Marc Lacoursiere is the President of The Achievement Centre International as well as a Principal in the London area. He has 30 years of experience delivering exceptional results in a multitude of sales and leadership roles. Marc has held senior leadership positions in both small privately held businesses and large multi-national organizations. He has an executive MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business where he graduated with distinction (Ivey Scholar).
Marc’s passion is helping business owners and senior leaders achieve maximum results through highly engaged employees. He specializes in sales execution, leadership development, and organizational strategy.
BeTheBoss: Tell us about The Achievement Centre concept.
The Achievement Centre (TAC) provides professional development programs, coaching, and strategic planning to large and small companies throughout the world. TAC developed a reputation for delivering results by focusing on the people side of business. We work primarily through referrals and with long term clients. Today, we continue to provide a professional development and transformational experience where clients need us most – bringing out the potential in their people.
BeTheBoss: How and when did you become involved with The Achievement Centre?
I joined TAC in 2008 as a Principal in London, ON. I was the first Principal under the new franchise system at TAC. In early 2010, I partnered with Wayne Vanwyck (founder of TAC), to become the President.
BeTheBoss: What was your background prior to joining The Achievement Centre?
I have an extensive sales and marketing background. I have held senior roles in both large and small organizations over 30 years. My interest in developing people is what attracted me to the coaching and people development industry.BeTheBoss: What are some of the advantages in being a TAC franchisee?
At The Achievement Centre we offer a strong, proven business model, business building tools, ongoing training, intellectual property and trademarks, a reasonable investment, ongoing marketing, coaching and product support, and a network of experienced coaches who can bring you client opportunities or with whom you can partner to serve bigger clients.
You do not have to spend countless hours designing brochures, writing monthly newsletters, creating your own website, coming up with a logo or grinding through business plans. We have all that covered.
The Achievement Centre offers this business plan for one focused purpose: To minimize your time in your office and maximize your face-to-face time with your clients.
The sooner you get to market, the sooner you will be working with organizations, creating real, results-driven change. If you choose, you can operate your business from your existing home office. And, because it is your own business, you have control over how successful you wish to make it and how busy you wish to be. 75% of our Principals and Associates tell us that they have partnered with others in the network to help deliver solutions and enhance their earning potential. That is powerful because it means you’re not out there on your own.
BeTheBoss: Who is your ideal franchisee?
Our ideal franchisee has a strong leadership background, business development experience is helpful but not necessary. You don’t need to be a sales person or have a huge network, but you do need to have the ability to make new connections and build relationships. We help our new people in these areas with our Quick Start program.
BeTheBoss: Tell us a little about the market?
It’s growing, and it will be needed more than ever as 90% of people in leadership positions, and 70% of business owners plan to finish their careers in the next few years. We think of the impact of aging baby boomers from the consumer side (healthcare, etc.) but there will be a significant opportunity in the business world as well.
BeTheBoss: What are some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned in growing this franchise?
Fit is so important. If a person has a burning desire to build their own brand and programs, then this is not the model for them; if they want to augment their skills and experience by leveraging strong systems, programs, and networks, then they are much more likely to be attracted to our model.
BeTheBoss: Do you have a mentor and is their someone you use for inspiration?
That’s a great question: I think it’s shameful the highly flawed bullies that we hold up as examples of business leadership successes in western business today. I think history will prove that while they got short term results, some of them did long term damage.
There are a number of leaders that I have admired. On a personal level, there were many who helped me along so I won’t name any for fear of missing someone. However, I would also say that a general lack of quality coaching and leadership in business was part of my motivation to search out better ways. That’s when I found TAC.
BeTheBoss: What advice do you have for someone looking to acquire a Franchise?
I think the Canadian franchise process really helps protect investors from the get rich quick models that pop up. Do the due diligence, look at the track records, speak to the existing franchisees. For our industry specifically, don’t confuse coaching courses and certification with a business model; I speak to under-employed coaches every week who have credentials but no customers. It’s tough out there on your own.
BeTheBoss: In your opinion, why do you think that The Achievement Centre would be a great opportunity for someone?
For the right someone, TAC is an excellent business model, our internal research suggests that our coaches enjoy greater success and satisfaction as compared to being an independent coach. They tell us they joined us for the programs, support, and network, and after being in the system, they are still glad they joined.
Finally, our people feel they have a voice in the direction of the organization. We implement so many great enhancements by listening to our clients and to their clients. When you are in the people excellence business, you don’t get to sit still. That helps make our business a really great place to invest, learn, and be successful.
