A Discreet, Yet Essential Presence Since O-Volt’s Very Beginning
There are people you notice immediately. And then there are those you don’t always see… but whose absence would immediately make it clear that something important is missing. Bob belongs to this second category.
Since O-Volt’s very beginning, he’s been there. Not in front of the camera. Not on posters. Not at the mic.
But present, constant, committed, with a diligence and kindness that have profoundly shaped the company.
In this Tête d’affiche article, we introduce you to Bob: a silent pillar, a proud father, an involved grandfather… and a man for whom family commitment takes on a very concrete meaning.
A Man of Perseverance, Experience, and Dedication
If Bob had to describe himself in three words, they would be: perseverance, experience, and dedication. Simple words, without frills. Just like him.
Over the years, Bob has accumulated an impressive wealth of knowledge, not only from books, but also, and especially, from life. For him, experience is useless if it doesn’t benefit others. And what could be more natural than putting it at the service of his family?
This philosophy is reflected in everything he does at O-Volt: a calm, thoughtful presence, always oriented towards the common good and sustainability.
At O-Volt’s Origins, From Day One
When you ask Bob how long he’s been lending a hand at O-Volt, the answer is direct: since the very beginning.
At the time, Jean-Martin — his son, a member of O-Volt’s founding quartet — was driven by new, audacious ideas. A strong entrepreneurial spirit. But also a risky choice: leaving a stable job to embark on a still fragile project. Bob remembers it very well.
He sees the potential. He feels the determination. And above all, he understands one essential thing: for this project to work, he must support his son in this endeavor.
So Bob gets involved. He supports. He encourages. He reassures. Without ever seeking the spotlight. Just by being there, steadfastly.
The Big Leap: A Pivotal Shift for O-Volt
Among the significant moments in O-Volt’s history, Bob identifies one without hesitation: the generational shift.
Transitioning from climbing to a world focused on trampolines and children’s games was not a
simple adjustment. It was a change in clientele, vision, and mission. A new way of thinking about the family experience. This choice transformed O-Volt.
And above all, it confirmed one thing: here, we’re not just building an activity center. We’re creating a place for life, laughter, movement, and memories.
A Retirement… Very Active
Officially, Bob is retired. In reality, he’s still very much present. What motivates him to continue? The answer is almost surprising in its simplicity: he loves accounting.
Assisting Jean-Martin and his partners with financial monitoring has become a passion for him. A stimulating hobby. A way to stay active, both mentally and physically.
And as he says with a smile that can be read between the lines: in retirement, time is more available… and he knows very well how to use it.
Father, Grandfather… and Unconditional Support
Being the father of one of the owner-franchisors is no small matter. But for Bob, the role is clear: to encourage, support, and guide.
He sees O-Volt as a positive legacy. A company that could one day serve his son’s retirement… and above all, the future of his grandchildren.
Seeing the team grow the project is a source of immense pride. And Bob is convinced that the potential is far from being reached.
Work-life balance? For him, the question doesn’t even arise. Helping his children is natural. And when you have time, you might as well offer it where it truly matters.
The Discreet Guardian of Numbers
On a daily basis, Bob’s role at O-Volt is fundamental: to ensure rigorous and reliable accounting.
Behind every business decision, every expansion, every customer experience improvement, there are numbers. And Bob ensures they are accurate.
For him, well-kept accounting is not a constraint. It’s a tool. A lever for making good decisions and ensuring sustainable profitability, for the benefit of all:
owners, franchisees… and families.
The Perspective of a Man Who Has Seen It All
Over the years, Bob has seen thousands of families come through O-Volt. His observation is clear: parents love to see their children move.
Move to laugh. Move to challenge themselves. Move to grow.
He is convinced that these moments remain etched in memory because they are sincere. Children want to try everything at once. They would want to stay there forever. And adults,
observe this raw, contagious joy. That’s where the magic happens.
Team Spirit Above All
For Bob, O-Volt’s strength lies in complementarity. The four main members work together with a common vision, relying on trust and objectivity.
Teamwork, when done well, becomes an accelerator of development. Everyone brings their skills. No one goes it alone. And the company moves forward, solidly.
Bob, Away From the Spotlight
Outside of O-Volt, Bob dedicates a large part of his time to his wife, who has Parkinson’s disease. A daily commitment, marked by patience and love.
To recharge? Simple hobbies: very difficult sudokus, puzzles… and quiet. Sometimes, that’s enough.
A Simple Message to Families
If Bob had a message to convey to families discovering O-Volt, it would be clear: come get your children moving. Offer them a space to develop their motor skills, under the proud gaze of parents and grandparents.
O-Volt, for Bob
To conclude, Bob summarizes O-Volt in one sentence:
a local company, developed by us, for our children in Quebec.
And while the children jump, projects grow, and numbers align, Bob, for his part, continues to be there. Simply. Faithfully.