With his exemplary and impressive record as a businessman, Léopold Thériault is a great builder and philanthropist and an outstanding leader in steel-structure manufacturing.
Over the years, beginning at the young age of 13, M. Thériault began to climb the long ladder to success, and today, with more than 50 years of experience behind him, he is an acknowledged expert in the steel industry in Canada. His company, with more than 150 full-time and nearly 100 seasonal employees, has also earned an international reputation, having taken on projects in multiple countries worldwide.
Much more than a skilled businessman, M. Thériault is also a generous benefactor who takes an active part in his community’s economic, social and cultural development. Over the last 10 years, he has offered financial support to more than 60 organizations in various sectors such as health, sports and recreation, the arts, culture and community aid. Although he has supported every aspect of community life through his contributions, he has always had a special interest in sports and youth.
Over the course of his career, M. Thériault has earned numerous awards and honourary distinctions including the New Brunswick Heritage Day Outstanding Citizen Award, Company of the Year Award from the Association des gens d’affaires du Grand Tracadie Inc., Business of the Year award from the Conseil économique du Nouveau-Brunswick, Lauriers de la PME Awards in the rural development category and he has been named Ambassador of the town of Tracadie-Shelia.
He has also earned recognition in the post-secondary education sector, being named to the Ordre des Régents et Régentes of the Université de Moncton and he has been made a lifetime member of the Université de Moncton Shippagan Campus and the Alumni Association. In 2013, M. Thériault was awarded an honourary doctorate in engineering.
M. Thériault always mentions his 4 chidren’s involvement in the family’s businesses, their work ethics and by the way, that he has 7 grand-children and 1 great-grand-child. He also recognizes the contribution of his ex-wife Alma, mother of Donald, Serge and Berthe, and Lisette Maltais, mother of Gabrielle.
Léopold Thériault is receiving the Order of New Brunswick for his outstanding leadership in steel-structure manufacturing and for his legendary generosity, community engagement and commitment to youth.