When a business succession project takes root in a small village, it often preserves a vital piece of the community’s heritage. This was certainly the case in Saint-Alexis-de-Matapédia, a village of just 500 residents, where Isabelle Beaulieu and Jean-François Chouinard took over Scierie Avignon. Their succession story is one of maintaining the human values that have defined the company for over two decades.
About the Company
Scierie Avignon specializes in lumber sawing and sales, offering a variety of wood products, including planks, patio wood, and lumber. The company is widely recognized in the region for its customized services and expertise in producing unconventional lumber sizes that are not typically available in hardware stores.
How Did the Succession Opportunity Come About?
Originally from Baie-des-Sables and St-Léandre in the Matanie region, Isabelle and Jean-François had been operating a sawmill for several years. They were searching for a new venture that would allow them to establish themselves for the long term.
Their opportunity came when Jean-François discovered an advertisement for the sale of Scierie Avignon on the Mon entreprise à vendre website. He reached out to the owner, Mr. Richard Leblanc.
“I spoke with Richard, and he hadn’t yet found buyers who matched his vision. He wanted someone who would continue serving local customers and prioritize local purchasing,” explains Jean-François. Sensitive to Mr. Leblanc’s wishes and determined to demonstrate that they were the buyers he was looking for, Jean-François and Isabelle decided to get involved first-hand in the business.
They began working two days a week with Mr. Leblanc. This hands-on approach and perseverance helped establish trust before finalizing the sale in the winter of 2024. “During that time, we got to know each other. Richard saw that we had the experience and the potential to take over the business,” Jean-François recalls.
What Sets Scierie Avignon Apart?
Scierie Avignon’s reputation is built on the human and community-focused approach instilled by Mr. Leblanc.
The sawmill is open to the public several times a week, fostering direct relationships with the community. Isabelle and Jean-François have made it a priority to maintain these connections, starting by keeping the well-established company name.
They have also continued promoting products made from locally sourced wood. “What makes us unique is our ability to create projects that highlight the resources of the Plateaux region,” Jean-François shares.
Improvements and Future Plans
Since taking over, Isabelle and Jean-François have made several adjustments to enhance the sawmill’s operations. These include upgrading equipment, redesigning the interior, and winterizing the building to improve working conditions.
In their commitment to sustainability, they also introduced measures to optimize resource use. For instance, they converted a piece of machinery to electric power and added a woodchipper.
“One of our best decisions was adding the chipper. It allows us to transform all our wood trimmings into biomass,” explains Jean-François.
Looking ahead, the couple aims to expand the sawmill’s reach beyond the region while staying true to their human-scale and community-focused approach.
The Role of SADC Support
The couple received financial support from the SADC’s Investment Fund, which played a crucial role in helping them secure the sawmill.
“What I appreciated was the strong communication between the SADC and the MRC. We didn’t have to repeat the process—it was seamless,” says Jean-François.
Advice for Future Entrepreneurs
Jean-François and Isabelle credit their success to seeking guidance and support throughout the transfer process.
“You need an external perspective,” they emphasize. “We often get so focused on the end goal—like the business plan or financial package—that we overlook the importance of having someone to help us step back and reflect.”
Their story is a testament to the human connections that underpin every successful succession project.
About Isabelle Beaulieu and Jean-François Chouinard
He, a former sports instructor and she an agriculturalist, Jean-François and Isabelle gradually developed a passion for forestry and wood processing. In 2024, they made it their full-time pursuit by taking ownership of Scierie Avignon, a cornerstone of their community.
