Emerging Business of the Year

Jean-Yves LeBlanc
JONIC VENTILATION

Jean-Yves LeBlanc, the owner of Jonic Ventilation, is originally from Bouctouche and a graduate of École Clément-Cormier.  Jean-Yves worked for five years at Excel Mechanical in Dieppe and for seven years at Atlantic Sheet Metal in Saint-Antoine before taking the leap into business. He then felt very capable of starting his own business, an idea he had been very passionate about for many years.

Having studied ventilation at NBCC-Moncton and also worked in that field in Saint-Antoine, he seized the opportunity.  “It is very important to have ventilation as it is essential everywhere.  I started my business at a good time and don’t regret having studied in the area of ventilation although I originally wanted to pursue my studies in plumbing”, he stated.

“Jonic Ventilation” began in 2003 in his home in Cocagne.  He chose this name in honor of his two sons, Jonathan and Nicholas.  “I often dreamed of being self-employed.  It was just a matter of time because I knew I had acquired sound knowledge”, mentions Jean-Yves who had previously asked for advice from many contractors, including his father- in- law, Bernard Mazerolle.

Now that the company’s reputation is firmly established, Jonic Ventilation specializes in both heating and ventilation.  Jean-Yves and his team of employees not only install residential and commercial systems across New Brunswick, but also service and repair them.  The company has had the opportunity to work on projects outside the province, but the owner chose to stay grounded in New Brunswick.

Jean-Yves LeBlanc’s number one priority is to satisfy his customers at all times with prompt quality service.  His high standards have earned him the right to distribute York parts (Group Master), a renowned company in this sector. This fairly young company has expanded slowly but surely since its opening in 2003.  Mr. LeBlanc’s first employee was hired within a few months after his official opening.  The following year, the number of employees had tripled.  The owner then built a 2,400 square foot building to accommodate the company’s needs.  The building has now expanded to 3,000 square feet. Since 2005, Jonic Ventilation has added 2 new employees per year, for a total of 12. “When I began my business, I never imagined having 12 employees working here”, Jean-Yves commented.

Whether Jonic Ventilation continues to prosper at a consistent rate is uncertain from the founder’s point of view.  “We will deal with it one day at a time. There is always plenty of work in this area, but the number of workers in this field is scarce.” Jean-Yves LeBlanc gives credit and is very thankful for his loyal and outstanding employees.  He strives to satisfy not only his customers, but also his staff.

“As for running a business, in order to succeed, you need qualities such as honesty, loyalty, good customer service and organizational skills” confirms Jean-Yves.  However, he firmly believes that the foundation of a good company is definitely its competent, reliable staff.  According to him, the employees play a huge part in Jonic Ventilation having such an excellent reputation, and he can’t stress this enough.

On the personal side, he is very dedicated to his wife, Isabelle, and his two sons.  He also coaches hockey and soccer in his community.  Being a past hockey player and an avid fan, he is proud to financially support many local sports teams and organizations.

Congratulations to the Emerging Business of the Year 2007, Jonic Ventilation!