How your savings help power local business

Ed Brunet: A family business building for tomorrow

In 2024, Sébastien Brunet realized a dream: to take over the company that was founded by his great-great-great-grandfather, Édouard Brunet. Together with his sister, brother-in-law, and a long-time colleague, he bought the company from his parents. Ed Brunet has been shaping the Outaouais landscape for over a century. Founded in Gatineau in the late 1800s, this family business is a pillar of the region, committed to sustainable construction.

Five generations of committed builders

"I can always start another company, but I can't start another family. That's why it was important for me to find help to prepare for the future," he says.

And Ed Brunet's fifth generation of shareholders found exactly that at the Fonds. "The Fonds helped us address what we didn't dare say to one other, to rethink our organizational structure to make it more official, and to define each of our roles. All of this really facilitated the transfer," recalls Sébastien. Our team worked with them to develop a three-year strategic plan and helped them tackle the sensitive issues that were holding back the family business. In short, we gave Ed Brunet the tools to execute its vision.

The long-term goal is to pass on the business to the sixth generation in as good—if not better—health than it is today.

A sustainable future

The company wants to expand to new markets, such as Ontario, all while becoming a leader in sustainable construction. For Sébastien Brunet, sustainability is about more than standing the test of time for future generations. It's also about developing the company and its projects in a way that positively impacts society and the environment.

Constructions des Îles: building with and for the community

On the Magdalen Islands, everyone knows someone who works or has worked at Constructions des Îles. That's no coincidence. For the past 40 years, the 65-employee company has built more than just buildings; it's also built a community.

A deep dive into entrepreneurship

In 2022 when Jean-Samuel Bourgeois, Marie-Pier Longuépée, and Sarah Clark took over the company, it was with a mixture of pride, uncertainty, and determination. They all grew up with Constructions des Îles: Jean-Samuel, alongside his father, who founded the company, Marie-Pier, who was hired as an accountant by his mother, and Sarah, a building engineer recruited by the former owner, who was preparing his succession. Together, they form a tight-knit trio at the head of the archipelago's largest construction company.

But taking over a business like this is a real challenge. "Financially speaking, buying a company like this is quite something. We didn't really know how we were going to get there; it was stressful," remembers Jean-Samuel.

Without our support, their dream could well have remained nothing more than an idea. But the Fonds has offered them so much more than financing. We're here to listen, to provide personalized advice, to be true partners in their venture. "Our Fonds advisor is always ready to help. He's easy to reach and understands our situation," says Marie-Pier Longuépée.

A company run by Madelinots, for Madelinots

Unlike the big off-island companies that bring in their own staff, resources, and methods, Constructions des Îles keeps everything close to home. "We do 95% of our purchasing on the Islands, we hire local talent, and we know that other local companies will buy from us if they can. We need to help each other to keep our region strong," says Sarah Clark.

Today, the company continues to expand while remaining firmly rooted at home. They have several major projects to their name, including a retirement home, the new Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles facilities, social housing, the courthouse renovations... not to mention all the thresholds sold on the Islands. On the Islands, doors open outwards to keep out water. It's this in-depth knowledge of the area that makes Constructions des Îles such an important player in the region.

Novatech: Keeping local companies local

It would have been easy for Novatech to sell to the Americans, but that's not what the company wanted. They wanted to stay here to continue helping local customers.

Novatech has been manufacturing windows and doors since 1982. As the founder approached retirement, he chose to secure operations continuity in Québec with a well-planned business transfer rooted in the local community.

More than 1,100 Quebec families work for the Sainte-Julie-based company. We helped the business remain close to its people while supporting its growth objectives.