The food industry went through great changes during the 90’s and Culinar changed hands. Laurent then joined the cooperative movement and integrated into the ranks of Co-op Atlantic. In 1999, he became the new manager at Cartier Co-op in Richibucto.

Within two years, Laurent had surrounded himself with a solid managerial team that would allow him to put his vision in place for the Cartier Co-op. The results were not long coming… Sales at the Co-op went from 8.9 million dollars in 1999 to 10.6 million dollars in 2006. “When I started, I already had a good foundation. The Co-op was running smoothly when I arrived; I cannot take all the credit for the success”, says Laurent. He nonetheless put all his sales experience to work. “We lacked inspiration. We absolutely had to change the store’s merchandising”, he explained.

Laurent admits that despite the success of Cartier Co-op, there are always challenges to deal with like the competition of multinationals and the attraction of large retailers in urban centers. These are still major obstacles for the food industry. Despite the fierce competition, the Co-op is an important employer, with some 50 employees, half work full-time and the other half, part-time.

Cartier Co-op also manages the Co-op in Richibouctou-Village. Laurent admits that changes are needed at the Village Co-op to cut expenses without compromising the quality customer services. People continue to support this Co-op and it is essential to make changes that will maintain its long-term development.

According to Laurent, in order to succeed, a business manager must maintain his integrity. Credibility and hard work are also essential to ensure the success of any manager. “You can’t give up. Once you start, you have to deliver the merchandise”, he adds.

For Laurent, the key to success is his passion for food. “I ask my employees to go look around the store and I tell them that whatever they wouldn’t buy for themselves, they can’t try to sell it to any one else. I like good quality foods”, says Laurent. As manager, he also enjoys serving his customers by helping them find what they need.

Last year, the Cartier Co-op was given the Hammer Award from the Federated Co-op for the largest increase in sales in the hardware department.

Laurent is very proud of the journey that has brought him to the management position at the Cartier Cooperative in Richibucto. “I had to learn to fight, because I was told I did not have all the qualities required to be a manager. I had to step up to the plate”, admits Laurent. His proactive style of management allows him to stay ahead of new trends and to do long-term planning to ensure the success of the Co-op. “Because of the competition, people are more and more demanding about their products”, he explains. Laurent estimates that the Co-op’ssuccess is strongly linked to his staff. “It is like a chain, and if one link breaks, it disrupts the whole plan”.

The Cartier Co-op is also actively involved within the Kent Region community. Among other things, it is a major sponsor of the Richibucto Interpretation Centre. The Co-op also makes donations to various community organizations, because as Laurent explains, the Co-op belongs to the people of the region. People believe in their Co-op, and this is shown by the fact that 88 percent of the sales can be attributed to its members.

Food is not Laurent’s only passion. For the past three years, he has been sailing the region’s waters with his wife, Jocelyne Guimond. “I needed something intense. Walking wasn’t enough for me. I needed some kind of an extreme sport, that’s why I opted for sailing.”

Enterprise Kent wishes to recognize the work of Laurent Brideau at the helm of the Cartier Co-op in Richibucto.

Congratulations to the Manager of the Year, Laurent Brideau!