Thank you to all the fathers in our public markets!

Many Montreal public Markets merchants proudly display a name that evokes a family connection. These include Les fermes Denis Lauzon et fils, Boucherie Adélard Bélanger et fils, Willy Haeck & Fils, Noël Wilson & Fils and La Ferme Denis Perrier & Fils. But even more have a history passed down from generation to generation, without it necessarily being apparent in their names!

As Father's Day approaches, we wanted to introduce you to some of these fathers who have instilled a passion for the trade in their children. It's a simple way of celebrating these entrepreneurs and all those wonderful stories of passing on know-how, but above all people skills.
 

Éric L'Écuyer: passing on the pleasure of the trade  

At Éric L'Écuyer's kiosk at Jean-Talon Market, family values have been passed down for four generations. It all began in the 60s, when Éric's grandfather started a fruit and vegetable production business in Saint-Joseph-du-Lac and went to the Jean-Talon Market to sell it. Over the years, his father, and then Éric himself, naturally took over the reins of the business.

When asked what he remembers most about his father's upbringing and relationship, Éric answers without hesitation:

"It's the contact with the customers, that's number one! He taught me that you always have to serve your customers well and smile. People come to the market for a warm welcome, so it's important to have fun when you're working." - Éric L'Écuyer

Today, it's his son Karl who proudly represents the company's fourth generation. He is learning the trade at his father's side, and shares his father's preference for the market rather than working in the fields. Of course, he sometimes has to roll up his sleeves to help with the harvest or planting.

When asked about his father's greatest quality, Karl instantly replies: "Generosity! My father is always there to help everyone in the market."

With such a quick and candid response, we can surely be confident about the future of our markets, because with fathers like Eric passing on the essence of the trade so well, the next generation looks promising.

Willy Haeck et Fils : a passion handed down from generation to generation

At the Atwater Market, Willy Haeck et Fils is another example of a family business that has passed on its passion for the trade from one generation to the next. Since 1960, this Saint-Rémi-based flower farm has flourished thanks to the vision of company founder Willy Haeck and his wife. Mr. Haeck, a true pioneer of Quebec horticulture, left his mark on the industry with his ingenuity and expertise. His greatest achievement was to leave his mark on his close friends and family through his generosity and his transfer of knowledge. Over the years, the Haeck family has built a family history in which everyone has grown up with a love of flowers and a job well done. Mr. Haeck's legacy flourishes today in a united family that perpetuates his values!

We asked Gina Haeck and Julia Haeck what are the most important qualities a father in business should have if he wants to perpetuate the family business and encourage the next generation to get involved? They answered:

“Passion, respect, trust and innovation ! ” - Gina Haeck and Julia Haeck

Le Ryad: an opportunity for the whole family

At Le Ryad, located in the heart of the Jean-Talon Market, Moroccan pastries and artisanal baklava have been delighting gourmets for some twenty years. The company's story began when Mr. Haraket, a former restaurateur with a master's degree in sociology, was able to seize a unique opportunity at Jean-Talon Market.

In the early 2000s, while the new section of the market was under construction, several merchants were recruited to add a new offering.  Butchers, fishmongers and specialty stores took their place to serve customers year-round. It was at this point that the Ryad was born. Mr. Haraket took an opportunity by setting up the kiosk in the last available location: the one in the center, perfectly visible to customers who were then discovering the world of Moroccan desserts and baklava.

Over the years, the number of regulars has multiplied and the family business has been enriched by a new generation. For the past ten years, Hakim, the son, has been learning the trade alongside his father, perpetuating the heritage while infusing it with his own vision. 

When asked about his father's most valuable piece of advice, he answers without hesitation:

"It's definitely the importance of customer relations, this ability to make each visitor feel at home. For me, like my father, it's what counts most along with the quality of our products."

More family stories to discover

Family businesses are very numerous in our markets, and they represent a very valuable reality.

The expertise and knowledge passed down from one generation to the next not only ensures the constancy and durability of our food ecosystem, but also perpetuates the customer service know-how in our markets.

Here are some more family stories of the fathers' generosity to themselves and their employees, and their passion for the business:

• Ferme J.P Desgroseilliers: market gardeners from father to son: “I always knew I wanted to work in agriculture,” explains Maxime. We never forced him into it," says his father. I didn't want to tell him he had to take over; it had to be his choice."
• When students replace the teacher: At Boucherie de Tours in the Atwater Market, it's a story of handing down and friendship that's worth highlighting. Pierrot Fortier, the butchery's retired founder, is seen as a second father by those who have taken over the reins of the business: Benjamin Avilés and Alexandre Sévigny-Lupien. A contribution that goes far beyond the professional sphere.
• Meet the king of sweet corn: "I was 10-12 years old when my parents opened their first sweet corn stand at the Marché Maisonneuve. We kids were there all summer to help them. That's when my father became the king of sweet corn... He's the king! - Jean-Yves Deneault
• Ibrahim Abdelgawad: carrying the family tradition: “After seeing my father work so hard, I couldn't bring myself to let the cheese dairy close its doors” - Ibrahim Abdelgawad
   

Thank you to all our market dads, those who have been, those who have become and those who continue to play this role day after day!