At the end of the 1980s, a combination of circumstances confronted Solange Dugas with a choice. She did not know it at the time, but the decision to embark on the GB Micro adventure would change the course of her life.

In the 1980s, the first personal computers are manufactured on a large scale. In 1983, two associates seize the opportunity to launch GB Micro, which will operate in the field of random-access memory (RAM) and the brokerage of electronic components, which were in short supply on the market at that time. 

Their target clients are the OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) who need components for motherboards, as well as computer resellers who sell to businesses and individuals.

In order to take the market by storm, offices are set up in Toronto in 1985. 

As for Solange, she has made a career in Montreal with West Chemical Products, after having held marketing positions in Montreal and Calgary with Canadian Pacific Railway.
In 1987, she is given the opportunity to replace one of the two associates, who decides to retire from the company to pursue another project.

 I had to make a decision: to seize this opportunity or not ? 

Choice

It is a risky bet: stay with an established company or start from scratch at GB Micro, a start-up with five people. “I decided to take the plunge.” At the age of 27, Solange has a big year: a wedding in August, her arrival at GB Micro in October and her first pregnancy in January 1988.

The idea of being an entrepreneur appeals to Solange, who hits the first hurdle six months later. The second associate also leaves the ship to start a company in direct competition with GB Micro.

 This is where the challenge really starts for me.  

Solange knows how necessary it is to have a competent and dedicated management team.

“The opinion of each teammate is very valuable to me.”

With today’s complete sales and management team, including members who have been with the company for over 15 years, GB Micro stands out for its service. Its fill rate is over 99%, which means that the vast majority of orders are filled and that there are no inventory shortages.

One of the reasons for this is the strong relationships built up with long-standing suppliers. Between 2005 and 2021, Solange and her team win several awards as best business partners and for their quality of service.

 For us, what is important is trust. Our success is based on it. 

Known for its integrity, the team never promises products it cannot deliver and bases its decisions on the long term. “Clients trust us. That’s the key to our success.”

Some chains even cancel agreements with global distributors to do business with GB Micro, because they can be sure that all their needs will be met at the right time. They particularly appreciate the fact that GB Micro manages its inventories very efficiently.

Accounting team

2022 Convention Gr. Millenium Micro

Commitment pays off

As a mother of three children, Solange is committed to developing the full potential of the next generation. She is involved with the Vanguard Primary and Secondary School Development Fund, which specializes in students with learning difficulties.

In addition to serving on the board of directors for four years, Solange supplies the school with all kinds of computer products such as computer bags, USB cables and chargers.

She and her team also help organize the annual golf tournament, a key fundraiser for the institution.

“Two of my employees have children at this school. It’s our own way of contributing to their success.”

Since 1998, Solange has been a member of the YPO (Young President Organization). She also sat on the board of directors of Loto-Québec from 2003 to 2007 and was its president in 2008.

Over the years, she has been involved with various organizations, including the Canadian Cancer Society (honorary patron, 1995-1997 holiday festivities), the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (member of the 1997 ball committee), Leucan (member of the organizing committee in 2005), the Montreal Symphony Orchestra (co-president of the ball in 2008), and the Women’s Centre of Montreal in 2015 (one of the fundraising event’s sponsors).

Commitment

Part of the success of Solange Dugas’ company is the loyalty of her management team, some members of which having over 20 years
of experience with GB Micro.

Pushing the limits

Solange Dugas
President of GB Micro

Organized and focused, Solange is known as an entrepreneur who always pushes the limits. She is constantly looking for ways to improve her company’s efficiency in order to make it grow
and, most importantly, to ensure its longevity. “You cannot stay stagnant in business.”

She has a great deal of respect for her inner circle, who serve as a reference when she has to make decisive choices. Especially since her management team has been loyal for several years, which reinforces the confidence she has in them.

Managing boldly

Frédérick Barbe
Director of VAR/SI Team

Father of three, Frédérick places his family at the center of the most important decisions in his life. This philosophy is also reflected in his relationship with the GB Micro team, which he considers to be a family that has seen him evolve over the past 20 years. Before specializing in sales, he studied programming while working in the family business, where he was able to discover and understand the world of SME’s and its challenges. This work allowed him to become the jack-of-all-trades that he is today. 

Frédérick always makes his decisions for the good of the company, with the idea of making the best choices in this sense. “Only people who do nothing don’t make mistakes.” His role as director of the VAR team allows him to motivate his employees to be autonomous and to help them successfully complete their projects.

Focusing on the positive

Marilena Di Minni
Director of Retail Team

After graduating from Concordia University with a major in business statistics, Marilena joined GB Micro in 1995 as a sales assistant. She was then promoted to account manager and later to director of the retail sales division. “I literally grew along with the company.” 

Marilena realizes that because each person is unique, it is best to manage them according to their strengths rather than focusing on their weak points. She makes every effort to develop relationships with her clients that are based on loyalty and satisfaction. These two key strengths are enhanced when staff is motivated to provide high quality service. She believes that a fully engaged employee who has a positive attitude at work will automatically carry that attitude over into their interactions with customers. 

Working with agility

Karine Poirier
Director of Product Management and Development

At GB Micro since 2005, Karine is known for her quickness and availability. Accustomed to multitasking while remaining efficient, she has no trouble solving problems quickly, sometimes alone, sometimes as part of a team. Karine developed her business sense at a young age by helping her mother in her clothing store with product purchases and at the cash register. With a degree in public communication with a concentration in marketing and business administration, Karine is an open-minded person employees are not afraid to approach to discuss their problems, questions and frustrations. Her ability to adapt to all kinds of situations makes her a great ally. 

“Like a marriage, it’s for better or for worse!”

Analizing with finesse

Kuk Jin Kim
Director of Finance

Kuk Jin is known for his honesty, perseverance and generosity. In both his personal and professional life, he gives his 110%. As a Chartered Professional Accountant of Quebec (CPA), he started his career in accounting firms as a financial auditor. During those years, he audited the financial statements of public and private companies, as well as governmental agencies. He quicky climbed the ladder to become Director of Finance for companies operating in the retail, online commerce and distribution sectors. His knowledge of accounting standards and operating processes give him a good analytical sense. “Leadership and team spirit are strengths in my position at GB Micro.”

Applying logic

Aaron Chin
Director of Operations

Loyal, honest and optimistic, Aaron is pragmatic when it comes to finding a solution to a problem. “I apply logic and I don’t let emotions take over.” 

He studied accounting at Concordia University before being hired at GB Micro in 1999. Aaron has worked in his sister’s high-end Sichuan restaurants. He has dabbled in everything as a manager. Such experiences tprovide Aaron with a high tolerance to stress.

Playing as a team

Kishore Daswani
Controller

Kishore joined the GB Micro team in 2009 after working for seven years in distribution in various sectors. Punctual, dynamic and meticulous, he is a team player who always listens to others and is willing to help. “I am committed when it comes to finding solutions to solve problems.” With a bachelor’s degree in accounting, he is appreciated for his thoroughness and attention to details. He has no trouble building relationships with suppliers and customers. The fact that he can speak French, English and Spanish facilitates transactions with them.

In 2023, GB Micro celebrates its 40th anniversary.
Over the years, Solange had to reinvent herself many times
as the technology sector is constantly evolving.

She is beginning to think about a succession plan, while focusing on a strategic planning process for her next five-year plan. She aims at developing software and logistics divisions, while ensuring controlled growth. Other acquisitions should also see the light of day. But first and foremost, the team will continue to offer its clients the quality of service that sets it apart.

 The most exciting thing about this is that we were able to not only endure, but also grow in a constantly changing environment.