Entrepreneurial Growth in Drummondville: Local Startups Gain National Exposure
Drummondville has emerged as a significant hub for Quebec’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, as highlighted by the recent appearances of two local companies, E-Surf Sport and Les Mélangés, on the television program Dans l’œil du dragon. These businesses, both operating out of the city’s industrial incubator, represent the diverse innovation currently taking place in the region.
E-Surf Sport: Expanding the Market for Electric Water Sports
E-Surf Sport, a manufacturer specializing in electric surfboards, was featured on the May 27 broadcast of Dans l’œil du dragon. According to founder Audric Hartmann, the company’s boards use turbine-driven motors, allowing users to engage in bodyboarding and surfing autonomously without the need for boat towing. The technology is designed to operate without creating significant waves or noise, minimizing impact on aquatic wildlife.
Originally based in Montreal, the company relocated to Drummondville to take advantage of its central location and the support provided by Drummond économique. The move has proven strategic as the firm scales its operations. Following their appearance on the program, Hartmann confirmed a partnership with investors David Côté and Serge Beauchemin. This collaboration is intended to provide both capital and strategic business guidance to support the company’s expansion across Quebec, Canada, and the United States. E-Surf Sport expects to significantly increase its annual revenue throughout 2026.
Les Mélangés: Building a Brand in a Competitive Sector
Les Mélangés, a distributor of flavored peanuts and sunflower seeds, appeared on Dans l’œil du dragon on June 3. Led by co-owners Louis-Charles de La Bruère and Myric Gendron, the company has grown its product line to include six peanut varieties and four types of sunflower seeds.
While the entrepreneurs did not secure a partnership with the show’s investors, the reception of their brand concept was positive. According to Myric Gendron, the investors acknowledged the strength of the product but opted against a deal due to the high level of competition within the snack food industry. Despite this, the company has maintained steady growth. Since April, Les Mélangés has operated out of the Drummondville industrial incubator, expanding into a larger space equipped with a loading dock to accommodate increased sales volume. Their products are currently available through online channels and at approximately 750 retail locations across Quebec.
Comparing Business Trajectories in the Incubator
The experiences of these two companies illustrate different paths for growing businesses within the same regional incubator:
| Feature | E-Surf Sport | Les Mélangés |
| :— | :— | :— |
| Product Focus | Electric water sports equipment | Flavored snacks (peanuts/seeds) |
| Investment Outcome | Partnered with Côté and Beauchemin | No partnership secured |
| Market Position | Targeting international expansion | 750 retail points in Quebec |
| Growth Strategy | Leveraging investor expertise | Scaling through increased distribution |
Both companies highlight the tangible impact of local industrial incubation. By transitioning from small-scale operations to facilities capable of handling larger inventory and distribution, these startups are contributing to the broader economic development of Drummondville. As both firms continue to navigate their respective markets, their progress serves as a case study for how regional businesses can leverage media exposure and local resources to refine their operations and reach new customers.