A large company with the heart and soul of a small business

Johanne Joly is Manager – R&D Contributions and Benefits. She shares a few facts, some well known, some lesser known, which have marked her path at Logistik.

It all began when Johanne applied for a job she saw on a bulletin board at LaSalle College (yep, that’s how it used to be done!), which lead to an interview with the founder and president, Louis Bibeau . Twenty-three years later, Johanne and Mr. Bibeau still greet each other almost daily in the corridors of Logistik! Here is the first testimony, the first “stitch” of this close-knit work community.

The world has changed over the past 30 years. What has evolved at Logistik?

The company has tremendously structured itself over the years; for example, a long time ago, HR used to be managed by an external consultant. We now have a full staff, including a Health and Safety specialist, and the company is certified “Entreprise en santé”. Logistik has put in place the tools and resources necessary to succeed, such as IT and training which help the company as well as the individuals grow. And in spite of rapid growth, employee feedback has not been put aside; it is even more and more encouraged.

Despite these changes, tell us about something that you love and that has remained the same.

Mr. Bibeau, our founder and president, is a spirited and passionate entrepreneur who, day after day, is still as motivated to see us thrive and perform. He is never short of guts and new ideas! It’s fairly easy to see that we’re like a big family – it’s not perfect but there is love all around! Another thing that hasn’t changed but is actually ever blooming is the cooperation we experience as a work community, on a professional as well as on personal level. When some colleagues faced unfortunate events, the global response was just so heartwarming.

In terms of your profession, how has your role or your field of work evolved at Logistik?

My path at Logistik highlights career development possibilities. As a graduate in garment manufacturing management, I started working at Logistik as a quality control technician but – try to keep up! – from uniform program management, through costing for product launch and tenders, as well as in operations, I’ve had the opportunity to hold 5 different positions! This has allowed me to diversify my skills within the company.

How has Logistik contributed to your success?

I have discovered unsuspected abilities and have the feeling that it’s far from over because even after 23 years, I’m still learning. I have benefited from numerous training opportunities, covering operational as well as relational skills, I have taken English courses…

How would you describe Logistik’s corporate culture?

“Green” initiatives as well as programs promoting employees’ global health go hand in hand with Logistik’s intrapreneurial spirit. The on-premise gym and cafeteria, electric vehicle charging stations, Gold LEED-certified facilities, telehealth… all concrete examples that demonstrate openness towards new ideas, new ways of doing things.

How has your work environment allowed you to grow?

Having the opportunity to evolve professionally though several departments and positions has boosted my self-confidence and self-esteem. It has helped me to further believe in my competencies and my worth.

What do you never get tired of at Logistik?

At the risk of sounding corny, it’s the people! All this beautiful talent I encounter every day – designers, vice presidents, warehouse personnel, customer service agents, graphic designers – it’s inspiring and stimulating to feel the respect and cooperation throughout all hierarchy levels. We truly are close-knit and experience the best of both worlds: a large company with the heart and soul of a small business.

What is so unique about this place that you just can’t find somewhere else?

Sorry, but I can’t answer this question simply because Logistik has been my sole employer!

Tell us about the most significant event you experienced so far at Logistik.

Working 23 years at the same place makes for many memorable moments but a very recent one comes to mind. In the fall of 2022, we celebrated with a bang the winning of a prestigious and potentially largest contract in Logistik’s history. The celebration set the tone; the company shared this success with all the employees in a very nice way. Of course, the official, live announcement by the Minister of Defence contributed to the excitement but for me, this event was symbolic, as it represented an achievement, the culmination of relentless work by many teams over many years. Logistik acknowledged and celebrated this by organizing this festive and inclusive event.

How has Logistik impacted your life?

I was a new mom when Logistik moved from Montreal to the South Shore. The company allowed me to work from home when this was not a common practice. But to be honest, I actually commuted from Laval to Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu more often than required, just to be part of the team!