Cédric Rochon thrives on challenges. A former freestyle skier, he's always been driven by performance, a trait that now fuels his business career. He first strapped on skis at the age of 7, and by 13, he was the youngest athlete to join Team Quebec. Just four years later, at 17, he earned a place on the national team. His rapid ascent was powered by passion and relentless hard work.

After retiring in 2015, Cédric embarked on a new business venture. In 2016, he purchased his first body shop, Carrossier ProColor Val-Morin, blending his passion for motorsports with his appetite for new challenges. With the guidance of a local mentor, he gradually learned the ropes. [translation] “I grew into the job, just like I did in skiing, I climbed the ranks,” he says.

Inspired by the values passed down by his father, he relies on discipline, hard work, and setting ambitious goals.

By 2017, Cédric moved into a brand-new facility in Val-David, where he introduced an innovative management system. [translation] “Some were skeptical, but I was convinced of the value of closely tracking repairs,” he explains. The system provides control over every step, from the first customer contact to the final delivery, and is inspired by the precision and process analysis he honed as an athlete. Today, 70% of ProColor shops have adopted this model.

Cédric's ultimate goal is to make his business fully autonomous from A to Z. With an in-house aesthetics centre, mechanical workshop, and calibration facility, he avoids outsourcing and ensures better repair follow-up. [translation] “Our clients are more demanding than ever. Step-by-step photo tracking is a powerful tool for reassuring both customers and insurers,” he notes.

Nicolas Labre, General Manager at ProColor, praises this forward-thinking approach:[translation] “The new generation of franchisees, like Cédric Rochon, are helping push the industry forward. They diversify their services and aim to offer sustainable solutions.”

Cédric leads a team of about twenty employees. Aware of the recruitment challenges in a regional setting, he focuses on retention through employee care and recognition. [translation] “We have very low turnover because we take care of our team,” he says. One of his most popular initiatives? A four-day, 40-hour workweek, introduced three years ago.

When hiring, Cédric trusts his instincts and looks for candidates with true drive, regardless of their formal training. [translation] “Yes, some come from trade schools, but bodywork training doesn’t always match the real-world demands. We need to rethink how we train people,” he reflects. His shop welcomes interns and offers them hands-on learning experiences with strong mentorship.

Cédric keeps a close eye on technological changes and is actively preparing for them. The shift to electric vehicles brings fresh challenges, especially in terms of training and repair techniques. He’s convinced that proactivity and adaptability are key to staying ahead in an evolving market.

Sonia Bouthillette, Associate Vice President of Sales and Operations at Fix Network, echoes this sentiment: [translation] “The new generation of entrepreneurs like Cédric are dynamic, attentive, and constantly striving for optimization. Their innovative mindset is raising the industry’s standards.”

The ProColor Val-Morin facility spans 8,000 square feet and includes nine repair bays. But beyond the numbers, what truly defines Cédric is his passion for his work, his team, and the well-being of those around him.

Outside the shop, he dedicates as much time as possible to his two children, aged 6 and 9, both involved in figure skating and mogul skiing. Deeply connected to his family and friends, Cédric also enjoys hunting and fishing, a chance to recharge in nature.

[translation] “I’m a go-getter and a perfectionist. For us, failure isn’t an option,” he says. With his boundless energy and forward-thinking mindset, there’s no doubt that Cédric Rochon will continue pushing boundaries, in both business and in life.