Benoit Lafortune

Ben has extensive experience in Sales and Marketing administration and has built and led successful sales teams for a number of leading North American Manufacturers. He is skilled at designing and implementing new business plans in highly competitive markets.  He has held positions in Sales and Marketing Administration for a number of very high profile companies in both Canada and the US, such as Bombardier, Evinrude and Johnson Marine, Ski-Doo and Sea-Doo recreational vehicles. Ben also travels extensively, helping to develop new business overseas, including Demers Ambulances operations in Ireland, Germany, the Middle East, Russia and Africa.  Ben is a shareholder in Paul Demers & Sons, Inc, and serves as a key member of the Demers Management Team, reporting directly to the President.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE
  • 30 Years experience in Sales & Marketing, all vehicle related.
  • 12 Years experience in the ambulance industry, developing a thorough knowledge of the product, and ambulance operations.
  • Recognized for his ability to understand customer needs working with all factions of the organization to reach consensus solutions for the customer.
  • Participating Member of Ambulance Manufacturers Division of NTEA.
  • Active in both the Ontario and Quebec Ambulance Associations.
  • Ability to develop solutions to customer needs, understanding issues, and benefits of changes.
SUMMARY OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS
  • As Vice President of Sales and Communications for Bombardier Motor Corp, Wisconsin USA, he directed the North American Dealer Network, achieving annual sales of over $500 million in Outboards and Sport Boats in 2003. He was responsible for all retail promotions, and consumer events
  • Being fluent in both English and French, Ben was able to work freely in the entire North American Market
  • Has extensive experience in the development of new product entries into the marketplace. Developed a new 5 year strategic plan for Bombardier ATVs
  • Has served on the management teams of Bombardier (various divisions), Sports Boats. Participated in multiple new product development and launch initiatives.
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
1987 University of Sherbrooke
Quebec, Canada
Received Baccalaureate Degree in Marketing
JOB HISTORY
2005-Present Demers Ambulances
Beloeil, Quebec
Emergency Vehicle Manufacturer, delivering ambulances worldwide.
Executive Vice-President 
2001-2004 Bombardier Motor Corp. of America
Wisconsin,  USA
Manufacturer of Sport Boats, Evinrude and Johnson engines
Vice- President of Sales & Communications
2000-2001 Bombardier, Inc.
Valcourt, QC, Canada
Manufacturer of All Terrain Vehicles
Vice-President Marketing and Strategic Planning, North America 
1997-2000 Bombardier Inc.
Sherbrooke, Canada
Manufacturer of Watercraft, Snowmobiles and ATVs
Vice-President of Sales and Communications-Canada 
1993-1997 Bombardier Motor Corporation of America
Ski-Doo Snowmobiles, Parts,  Accessories, and Garments
Director of Sales 
1989-1993 Bombardier, Inc.
Sherbrooke, Canada
Ski-Doo Snowmobiles, Parts, Accessories, and Garments
Regional Sales Manager 
1987-1989 Bombardier, Inc.
Montreal, Canada
Sea-Doo Watercraft
Marketing Manager