Industry CEO named Entrepreneur of the Year
José Boisjoli, President and Chief Executive Officer of BRP — a world leader in the design, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of motorized recreational vehicles and power sports engines — is this year’s Entrepreneur Of The Year Québec winner.
The sky is the limit for gravity defying entrepreneurs like José. Over the last 10 years, and through the economic downturn, BRP has tripled in value under his leadership. Today, the company’s products are distributed in over 100 countries by more than 4,200 dealers and distributors.
“Leading entrepreneurs pursue their passion relentlessly,” says Daniel Baer, Entrepreneur Of The Year Québec Program Co-Director. “José’s love for power sports is what makes him such a standout. And it’s that passion that resonates with employees, consumers, dealers and distributors.”
José is dedicated to offering consumers the ultimate power sports experience. That means embracing innovation at every opportunity. It’s that innovative mindset that’s led to the development of unique, market-leading environmentally friendly products that put customer safety first.
EY partnered with the World Economic Forum on a recent report, The Bold Ones: high-impact entrepreneurs who transform industries, to uncover the qualities that define high-impact entrepreneurs. The report found that high-impact entrepreneurs not only disrupt industry through innovative products and services. They also make a measurable difference on society.
“Entrepreneur Of The Year recognizes business leaders whose impact goes beyond the boardroom and into the community,” says Luc Charbonneau, Entrepreneur Of The Year Québec Program Co-Director. “José has created a dynamic corporate culture with community engagement at its core.”
In Canada, the company supports not-for-profit organizations such as the Red Cross, United Way and the Fondation du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS Foundation).
José also supports educational programs. In 2008, he founded the Centre des technologies avancées in collaboration with the Université de Sherbrooke. The research and innovation centre promotes the development of state-of-the-art technologies related to motorized recreational vehicles. In 2010, José was appointed Grand Ambassadeur by the university for his enduring support.
“We’re proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of José and BRP, and look forward to celebrating the company’s success for years to come,” says Charbonneau.
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates the contribution and spirit of entrepreneurs around the world. The Canadian program is in its 21st year of honouring the country’s most impressive entrepreneurs from all areas of business. Award finalists are chosen based on their vision, leadership, financial success and social responsibility.
Boisjoli won in the Business-to-Business Products and Services category.
As the Québec region’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2014, José will compete with top entrepreneurs from the Pacific, Prairies, Ontario and Atlantic regions for the national honour of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Canada 2014, to be presented at a gala celebration on 25 November 2014 in Toronto. In June 2015, Canada’s Entrepreneur Of The Year 2014 will move to the world stage to compete with more than 60 country recipients for the title of EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year.
