Book launch: Guilbault’s story “Transport Guilbault se raconte”

What better way to celebrate Guilbault’s 90th anniversary than a book about its history, from its modest local beginnings to international recognition? Officially launched on November 23, 2019, this book is the idea of Jean Guilbault, president of the company from 1971 to 2013. It must be said that Jean was well placed to write the memoirs of the family business. Indeed, he grew up in the company of Grondines that belonged to the Guilbault brothers and sisters, and from the early age of four, began accompanying his father, André, in his truck.

“For several years, I had been thinking of writing memoirs to leave a legacy for the family and those who helped build the company,” explains Jean Guilbault. To compile ninety years of information, he called on his cousins to dig into their photo albums to find pictures relevant to the company and at the same time, to share their memories of events. Since the accuracy of the historical facts was his main concern, Jean was assisted by the experienced writer and historian Catherine Ferland. Catherine also collaborated in writing the more personal book of his brother-in-law and Guilbault associate, Michel Gignac, as well as the book about another Quebec family, the Leclerc Group and their famous cookies. Several long-time employees also contributed to the book’s content, not hesitating to confide in the historian. With this book, Jean Guilbault wanted to tell and show the support and contribution of all those who built and grew the company of "general haulage" founded in 1929 by his grandfather, Emile, and his uncle, Paul. "I have always had a lot of respect for our predecessors. They worked hard under conditions that are difficult to imagine today.” To testify about the company events, Jean Guilbault could also count on the many records he kept since his arrival at Guilbault in 1968. The recent years have also been well documented, thanks to technology that has made it easier to collect photos and souvenirs, as well as the participation of Guilbault’s current president, Eric Gignac, who collaborated in the writing of the texts concerning the opening of the Toronto terminal in 1988, and the company’s business from 2013 to nowadays.

The writing of the book took eighteen months and was considerably intensified during the fall of 2018. Jean Guilbault wanted to be as transparent as possible. He did not hesitate to describe all the stages of the company’s evolution, sharing information on its successes and less successful shots. "I would like readers to remember that difficulties and setbacks are part of the life cycle of a company and that the most important thing is to never give up, because through hard work and perseverance, you can reach a very satisfactory conclusion.”

Although the book is based on the story of a family, it also draws a beautiful portrait of the evolution of Quebec society, from the years marked by the stock market crash to the incredible technological growth that we know today. "I have always maintained that the story of Guilbault is a true copy of Quebec's economic development, which has evolved in parallel with the development of the road network. Guilbault has grown at the same pace as the Quebec trucking industry. Like Quebec, Guilbault did indeed take a few years to get out of its sheltered "village" to finally shine in regions, throughout the province, in the country, and now internationally. Eric Gignac adds that, like Quebec, Guilbault was created by passionate go-getters who were not afraid to work. "Quebecers have always been recognized for their entrepreneurial spirit. The Guilbault family is a good example.”

To ensure the longevity of a company, moreover family, a good preparation of the succession is required each time the torch is passed. Hence, Jean Guilbault is very proud to have taken over the presidency after his father in 1971, and also to have been able to prepare the succession to leave a new generation of Guilbault at the helm in 2013, namely his nephew, Eric, and his daughter, Nadine.
Like his uncle Jean before him, Guilbault’s president for the last seven years, Eric Gignac, also "fell in" the family business when he was a toddler, walking around Transport Guilbault’s docks and installations when he was visiting his grandparents in Grondines, and spending many summers working as a student for the company.

There is a saying that goes "To know where you are going, it is important to know where you come from." For Eric Gignac, this is what this book addresses. In addition to being a highly illustrated, captivating and interesting book for readers, it also gives hints on the company’s upcoming challenges. According to the president, taking the lead in terms of technology in the transportation industry, as well as the diversification of services, will undoubtedly be very important challenges for the growth of the company. "The acquisition of Solutions Idéal in 2017 was a good starting point. Transportation will remain our primary niche, but diversification around transportation will enhance our presence. The company must constantly reinvent itself so that it can grow profitably while respecting its employees.” Eric Gignac believes that Guilbault is first and foremost men and women who, day after day, work to transport and store the fruits of Quebec’s economy. They are the ones who make the company a leader in the Quebec trucking industry.

For his part, Jean Guilbault hopes that the current management will stay the course and ensure the sustainability of the company by preparing for the next Guilbault generation. "I also hope that the family DNA can be perpetuated over time in the shareholding of the company,” says Eric Gignac. "Jean and Michel had the chance to continue what my grandfather and his family created; my cousin Nadine and I also have this opportunity. We can count on high quality associates to help us continue the adventure. Guilbault is now recognized as a well-established company with remarkable employees, a modern and safe fleet, and an excellent network of terminals. This makes me proud!” concludes the president.

Pascale Lizotte
Communications Manager