At the origin of this rather crazy project is a self-made man, a true workhorse and a visionary.

Charles-Émile Lussier has been working since the age of 12 and has had many jobs. He worked day and night, mainly at Steinberg as a diesel mechanic, even while studying at the CEGEP or at Polytechnique.

“I only stopped working nights during my last year of university, but I didn’t know what to do to keep myself busy. Let’s just say that going out for fun was totally unknown to me.”

His career path takes a new turn after obtaining his engineering degree. He designs airport fire trucks, and then holds various positions at Pratt & Whitney Canada (PWC).

I had a very rapid progression at PWC and found myself managing several mechanical design and test cell engineering departments. But in the end, I was only dealing with the administration of budget and employee evaluations, which didn’t excite me at all.

Surprising his entourage, he resigns in 1988 and, in the process, founds CEL Aerospace Group.

Willpower & Determination

Yet the company is still little-known. A fact that seems to suit Pierre-Alexandre. It must be said that CEL Aerospace is moving forward at its own pace. It has not yet made any acquisitions; its development is organic.

Even though it has around a hundred employees in 2022 and divisions in Poland, Asia and the United States, growth at any price is not the aim. CEL Aerospace is building its credibility over time.

The relationships it builds with its clients are strong and based on trust.

Some new clients are sometimes surprised to discover a company with such expertise, but which they have never heard of. We’re a well-kept secret and that’s fine with us.

Meeting such high standards requires a lot of in-house expertise. In other words, it takes brains.

A company cannot survive the departure of its founder if new talent is not developed in-house.

This is a crucial parameter that Charles takes into account from the beginning. He recruited Steeve 25 years ago when he came right out of university, and he soon gave him major responsibilities. He did the same with Pierre-Alexandre and most of the employees in whom he saw potential.

My greatest pride is that I have managed to surround myself well. It’s easy for me to let them command. Steeve is an even more competent engineer than I am and Pierre-Alexandre, a better administrator than I have ever been.

At CEL Aerospace, a diploma is not the only thing that counts. “In our company, every person is important in the chain, regardless of their status. Judgement is not acquired through studies.”

The three leaders are therefore especially attentive to the predispositions of their employees and do not hesitate to give more responsibilities to those who have the abilities, regardless of their level of education.

The visionary

A Mechanical Engineering graduate, Charles has carved his own niche through sheer determination and 60-hour weeks more often than not.

Today, at the age of 70, he looks back with amusement at the road travelled and with pride at the successors he has been able to find, train and polish. He is happy that the company’s continuity is assured with the leadership he has put in place.

“ After so many years, I have learned that I have not changed. I don’t cultivate a large social network. To this day, my company and my relationship with my colleagues are a priority for me. I would do it all again the same way, I had a lot of fun, and so many adventures to tell! ”

The problem solver

Steeve holds an MBA in business management and a degree in mechanical engineering. He has a passion for project management and above all, he likes to be involved in all aspects of engineering, from mechanics to electronics to programming. His greatest strength: always having a plan B in case things go wrong.

“ I came into CEL as a blank page, it was my first job. I was lucky that Charles gave me responsibilities very quickly. In a larger company, it would have taken several years before I become a decision maker. Thanks to this confidence, I was able to travel all over the world and expand my horizons. ”

The clever strategist

Pierre-Alexandre practiced his financial skills in various different settings before joining CEL Aerospace. He notably worked at the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec and within the Deloitte financial advisory team. He was therefore not really familiar with the world of engineering and he had to learn on the job. But his colleagues say he would be worthy of an honorary engineering degree today. He specialises, of course, in the financial and strategic management of the company.

“ I learned here that there is a big difference between giving advice and implementing them. I have had to gain experience, mostly on the technical side and in managing people, but it has been rewarding and has allowed me to meet great partners. ”