When working away from home was no longer a good fit, Christian Poirier set his sights on business ownership in his community.
In 2019, Christian took out a general business loan with CBDC Kent to purchase a small engine repair shop in Saint-Louis-de-Kent, allowing him to become self-employed. He also qualified for the CBDC Self-Employment Benefit Program, which allowed him to establish a solid foundation for the business. He renamed the business Sealand Power Sports & Equipment Ltd.
An industrial mechanic and millwright by trade, Christian later changed careers to become a boilermaker, working shutdown jobs on a fly-in, fly-out basis. During his time at home, he began investing in real estate, purchasing several apartment buildings, while also snowplowing and clearing land.
“I had a lot on the go already with all the apartments, and then I couldn’t do shutdowns anymore for work, so I opened this business so I could be closer to home and spend more time with my kids too.”
Christian originally approached CBDC Kent because he knew a staff member from the community. The support he received proved invaluable to his success.
“It was really easy,” he said. “I took a small business course through the CBDC, and anytime I need information or help, I just call them and they walk me through everything.”
As the business grew, Christian expanded his services to include the sale of larger equipment like snowblowers, lawn tractors and marine parts.
In 2020, he took out another loan with CBDC Kent to purchase a new location for the business in Rexton. The new space allowed him to relocate the small engine repair shop and further expand his services, including the addition of a CarQuest franchise to sell auto parts to the community.
“For me, it’s fun to try to keep growing the business and being my own boss,” he said.
This growth has seen Christian go from being self-employed to employing about 12 fulltime staff, along with additional seasonal workers during busy periods.
Christian is continuing to focus on expansion, with a second business location set to open in Shediac soon.
After the success he’s achieved as a business owner, Christian says he wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the CBDC to others.
“Having the support of the CBDC made becoming a business owner a lot easier,” he said. “The staff was great, and they have a lot of resources to help.”