Fortier Garden Center: a company proud of its roots, looking towards the future

Marie-Michèle and Jonathan Fortier grew up in the family greenhouses in Princeville! The production manager of Jardinerie Fortier, who has been in his position for 40 years, can confirm it. He saw the little Fortiers running and playing in the greenhouses while they were still in diapers. Moreover, if you look closely at the ground, you can see the names of Marie-Michèle and Jonathan inscribed in a few places. Today, both newly shareholders, they will ensure the succession and sustainability of this ever-growing company.

A Story of Passion

The passion for horticulture has always been present in Marie-Michèle since she was very young. It was her paternal grandmother who shared her love for plants and gardens with her. So it was only natural that she decided to study management and accounting and then join the family business full-time at the age of 21.

An entrepreneur at heart, her decision was not influenced by her parents, but rather by her interest in the business world and horticulture. Marie-Michèle never wanted to do anything else. Currently, the family business is composed of her parents, her brother, and herself. Her role within the company is that of director of the garden center, human resources, and marketing. Her mother, Brunette, is in charge of financial management, while her brother is the director of operations and wholesale sales. Her father, Fernand, is the general manager and serves as a mentor to guide the next generation.

Marie-Michèle and Jonathan feel blessed to have their parents accompany them. Fernand has always given them the necessary latitude to take their place within the company, as well as great autonomy in decision-making.

Know-How & Innovation

The team spirit is truly present at Jardinerie Fortier. It is important that all employees feel good and that everyone enjoys themselves. They also have a very close-knit team where commitment and expertise reign.

Another fundamental value of Jardinerie Fortier is innovation. The company continually wants to reinvent itself and be at the forefront. Their production greenhouses are at the cutting edge of technology, and they are evaluating the possibility of building a new greenhouse complex that would allow them to grow new crops and ensure a constant improvement in the quality of their plants.

The environment is also a major concern for this family, and they have taken several initiatives to reduce their ecological footprint:

• They have stopped heating with fossil energy
• They have implemented a biomass heating system with filtration, significantly reducing GHG emissions.
• They collect rainwater to mix with well water. Then, they calibrate it to have optimal water quality for beautiful plants.

To find out all about their latest innovations, watch this wonderful explanatory video on the subject.

Proud Member of Passion Jardins

Jardinerie Fortier has been part of the Passion Jardins banner since 1997. The main reason they continue to renew their partnership? The enormous network of contacts that allows them to exchange and collaborate with people in the field.

Being a Passion Jardin merchant also means having marketing services and greater visibility. The banner's reputation shines on each of its 27 merchants.

Diversification as Differentiation

What does the Fortier family love most about their business? Diversification! It's a company that offers a wide variety of products, making it stimulating and motivating, says Marie-Michèle.

The company is active all year round, she continues. Production, a complete garden center, pick-your-own berries, sales of fresh fruits and vegetables from our fields, processing of market garden crops, large-scale farming, logging, and not to forget the Christmas shop. Every two months, there's a different atmosphere.

On the Way to a 4th Generation?

To date, Jardinerie Fortier is:

• 55,000 planters
• 800,000 vegetable plants
• 3 million ornamental plants

But the company does not intend to stop there and always has projects! How? By looking at what is being done elsewhere for inspiration and staying abreast of the latest technological advances. The goal is to continue expanding their production using different cultivation methods. Innovation will always remain at the heart of this company.

Eight grandchildren have been added to this beautiful family. Jonathan and Marie-Michèle plan to involve those who wish to join the business when the time comes.