When it comes to auto glass, we have the impression that some Quebec companies are sharing the market, but in many cases American interests are hidden behind the banner names.
The Trudel family, which has been growing Automod since 1987, is one of the exceptions in Quebec. And she wants it to be more widely known.
“You often still have to fight to be recognized by insurers. The tendency is often to refer to more well-known companies, but the price an insurer pays with us is lower than the list price of larger providers, and we are from Quebec,” notes Nicolas Trudel, Banner director and co-owner of the Settlement in Lévis with his brother Louis-Philippe.
Along with his cousins Charles and Steve, he is part of a well-established succession at the helm of Automod, while his father André and uncle Robert continue to play an advisory role.
Portrait of Nicolas Trudel and the other members of the Trudel family, the next generation in this family business, the only auto glass and accessories company in Quebec. Automod, Boulevard Pierre Bertrand, Quebec, September 6, 2023. In the photo Steve Trudel, Louis-Philippe Trudel, Charles Trudel and Nicolas Trudel. Photo Agence QMI, MARCEL TREMBLAY Marcel Tremblay / Agence QMI
Building a family network
Since he was young, Nicolas has been interested in business, which he began working in full-time in 2006 after studying car dealership marketing and management in Barrie, Ontario. He gained initial experience in customer service before taking on responsibility for building the franchise network. Today, the Trudel family has three locations in Lévis and Quebec, while 25 franchisees operate the Automod banner across the province.
This extensive presence enabled accreditation with insurance companies, which today account for around a quarter of sales.
In recent years it has been necessary to continuously invest in training to adapt to new technologies: repairing or replacing a windshield in 2023 is much more than just installing glass, because it is also necessary to replace it to harmonize with the detectors.
The pandemic and labor shortages have created many challenges in the automotive sector, and although Automod lost some stores because certain workshops preferred to focus on body work due to the lack of staff, sales still continued to grow thanks to the support and care offered to franchisees. At Trudels we also offer mechanical and tire services, which fuels growth.
Marcel Tremblay / QMI Agency
In solution mode
“I learned from my father that for every problem there is a solution and that after a solution there will certainly be another problem, but we adapt and juggle through the ups and downs,” says Nicolas Trudel.
For him, working as a family is reassuring because he has the feeling that everyone gives their 110% and the combined, complementary strengths fill the company with life.
“Four Nicolas or four Steves, we would have gaps! But together we are a good team. We can count on each other and we only really noticed that during the pandemic. And we can also count on many employees who have a lot of experience,” says the young entrepreneur.
MUCH:
For you, entrepreneurship is…?
“When you start something, you have to finish it!”
If you could change one aspect of your trip, would it be…?
“I would have studied for a year longer, I would have had a few more parties and I would have graduated from high school!”
Your passions outside of work?
“Physical training and barrel racing on horseback. I have a competitive side and I’m active.”