The four partners expect to receive an impressive influx of drugs from Ranbaxy and become wealthy in no time. Reality, however, is quite different.

“Just as we were getting ready for some big launches, new drugs were arriving in dribs and drabs. We were really disappointed.”

Undaunted, the partners decide to represent other companies, provided that they do not compete with Ranbaxy. In 2009, they take a decisive step.

Two years later, Osteoporosis Canada issues guidelines for doctors: calcium supplements must now provide more vitamin D. To meet these requirements, Mantra Pharma innovates with the creation of two new products, mcal® d800 and mcal® d1000.

Overnight, the representatives have to promote these supplements to doctors – a whole new clientele. The result is the creation of Mantra Medical, a division managed by Olivier Paquet. Its mission is to raise doctor’s awareness of the importance of preventing bone disease.

In 2011, several partners reach out to Mantra Pharma about representing their over-the- counter products. At the time, the company’s primary mission is to sell generic laboratory drugs to pharmacists, while over-the-counter drugs are targeted to pharmacy chains and managers.

In 2013, in the face of fierce competition in the pharmaceutical market, Mantra Pharma actively seeks a new way to stand out. The partners thus decide to exploit the professional services option.

“We developed a range of training courses to maximize the efficiency of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.”

To do so, Mantra Pharma joins forces with the company L’Appui et le beau temps, with whom the partners develop an excellent relationship.

A first place of business

The time has now come for Mantra Pharma to secure its foothold. A first office opens in Brossard in May. Two years later, Normand and Pierre express their wish to also establish the company in the city of Quebec, their home base.

The building is next door to Voltimage, Mantra Pharma’s logistics partner, which warehouses, invoices and delivers products to wholesalers, chains and various banners in Quebec.

Normand Cantin leaves for a well-deserved retirement as Olivier Paquet and Maxime Deslauriers join the team of shareholders. At the same time, product prices and profits begin to fall considerably, as the partners have no control over the price of generic drugs, which are set by the government.

To increase our commissions, we absolutely had to boost our sales volume. So, we decided to launch our own generic molecules.

The company invests heavily in having its own products manufactured and hiring people with scientific backgrounds. The complementary skills of the new shareholders, Maxime and Olivier, translate into a major contribution to the success of this transition in Mantra Pharma’s business model.

“The offer of professional services would now be our differentiating factor, so it was clear that the acquisition of L’Appui et le beau temps would be another very promising strategy for us.”

This new company would now be called Mantra Solutions.

Clients you can count on

By launching their own products, the Mantra Pharma partners doubt that their customer base will follow them. Big surprise: several people make the switch, and the company even attracts new customers who quickly see all the benefits of Mantra Solutions’ professional services.

Helping to provide better care

The partners implement innovative strategies and recruit a number of employees. To ensure the consistency of their actions and decisions, they take the time to clarify their mission.

“We don’t claim to provide care. Our expertise lies in offering services that will give pharmacists, doctors, nurse practitioners and nutritionists the tools they need to practice their profession more efficiently.”

So, in 2018, the company’s positioning is reviewed, and the slogan “We help provide better care.” is officially created.

Intuitive and ambitious

Stéphane has always been drawn to the world of business. As a teenager, he cuts his teeth working for his grandfather’s building material company in Gaspésie. He quickly discovers that living in the country is not an option for him! His dream of a successful university education leads him to Sherbrooke, where, unbeknownst to him, his path to entrepreneurship begins tontake shape.

Driven by challenges, creativity and innovation, Stéphane has rallied talented people around him to make Mantra Pharma a success!

The born entrepreneur

Jean-François has always hoped to have his own company. At just 21 years of age, he becomes an entrepreneur alongside his uncle in the sun lotion industry. After that, he works as a representative for a generic drugs company, expanding his knowledge of this industry.

At the age of 40, he desire to go into business is rekindled. Meeting Stéphane was a defining moment for him, much to his delight.

Today, Jean-François feels firmly at the right place and is proud to be working with his four brothers-in-arms in such a successful business.

An ace in the hole

It is during a fishing trip with his friend Normand Cantin, now retired, that Pierre expresses his interest in joining Mantra Pharma. Even though he is his brother’s right-hand man, who owns around forty community pharmacies, Pierre feels a strong desire to buy shares in a company.

With a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s in small business management under his belt, he is responsible for Mantra Pharma’s entire administrative and financial structure, as well as handling human resources. Talk about versatility!

The one who climbed the ladder

Olivier has been a part of Mantra Pharma’s history from the outset, having worked for several years as a representative.

In 2013, his knowledge and skills in working with doctors lead him to become director of the company’s medical division, before signing a shareholder agreement in 2017. Versatile and extremely skilled in the field of IT, Olivier now has a role akin to that of a managing director.

Among other things, he manages everything that has to do with supply, a department of vital importance for Mantra Pharma.

And last but not least!

From his beginnings as a representative in 2008 to director of business development in 2013, Maxime became a partner at Mantra Pharma in 2017. He manages the scientific aspects as well as business development. Thanks to his instincts, creativity and vision, niche products are making their way into the company’s portfolio, contributing to Mantra Pharma’s expansion outside Quebec.

It goes without saying that Maxime is largely responsible for the company’s exponential growth. We can bet that he will propel it even further!