In March 2023, Jean-Philip Bujold met Jeannot Leblanc, the owner of a renowned maple grove on Route 299 in Cascapédia-Saint-Jules, known as La Maison de l’Érable. Little did he know that just a few months later, he would become the successor to a business that had been a cornerstone of the region’s maple syrup production for over 30 years.
Here’s a look at this inspiring local succession story.
The Business at a Glance
La Maison de l’Érable is a 14,500-tap maple grove set in a stunning natural landscape at the foot of the Cascapedia River. In 2023, it produced 70,000 pounds of maple syrup, serving two main markets: the Fédération des Producteurs et Productrices Acéricoles du Québec and direct buyers, including retailers and online customers.
A significant portion of production is reserved for the local market through partnerships with restaurants and retailers. Additionally, the company processes part of its syrup into 50-ml containers, which are distributed across North America, including Ontario, British Columbia, and the United States.
How Did the Succession Opportunity Arise?
Jean-Philip, originally trained as a mechanic, worked in construction and manufacturing before discovering his passion for maple syrup production. In 2022, changes in his professional life inspired him to shift careers, seeking a project that offered greater freedom and fulfillment.
“I wanted to work on something I truly enjoyed. In my previous jobs, I had little freedom. I always dreamed of running my own projects,” he shares.
Starting small, Jean-Philip managed a 1,000-tap sugar bush in New Richmond. In early 2023, he began searching for another sugar bush in order to increase his production. “After a few seasons, I knew I needed to expand to process more. I purchased a small 700-tap sugar bush near La Maison de l’Érable. During the sale, the owner mentioned that Jeannot Leblanc might also be looking to sell. I visited Jeannot in March 2023, and we had a conversation, but that was it,” explains Jean-Philip.
The story might have ended there, but Jean-Philip seized the opportunity when Jeannot began winding down operations at the end of the season. “When the season ended and Jeannot started to close operations he needed someone. I gave him a helping hand. He explained his methods, his installations and it clicked. We started the process of transferring the business in June 2023.” Within months, Jean-Philip became the owner.
What Sets La Maison de l’Érable Apart?
La Maison de l’Érable boasts an impressive annual average of 4.2 pounds of syrup per tap, far exceeding the Quebec average of 3.15. According to Jean-Philip, this is due to the careful tapping techniques implemented by Jeannot.
“Jeannot followed strategic tapping patterns, ensuring that trees healed quickly and performed better over time,” says Jean-Philip. He also emphasizes the importance of quality: “Jeannot always said, ‘Don’t cut corners on quality, because your clients will notice.’ He only processed the best syrup.”
Another distinguishing feature is the traceability of their syrup. Unlike larger processors that mix syrup from multiple sources, Jean-Philip takes pride in offering a product made exclusively at La Maison de l’Érable. “If we run out of syrup, that’s it. There’s no blending here.”
What’s Next for the Company?
While maintaining the exceptional practices he inherited, Jean-Philip is implementing new initiatives to grow the business. One key step is obtaining organic certification, which will allow the company to command a higher price per barrel.
Jean-Philip has also expanded the main building to increase production capacity and aims to further develop exports beyond Quebec, particularly for processed products.
How Did the SADC Support the Succession?
Jean-Philip obtained financial assistance from the SADC through the Youth Strategy Fund, which enabled him to take advantage of a 24-month interest-free-period and complete the financing needed to purchase the sugar bush.
“Getting my loan from the SADC was incredibly simple,” Jean-Philip notes.
Lessons Learned and Advice for Others
Jean-Philip attributes much of his success to the time he spent with Jeannot in the woods, learning directly from him. “Those three weeks were invaluable. I got to see how everything worked, ask questions, and identify potential challenges. It helped me understand Jeannot’s methods and way of thinking.”
His key takeaway? Never pass up an opportunity. “At worst, you lose half a day. But at best, you gain something invaluable.”
This anecdote beautifully illustrates the power of a single meeting in the success of a business succession.
About Jean-Philip Bujold
Jean-Philip is the proud owner of La Maison de l’Érable, a 14,500-tap sugar bush on Route 299 in Cascapédia-Saint-Jules. Originally from St-Siméon-de-Bonaventure, he became the successor to Jeannot Leblanc’s renowned maple grove in 2023.
