I do know I couldn’t have carried out it with out my group. »
Like Gordon Bain, Christiane Germain based her household enterprise in Quebec together with her brother Jean-Yves Germain. This firm would thus change into the primary Quebec lodge chain in Canada. Many awards have acknowledged her achievements, together with being made a Knight of the Nationwide Order of Quebec in 2009.
“I used to be shocked after I obtained the decision telling me the information as I didn’t know my case was being supplied. I keep in mind feeling very, very honored! My impostor syndrome was greater than it’s now, so I doubted I deserved that title! »
Ms. Germain, who shared this recognition together with her household and colleagues, hopes her journey will encourage different ladies to embrace entrepreneurship.
AN ALWAYS ACTIVE FUTURE
As retirement age approaches, Christiane Germain and Gordon Bain seize the chance to remodel their roles as leaders. For the knight of the order, it’s about providing her experience, but additionally the required scope for the successor. “I want to proceed to take part within the development of our firm, however I’ve to make it possible for I give my successors area. »
The civil servant acts because the CEO of Groupe Océan and is concerned in vital choices. He delegated a big a part of his each day duties to his pal and associate Jacques Tanguay. “Each entrepreneur, particularly initially, doesn’t depend his hours,” he says. I began my household late and it’s time for me to be there for my children and stepkids. »
