PolySurface quickly became a leading name in the concrete floor coating industry in Québec. In just a few months, the company built a strong reputation by providing cutting-edge services focused on customer satisfaction. Sylvain Boissonneault, the company’s founder, has a very particular vision of the business world: the customer is the boss, and everything must be done to ensure their satisfaction. The 99% satisfaction rate achieved clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of his approach.
The idea of starting a floor coating company came after a trip to Italy in 2008. Fascinated by the beauty and style of the country’s garage floors, Sylvain returned to Québec determined to start his own business in the industry. Since then, he has taken courses and attended various international conventions to stay up to date with the latest innovations and trends in floor coatings. For nearly three years, he operated a dealership specializing in garage floor coatings and the sale of steel cabinets. Finally, in 2013, he officially launched PolySurface, whose success has continued to grow ever since.
What sets PolySurface apart from other floor coating companies is its willingness to think outside the box, embrace bold new designs, and explore innovative products. “We try to stand out by doing things that other companies are unwilling to do,” explains Sylvain Boissonneault. “For example, last week, we built a waterfall in a swimming pool. No one else dared to do it, but we did!” The company also stands out through its use of less common products, including coatings resistant to salt, calcium, chlorine, and acid. PolySurface can therefore apply coatings to all concrete surfaces, both in commercial spaces and residential properties.
Before starting his own company, Sylvain Boissonneault, the son of an entrepreneur, worked his way up through the ranks: excavator operator, foreman, superintendent. He worked on major construction projects in several provinces and overseas. He says he loves new challenges, and his position at the helm of PolySurface provides him with plenty of them while also allowing him to stay close to his family. “What I love about this company is that every morning, every day, every floor coating project is a new adventure. There’s no routine, and that’s what gets me excited!” Companies constantly face challenges if they want to stay competitive. According to Sylvain, the most important thing is knowing how to retain your workforce, train them, and help them grow. He is close to his employees, who are experts in concrete flooring, and places great importance on the relationships he has with them. “My second family is the team. I probably talk to my foremen more than I talk to my wife!” he says with a laugh.
Sylvain’s work is guided by values that make him a better business owner. Honesty and concern for his clients and employees are certainly the most important. “I have excellent employees who are highly skilled and hardworking. They do a lot for me, and I often treat them as if they were my own children!” He also has great respect for his customers, who are generally very satisfied with the services they receive from the company. “I truly work for the customer. I never want to sell them something they don’t need simply to make a sale. Customer service is the key for me. I often receive calls or emails from customers who are thrilled with the work that was done and with the professionalism of my staff. It always warms my heart.”
PolySurface continues to expand, and its founder has not ruled out the possibility of eventually turning it into a family business. “My twelve-year-old son is my best salesperson! When he comes with me to provide estimates, he sets up his samples and takes measurements with me. He’s very good at it and he enjoys it. I think he’ll take over the business.”
It certainly wouldn’t be surprising, given how Sylvain Boissonneault’s passion for his work is contagious.
