Hard work spotlights the character of people and CertaPro Painters franchisee Antoine LeBouc, 36, is a prime example. Antoine got his start in the painting business as a young franchisee for Canadian-based College Pro Painters while attending the University of Quebec at Montreal.
Quickly realizing he had a natural talent for business ownership and a desire to continue in the painting industry, Antoine set his sights on a bright future. In 1997, after graduating from college, Antoine and his wife Genevieve opened a CertaPro Painters franchise in Montreal and the pair hasn’t looked back since.
“From day one, I felt CertaPro offered the best support for its franchisees and was backed by a great business model, “says Lebouc. “I could not have made a better decision.”
CertaPro Painters is the largest painting company in North America and provides a customer-driven painting experience that is unparalleled in the industry. CertaPro Painters franchisees establish large-scale, regional painting companies backed by CertaPro’s proven business system that has made them North America’s most referred painting company.
In an industry estimated at over $80 billion dollars, Antoine has been successful at not just running his CertaPro Painters franchise but growing it as well.
“After 13 years with CertaPro, I have purchased two additional territories and now service almost the entire Montreal metro area,” says LeBouc.
He has done so well in fact that each year he averages about a 20 percent increase in sales – even in the midst of a recession. Market potential is through the roof as aging homes need to be painted every three to six years and homeowners have put more emphasis on using paint in home décor. The paint contracting market also offers strong growth potential because it is one of the few in the home improvement services industry that remains highly fragmented and without large-scale competitors.
Antoine keeps a good mix of commercial and residential clients and with his wife Genevieve by his side running the administration duties for the business, Antoine focuses on the customer experience to fuel the success and growth of his business.
“Genevieve and I make a great team and make it a point to deliver unbeatable service and go above and beyond for our clients,” says Antoine. “Homeowners invite us into their homes trusting us to do a great job and that’s our intention on every project.”
CertaPro Painters has noticed Antoine’s achievements, drive and ambition to grow his franchise and recognized him with the highest award given by the company, the Certa Cup, this past January at their annual convention. Also for his efforts, Antoine won Franchisee of the Year and Quantum Leap Award for the Northern territories. Antoine credits his accomplishments as a franchisee to his strong, reliable team and the support he receives from CertaPro Painters Corporate.
“I would never be where I am today if I hadn’t invested in CertaPro Painters,” added LeBouc. “Franchise ownership was truly the way to go for me and I will continue to provide top-notch service to clients throughout Montreal.”
