Quebec Entrepreneur Passes Torch to Next Generation
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By [Invented Reporter] | %%datelinelocation%% – 2025/09/01 07:48:18
A prominent Quebec business leader is preparing to hand over the reins to his children, ensuring the company remains locally owned and operated.
Pierre-Olivier ZAPPA and the Chairman and CEO, François ROBERGE. Interview with the Roberge family of life in pink. Montreal, August 27, 2025.
Photo Pierre-Paul Poulin
After four decades at the helm,François ROBERGE is transitioning leadership to his children,choosing to keep the business within the family rather than selling to outside interests.
Refusing to Sell: A Matter of the Heart
In an exclusive interview, François ROBERGE explained his decision to pass the business on to his children, Roméo and Amélia, despite numerous offers to sell.
“life in pink is my life! It’s not just a businessit’s a heart project.”
“As life in pink is my life! It’s not just a businessit’s a heart project,” said François ROBERGE. “I have already had a lot of approaches, including The without who tried to buy us. But for almost ten years, I have closed all the doors… I am not for sale. My last big dream is the next generation. I want to see my children carry this torch even above.”
A Family Affair: Commitment to Quebec
Amélia Roberge affirmed the family’s commitment to keeping the business in quebec.
“Absolutely. It is indeed not just a business decision, it is a question of values,” said Amélia Roberge. “We talked about it with the family, we did our homework. And we have all agreed: life in pink will stay here, in the hands of a Quebec family business.”
François ROBERGE contrasted the North American “build to sell” mentality with the European tradition of families holding onto their businesses for generations. “In North America, we have this mentality of ‘building to sell’. As soon as it becomes profitable, we receive a nice offer and we collect. But in Europe, it is the opposite: families keep their businesses for generations! Me, I recognize myself more in this vision!” he stated.
François Roberge acknowledged that disagreements are a natural part of the transition process.
“Of course, and it’s healthy,” said François Roberge. “We work with family, we all live two minutes from each other. But we have frank discussions. And what I like is that they each have their style, their strengths. Me, I come from the time of the phone in roulette … They are 100% techno. It is a huge asset.”
Roméo Roberge emphasized the importance of a gradual and responsible approach to leadership. “We take it to heart. And even if it’s not always simple, we go gradually. We want to be ready, not just to direct, but to do it with seriousness and responsibility,” said Roméo Roberge.
François and his children, Roméo and Amélia Roberge.
Photo Pierre-Paul Poulin
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Why did François Roberge choose to pass the business to his children rather of selling?
- A: François Roberge stated that the business is a “heart project” and he wants to see his children carry on the legacy.
- Q: What is the timeline for the transition of power?
- A: Roméo and Amélia are expected to become co-presidents within five to seven years.
- Q: Is the business staying in Quebec?
- A: Yes, the Roberge family is committed to keeping the business in Quebec.
