“I think one of the common denominators to me for the successful people out there… is the word curiosity. The word curiosity means, to me, that you care...that you ask questions and you want to learn and you're still thirsty for growing each and every day.” ~Greg Drouillard, Target Building Materials, LTD.

If you’re searching for a prime example of “a body in motion stays in motion,” look no further than Greg Drouillard. As the owner of Target Building Materials, LTD. in Windsor, Ontario, he likes to be part of the action - in the office, on the trails, and out in his community. 

I had the chance to catch up with Greg to discuss some familiar Distribution Talk themes and look ahead at the business landscape, post-pandemic. I also discover what’s at the literal heart of Greg’s commitment to physical fitness and his motivation to stay curious, enthused, and grateful.

“I never wanted to be a bleacher creature. I wanted to be involved and be on the playing field or on the ice... I didn't want to be a bench sitter and I've always put my hand up to say yes. I like to be involved.”

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Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth and achieve personal goals.   

http://www.distributionteam.com

This episode was edited & mixed by The Creative Impostor Studios.

Connect with Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbader

Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-drouillard-48b82112/

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The desire to contribute has kept Greg in the game since he first climbed into the seat of a forklift as a teenager. As fun as those hours in his family’s warehouse were, Greg had aspirations elsewhere. Up in the air, to be exact.

Administrative opportunities and advancement at Air Canada followed but the family business eventually came calling so Greg went back - on his terms. “I said, I will enter into your business, based on the condition...I start from the rock bottom and I want to learn the business. I want no favors. I want no stripes on my shoulder until I earn them.” 

That was over forty years ago. It’s safe to say that Greg has since earned his stripes, leading by example from the field rather than the sidelines. He’s participated in multiple organizations including ACDI/VOCA and STAFDA, for which he served as president). He’s also served four tours of duty as head of TORBSA, the organization of independent Canadian building supply owners. Greg’s a serious advocate for membership, pointing to organizations as encouraging spaces in which to build confidence, make connections, and gain access to elite minds in the business.

Outside of his professional and civic engagements, Greg leans on his love of physical activity and learning to stay sharp. The current pandemic mirrors a health crisis he suffered several years ago in that the experience taught him to fully appreciate all he has and to seek out new avenues for strengthening overall wellbeing for the long haul.

“The three words that I try to live my life by is balance, variety, and moderation.” But he’s not about to take a seat in the bleachers anytime soon. Greg knows that post-pandemic business will require marathoners, not sprinters.

CONNECT WITH GREG

Target Building Materials, LTD  https://targetsupply.com/