Growing up in a family of nine children, Francine had the responsibility of feeding her brothers, sisters, and parents. This task certainly benefited her future career decisions. She recalls her favorite high school course was Family Science and says that it helped her become the person she is today. Although her brother’s sometimes complained about her cooking skills, Francine fondly remembers the days she spent with her grandmother, learning the recipes and preparing great meals for her family. Francine has continued the tradition of cooking for family, but these days that doesn’t mean just her husband and children! Francine and her husband were inspired to become restaurateurs after participating in a Human Relations seminar where they learned ‘everything is possible if you believe in your dreams and are ready to work hard’. Subsequently in 1988, Pizza Boy, their new business venture, opened its doors. Francine ensures that her clients are treated with the respect and kindness that she would show her family and has created a loyal and happy customer base. She notes that communication is also key between her enterprise, its suppliers, and their competition. She works closely with other restaurants and exchanges services when required. She believes strongly that the sun shines for everyone and every place offers their own specialties. It is this dedication to growth for everyone in the community that makes this entrepreneur special. Pizza Boy offers donations to various causes and community events such as the Potato Festival; Relay for Life; minor hockey; Heart, Stroke and Cancer Foundations; Construction of the E & P Sénéchal Centre; Jack & Jill’s; the Scouts, and the Girl Guides just to name a few. When an unfortunate fire occurred in December of 2004, it was the support of the community and their encouragement along with that of their children that encouraged the Guimont’s to rebuild Pizza Boy, and the new restaurant opened its doors just months after the fire in July 2005. When it comes to developing the family business, Francine keeps an open-mind and takes advantage of the courses offered through the local CBDC and Women in Business programs. She attributes the success of the restaurant to her employees with communication and respect being essential tools in the operation of her business. She believes that her employees are like members of her family and that it is this atmosphere of respect that creates a great working environment which translates into a wonderful dining experience for her customers. These steps to success have proven a magic formula for Francine. In 2009 Francine received the United Commercial Travelers Award for her community service and Pizza Boy received a silver medal as one of the most popular restaurants as polled by the Victoria Star, L’Etoile and Le Cataracte. This year Francine received the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year for 2010 award by the Grand Falls Women’s Network and the NB Association of CBDCs. Francine fervently believes that everything happens for a reason - that life will sometimes give you obstacles, challenges and adventures, but when you keep a positive attitude as Francine does, you can overcome anything and be happy with your success. |
