While a youngster, Roch Mulligan spent his summers at the family cottage on Lac Cayamant. Today, he is the owner of the village grocery store, Épicerie Mulligan, and says he was very pleased with his decision to go into business in the Gatineau Valley in 2015.
Originally from Gatineau, he lived there for several years while he was an insurance adjuster. In 2003, he wanted to relive his childhood memories and decided to purchase a cottage on Lac Cayamant. Seven years ago, he left his job in Gatineau to acquire the village grocery store.
“I spent my childhood here and always loved the Gatineau Valley. I always dreamed of going into business. I studied administration at the CEGEP, and at the time, I bought a book entitled Ouvrir et gérer un commerce de détail (Opening and managing a retail business) that I always keep on my bedside table. My dream came true.”
Mulligan had his sights set on the village grocery store
In 2015, Mulligan had his sights set on the village grocery store, and much to his surprise, he learned that the owners of the village grocery store, a business offering more services, wanted to meet with him and sell him their business.
“Since the offer was affordable, I pounced on the opportunity. Now there’s room for a grocery store in small villages, but we must adapt to the reality of the market place and accept the fact that people will also shop in big box stores in town.”
“THE OFFER WAS AFFORDABLE, AND I POUNCED ON THE OPPORTUNITY”
We are going full tilt, and it’s no accident
Over the years, Mulligan changed his service and product offerings to meet the needs of his customers in the Gatineau Valley. The inventory has doubled, ready-to-eat food and fresh sandwiches are now for sale, a pizza oven was purchased, and emphasis is placed on customer service.
“I sincerely believe that we managed, in our own way, to compete with big box stores. We are going full tilt, and it’s no accident. I’m very familiar with Lac Cayamant and believe in its potential. And all of this has been accomplished with impeccable customer service.”
WE MANAGED TO COMPETE WITH BIG BOX STORES
As for his business, the pandemic has had a positive effect
Since 2015, the number of employees has risen from 4 to 10, and sales have tripled. Several initiatives have been introduced to retain staff such as improved wages, life-work balance and teamwork.
As for his business, the pandemic has had a positive effect, particularly with the vacationer clientele who are teleworking. Now that better Internet service has come to the area, Mulligan believes that this type of teleworking is here to stay.
“My son Danik, who is a mortgage broker in the Gatineau Valley, gives me a hand with the business, particularly with human resources management. Within the next three years, he’ll eventually take over the store, and I’m quite happy about that,” said Roch Mulligan.
TELEWORKING – A NEW FINANCIAL CASH COW IN THE GATINEAU VALLEY
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