Marc Paquette wins BDC's Young Entrepreneur Award for Saskatchewan
(Saskatoon, Saskatchewan October 17, 2006) In just three and a half years, Marc Paquette, 34, has built a structural steel supply and installation business that competes in the same leagues as large-scale industry veterans. In recognition of his success, Marc, the owner of DyMark Industries Inc,.has been named BDC's Young Entrepreneur for Saskatchewan and will be honoured tonight at a ceremony in Moncton, New Brunswick.DyMark Industries supplies and installs miscellaneous and structural steel for general contractors in the commercial sector in Saskatchewan and Winnipeg, and has even done work for clients in Mexico. Among the company's specialities is the fabrication of equipment for one of Canada's largest weight-scale companies, Massload Technologies. Marc had worked as a welder for several years and "just wanted more," he says. In 2003, he and his wife, an accountant, decided to take the leap and open their own company, which they started with six employees. Today, with a solid team of 20 employees all under the age of 35, DyMark regularly supplies and installs steel structures and equipment to major contractors, and has tripled its sales since its first year in business. The DyMark trademarkDyMark has earned the reputation of a business that can be depended on to do what it says it will do. In fact, one of the company's trademarks is its unwavering commitment to keeping to schedule. "That's something the contractors like about us," points out Marc. "We say we're going to do a job and we're there and we do it. We don't hold up any other trades."The turning point for DyMark came after it had successfully completed several jobs for big general contractors. "Once our name became known, we were put on a list and now the contractors request quotes from us," says Marc. "Sometimes they actually schedule us for jobs before we even bid on them. That shows me that they have confidence in DyMark."Marc's biggest challenge, he says, is recruiting staff. "The only thing that's holding me back right now is finding qualified workers," he says of his plans to expand his business. One of the incentives he offers to potential employees is an apprenticeship program and support in the form of giving people time off for skill upgrades."Marc stands out as a role model for young Canadian entrepreneurs," says BDC President and CEO Jean-René Halde. "With a dynamic team of employees, all under the age of 35, he has built a solid business in a short timeframe. It's a pleasure to recognize his passion, drive and excellence with this award.""At first it was a lot of work and sleepless nights," says Marc of his start as an entrepreneur. "But it gets into your blood, it just does, and today I am living my dream."Recognition for young entrepreneursA major feature of Small Business Week, BDC's Young Entrepreneur Awards recognize the entrepreneurial spirit and business success of Canadians between the ages of 19 and 35. The winners one from each province and territory are selected by a committee based on criteria including success, growth potential, innovation, participation in new economy activities and community involvement. The committee also considers export performance, the entrepreneur's age when the business was started and any special challenges overcome. Small Business Week partnersNational partners help make Small Business Week a success. Western Economic Diversification, WestJet, Rogers, Export and Development Canada, CFIB and Intuit Canada are official partners of the 2006 Small Business Week and Young Entrepreneur Awards. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has been a privileged partner of the event since 1981. About BDCBDC is a financial institution wholly owned by the Government of Canada. BDC actively supports the development and growth of Canadian small and medium-sized businesses through its complementary financial, investment and consulting solutions. BDC is one of Canada's Top 100 Employers for 2007.
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For more information or to arrange for an interview on October 17:Media Room:1-877-330-4343506-857-2117After October 17:Eva Boucher HartlingMedia Relations Manager514-283-7929
