This month, we are excited to feature November Clients of the Month, Géophysique MaYan, a leading provider of geophysical surveys in Quebec.
Our November Clients of the Month, Yannick Pelletier and Mario Nucciarone became fast friends when they first met, eventually becoming business partners. As a specialist in geophysics surveys, Mario quickly realized there were limited options for those needing surveys, often resulting in long wait times or increased prices. Together with Yannick, they created Géophysique MaYan, a company that offers competitive rates, quick service, and complete reports. This duo soon gained the attention of various development and construction companies, leading to a growing business. In less than 12 months of actively offering geophysical surveys, they have already traveled throughout Quebec for various contracts.
YES: When did you start your entrepreneurial journey, and what were some of your goals?
We began our entrepreneurial journey about two years ago when Mario and I decided that we wanted to be independent, without relying on an external job for financial security. Our goal was to be the masters of our own time. We decided, with Mario’s geophysics expertise and my skills in sales and client relations, to create our own geophysics company and bring some healthy competition to Quebec’s geophysics industry. Mario and I have known each other for over ten years and have wanted to work together since meeting at 17. We went through several business ideas (unsuccessful but fun), even considering becoming police partners until we found out you can’t choose your partner!
YES: What stage are you at now, and what have been your greatest achievements?
We now have a steady flow of clients from various engineering firms and construction companies that contact us for projects. This volume of work allows us to pay ourselves decent salaries and cover our equipment costs. We’re even hoping to purchase a pick-up truck by the end of the year.
One of our greatest achievements has been starting from scratch—with no clients and no one knowing us—to reaching out to various project managers and earning their trust. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our efforts pay off. We sowed a lot, and now we’re finally reaping the benefits by doing work we love.
Another achievement we’re proud of is being able to purchase our main piece of equipment in our first year, so we no longer have to rent it for most contracts.
YES: What have been your biggest struggles?
Our biggest struggle was building a client base since no one in the industry knew us. It took months of phone calls and emails to earn the industry’s trust and get our name out there. Even now, many major players still don’t know us, so we continue working hard to establish a solid reputation where clients trust us, regardless of the contract.
YES: What challenges were you facing before coming to YES?
Mario and I had no idea where to start. We didn’t know how to file taxes, incorporate, or understand tax requirements. We wanted to start a business but had no idea how to proceed.
YES: What did you gain from using YES’s services, and what was the best part?
We were fortunate to have Miriam as our coach at YES, and she was instrumental in getting Géophysique MaYan Inc. off the ground. She answered all our questions about properly starting a business and showed us how to handle our accounting, even providing an Excel template to help.
Miriam also helped us set a timeline for the business, guiding us on when to start paying ourselves and when to invest in equipment. She taught us how to navigate the Revenu Québec and CRA websites to complete our government paperwork.
We also appreciate that Miriam helps Mario and me resolve our occasional disagreements with an objective perspective (I tend to let my emotions get the better of me sometimes!).
YES: How do you feel about the service you received from YES?
The service at YES has been invaluable, and we continue to see the benefits of our sessions with Miriam.
YES: Any other thoughts you’d like to share?
As a final thought, I truly believe anyone wanting to start a business could benefit greatly from YES’s services, especially the one-on-one coaching.
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