Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in consultancy but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Thomas Ferland, Co-Founder of Boite Pac, located in Montréal, QC, CA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We help companies become more responsible through our B Corp certification support service. We are fortunate to work with a wide variety of clients, ranging from a 10-employee service company to a 300+ employee company selling products worldwide. But our clients have one thing in common: They want to change how they do business by putting environmental and social impact at the heart of their decisions. At the end of the day, they want to use business as a force for good.
Tell us about yourself
Back in college, I started a project to create coat insulation from hair and recycled polyester. That project never made it to market, but it gave me an understanding of the different steps involved in starting a business. After an internship at a company called G Soft to help them to become B Corp, I realized that no business was helping other businesses in their B Corp process. This lack of resources made no sense to me because I learned during my work with G Soft that becoming B Corp is a complex and lengthy process. That's why I decided to start Boite Pac!
Through our services, I know that I will have an impact on people every day. I know that sounds cheesy, but knowing that I participate in making a better world where we are more responsible through our actions motivates me.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
It is being able to surround myself with extraordinary people who participate in deploying my vision of the future. And to have succeeded, thanks to our services, in bringing different individuals from different backgrounds to help them make an impact in their businesses. For me, collaboration is the key to making society more just, environmentally responsible, and empathetic.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Having to juggle the financial challenges of a start-up business. Even though we are growing well, there are times when the cash flow is not as good, which sometimes leads to stress.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure to solve a problem through your business idea. If it doesn't make society better, in my opinion, it's not worth it.
- Surround yourself with good humans earlier in your journey. Being alone in a start-up reality could affect your growth and mental health.
- Make sure to create a business that will make you happy. If your only motivation is making money, it will be a long and painful journey.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Want to start your own business but don't know where to begin, or are you afraid of being financially restricted in the beginning? Do some research as there are many resources to help entrepreneurs get started. If your project is good for society and the growth is promising, you will see that many options are available to you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.boitepac.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boitepac/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boitepac/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boîte-pac/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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