Gabriel Bélanger, the example of an ambitious entrepreneur

To read the official press release

The Société d'aide au développement de la collectivité (SADC) Matawinie is proud to support Mr. Gabriel Bélanger in the growth of his company. Location Marine Saint-Donat. Thanks to the financial support received through SADC Matawinie's Stratégie jeunesse program, entrepreneur Donatien will now be able to offer his customers a wider selection of outdoor clothing in his boutique.

Gabriel Bélanger acquired the boat rental business in April 2021, Location Marine St-Donat. The entrepreneur then turned one of his true passions - boating - into reality. The company specializes in boat and pontoon rentals, but also offers a range of services including storage, boat maintenance and the loan of a variety of hand tools. During the summer season, over 20 boats and pontoons are available for rental, on a site that can also accommodate between 60 and 70 units for winter storage of private boats. Location Marine Saint-Donat has the largest fleet of rental boats in the region.

AN ENTREPRENEUR WITH DEFINED GOALS 

Since its acquisition in 2021, Gabriel Bélanger has undertaken, among other things, the renovation and restructuring of the interior of the company's main building. An ambitious entrepreneur, Gabriel Bélanger thinks big and far ahead, and that's what motivates him to forge ahead, overcoming challenges and obstacles. He wanted to make two visions a reality, the first being to open a nautical and outdoor equipment boutique, and the second, to offer his customers the possibility of purchasing paddleboards directly on site. An order for paddle boards is already on its way!

With the boutique now enlarged, and with financial assistance from the SADC Matawinie, the entrepreneur can now enhance his offering in the apparel sales department, so the following brands will be featured: Hooké, O'Neill, Patagonia, Oakley, and more. "I'm determined to offer a pleasant, high-quality and varied customer experience. With the help of my team, who also share a strong passion for nautical activities, we can say that this is mission accomplished," emphasizes the entrepreneur.

Depending on the season, Gabriel Bélanger is supported in his work by a team of between 7 and 10 employees. He favors a participative work style, regularly consulting his staff when making important decisions. He assumes his leadership role by example, and is involved in all phases of the project, from administration to operations management and purchasing. He also makes sure that his employees from outside the municipality are accommodated in the village, a big plus as an entrepreneur.

ELECTRIFICATION, A GREAT PROJECT TO COME

In the near future, the entrepreneur hopes to convert part of his pontoon fleet to electric propulsion. This conversion is in line with the municipality of Saint-Donat, which holds the title of inhabited nature park. This project will enable visitors to enjoy a noise-free, pollution-free experience, while reducing operating and maintenance costs. For Mr. Bélanger, it's an ambitious project, but one that's oh so important to bring to fruition.

SETTLING IN MATAWINIE

Gabriel Bélanger is a native of the municipality of Calixa-Lavallée, located in the Montérégie region on Montreal's South Shore. His decision to settle in Saint-Donat is no small one. It's a place where he can enjoy a wide range of leisure activities, such as hiking in the forest, boating and mountain biking. So he can enjoy the riches of the beautiful Lanaudière region, while developing his entrepreneurial activity right here in Matawinie. 

To take full advantage of the summer season and the majestic Ouareau and Archambault lakes, you can make your reservation directly here: www.location-marine.com

SADC Matawinie is proud to have supported Mr. Gabriel Bélanger in the growth of his business through coaching and financial support via its Youth Strategy program.

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