Meet Pascal Charest

15th Anniversary Employee Voices – Pascal Charest

Pascal has been with SMS Equipment since day one. Literally.

When three Canadian equipment dealers, Federal Equipment, Coneco Equipment, and Transwest Mining Systems, merged to form SMS Equipment in May 2008, Pascal was part of the Federal Equipment human resources group in Montreal, Quebec.

In that role, he had the opportunity to work on the merger and help employees navigate the transition to a new company. He also had a front-row ticket to witness the start of SMS Equipment’s journey.

Growing with the company.

Over the last fifteen years, the company has grown by leaps and bounds, and so has Pascal’s career. He credits SMS Equipment for valuing its employees and letting them live their dreams.

“My dad was in sales for 40 years, and it was one of my dreams to work in sales just like he did,” says Pascal.

Thirteen years ago, Pascal’s dream became a reality when he had the opportunity to move into a sales role at the Chicoutimi branch.

Teamwork makes the dream work.

Though SMS Equipment has grown across Canada and Alaska, the focus on working together and providing personalized service to its customers has remained the same since day one.

“When we face challenges, we face them together and overcome them as a team.”

“Working for SMS Equipment feels like you’re part of a larger purpose. It’s a deep connection with older and younger members, and we work together to improve our community and help ensure our customers’ success.”

All these years later, Pascal appreciates that when customers walk into the Chicoutimi branch – it still feels like home for them. The faces that greet them are familiar and friendly, and they know they’re not just a number to SMS Equipment.

“We listen to our customers and move quickly for them even though we’re a bigger company than before. We’re still flexible and fast, and our customers depend on us for that,” says Pascal.

The best is yet to come.

Anniversaries are a natural time to reflect on the past and contemplate the future. When asked about what’s to come, Pascal says he’s not going anywhere.

“It’s been 15 years since the merger. Those 15 years went quite fast, and the next 15 will go just as fast. I think the best is yet to come.”

“I don’t see myself working anywhere else. I started here when I finished school, and my goal is to stay with SMS Equipment until I retire.”