Interview with Martin-Frédéric Huard - Superintendent
Yasmine: Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Martin-Fréderic Huard, known as Fred, who has been DAWCO's electrical superintendent for over 26 years. Fred is one of those pillars who has grown with the company and embodies our values of rigor, respect, kindness, and excellence every day. Thank you, Fred, for taking the time to share your journey with us.
How long have you been working at DAWCO, and what are some of the key milestones in your career since 1999?
Fred: I've been part of the DAWCO family for 26 years now. I was hired by Serge Tousignant, Chairman of the Board, who gave me my first chance in the business with a guarantee of 150 hours to obtain my apprentice certification. In 2006, I began supervising small projects, then, over the years, larger projects. I have worked on major projects such as the Sucre Lantic site, the first project in Alberta for CNRL, the potash mines in Saskatchewan, as well as several Shell and Petro-Canada refineries. More recently, I have been involved in the biomethanization projects in Anjou and now the Nemaska Lithium project in Bécancour.
Yasmine: What a journey, Fred! We can see the diversity of your experience and the trust that DAWCO has placed in you over time. Aside from the title of apprentice, what has the 150-hour guarantee brought you?
Fred: That guarantee marked the beginning of a wonderful career filled with challenges and learning opportunities. I had the chance to develop my technical knowledge in several fields, including petrochemicals, aeronautics, pulp and paper, electrical substations, and most recently, the environment.
Yasmine: That's a great progression that has certainly exposed you to many different aspects of the profession! How would you summarize your current role as electrical superintendent on the Nemaska Lithium project?
Fred: My role is to plan my team's work, ensure that everything stays on schedule, that materials are available, and to resolve technical issues in collaboration with the engineering firm. I also make sure there is a good working atmosphere on the site with 48 employees, which is important!
Yasmine: I can picture you in the field, juggling planning, technical issues, and people management. It's not easy, but it's essential! Can you give an example of a method or planning improvement you've implemented and what impact it has had?
Fred: Yes, I introduced a sector-based work method, setting weekly objectives for my foremen. This makes tasks clearer and more achievable, and it motivates the teams. We also hold daily health and safety meetings, and I make sure that everyone understands the technical requirements in order to limit deficiencies at the end of the project.
Yasmine: A fine example of rigor and leadership in the field! We can see your commitment to quality and prevention. How do you nurture the next generation? Can you give a concrete example of knowledge transfer?
Fred: I have often trained my teams. When someone encounters a difficulty, I share my past experiences and suggest possible solutions. My door is always open. I encourage people to come and see me rather than risk making a mistake. I even help out on other sites when asked. I also organized an in-house training session at DAWCO on repairing heating cables.
Yasmine: That's a great example of solidarity. This mutual assistance between sites is very representative of DAWCO's culture. How would you describe this culture?
Fred: For me, it's teamwork. When a foreman faces a problem, another one often comes to help. I always prioritize team spirit over competition: everyone wins together, not just one individual.
Yasmine: That's the DAWCO spirit: unity is strength! What is the biggest change in your job since 1999?
Fred: I would say computerization, without hesitation! Everything is more digital today. I learned to adapt by asking questions, observing, and training myself. Health and safety standards have also changed a lot: they are stricter, but they make construction sites safer. And then, the massive arrival of battery-powered tools has transformed our daily lives.
Yasmine: It's crazy to think about how much has changed in 25 years! Adaptability is clearly one of your great strengths, Fred. You probably took the Know Your Colors training course. How has that changed your communication and leadership skills?
Fred: Yes, I was part of the very first group to take the training. My dominant color is red, with a little blue. This training really helped me understand that everyone manages themselves differently. Now I adapt my communication style to each person's profile. Above all, I value diversity in a team because that's what makes it strong.
Yasmine: That's so true! And we can see it in the way you lead, based on your professional background: you are both firm and humane, adapting to each individual.
How do you balance work and family life?
Fred: I would say that it's not always easy, especially when you work far from home. But I've always made time to be involved with my two boys: I coached them in youth hockey, we went fishing, hunting, and camping together. Now they're 18 and 16, so I have a little more freedom to work outside the home. I go home every weekend; it's only an hour and a half drive.
Yasmine: Nice balance! Your family remains your top priority, even in a demanding job. And finally, if you had to describe DAWCO in one word, what would you choose?
Fred: I would say: a major league company. DAWCO is a solid company that maintains strong family values. There's a real sense of belonging; we all know each other, we help each other, and we respect each other. The long-service recognition programs help strengthen this bond. When things are going well, we row together, and when things get tough, we keep rowing anyway.
Yasmine: That's a beautiful image, that sense of belonging and loyalty. It's what makes DAWCO different. Fred, thank you for this sincere and inspiring conversation. Your career is a fine example of consistency, learning, commitment, and passion for your work. We are deeply grateful for your dedication and for everything you pass on to the next generation day after day.
Fred: Thank you. It's my pleasure.