PPB April 2020

AlainGailloux President Agence Alain Gailloux Val David, Quebec Before he became a multi-line rep, Alain Gailloux spent his days quite differently. For 10 years, he worked as a supply technician in the Canadian Army and then he owned and operated a drive-in movie theater before seeing the career possibilities in the promotional products industry. In 1986, Gailloux accepted an invitation to join his uncle, Georges Gailloux, as a full-time employee in his multi-line rep company. When his uncle passed away 19 years later, he and business partner Rachel Brunet changed the name of the company to Agence Alain Gailloux and continued to offer distributors across Quebec the personalized service they had become accustomed to and products from a variety of supplier lines. In between running the business and on the road to visit clients, he’s also an active volunteer leader within Promotional Product Professionals of Canada, stepping up to support various nonprofit organizations for children and securing prizes for the Quebec Chapter’s 60th anniversary golf tournament. About the Best Multi-Line Reps recognition, he says, “I am very proud to receive this honor. Thank you to PPAI and Caroline Néron, and special mention to all the suppliers I rep—you are a part of this honor. Thank you very much.” Nominator: Caroline Néron, Busrel, Inc. What makes him the best: “He has made his place and his reputation among small and large distributors with his enthusiasm, his leadership and his innate sense of respect for others,” says nominator Caroline Néron. His secret to success: To live, you need oxygen, and my customers are my oxygen. When you like what you do, you are not working. Also, my partner Rachel Brunet has done a wonderful job; she is a big part of our success and the future of the company. The most important thing is to be close to your customers. If you are in front of your customers, it’s way better than being in front of a computer. How distributors can help reps do a better job: They can help by communicating their needs, and I can help by listening to them. The biggest issue facing reps today: We need close, human relationships if we are to understand people’s needs and help to solve them. What he wants distributors to know: Working together we will grow faster, and it is easier for all of us to succeed. Alternate career choice: I would be a speaker in the promotional products industry so I could share my knowledge and help others. “He has made his place and his reputation among small and large distributors with his enthusiasm, his leadership and his innate sense of respect for others.” —Caroline Néron FEATURE | Best Multi-Line Reps 54 | APRIL 2020 |