Dépanneur Telmosse: Independent And Proud!
Text and photo: Yves Rouleau, journalist, L’Information du Nord Mont-Tremblant (see original article here). Translation by DepQuébec.
Surviving As An Independent Owner In A World of Banners
“Here, it’s a bit like an old-timer club. Often, we see a spontaneous gathering of people in the store just sharing tales and stories”, says Jean Telmosse, owner of Dépanneur Telmosse, which has become a true institution in Mont-Tremblant.
It took Jean and Aline Telmosse to be ranked recently among the 100 most appreciated c-stores in Quebec by web portal DepQuébec to realize just how amazing their long-time presence and accomplishments are.
Indeed, they both managed to sustain an independent c-store for 37 years in the community without ever posting a known banner or joining the ranks of a big chain.
“We try to hold pretty much every needed product in our store. When we’re told that there is a demand for something we don’t have, we do our best to offer it,” says the long-time couple.
However, the owners believe that the key to their success is the unique casual atmosphere that they inspire within the store.
“One talks to me about the latest hockey game, the other about his recent hunting trip and another about what just happened to his neighbor. If there is a fire, a robbery or an accident in the vicinity, it’s not long that I know everything about it!” says he.
Jean and Aline Telmosse opened their convenience store 37 years ago.
“I saw this house for sale on the side of Highway 117, thinking it would be a great place for a convenience store. I ended up realizing my plan,” says Jean Telmosse.
Almost every day since, either Jean or his wife, often both, stand behind the counter of their depanneur.
“There are positive and negative aspects to work side by side. But overall, it has been a good experience since this year, we are celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary,” said Aline.
Together in good and bad times
The couple went through a tough ordeal when their daughter Marie-Andrée, who was only a few months old, was diagnosed with cancer.
“I remember spending at least three days a week in Montreal during her hospital stay and Jean was in charge of the convenience store while taking care of our son, Luc, who was only 5 years old. Fortunatly, it ended well. Marie-Andrée recovered completely, thank heaven,” says Aline Telmosse.
The couple could not have gone through all these years without the help and support of their loyal employees. The owners have asked that Mélanie Morneau be mentioned, as she worked dutifully for them for 12 years.
The Telmosses recently received an unexpected recognition. The DepQuébec c-store portal has listed them among the top 100 most appreciated depanneurs in Quebec. The ranking was based on comments on the site as well as a site visit.
The mention was followed by a letter of congratulations from the MNA for Labelle, Sylvain Pagé, a gesture that they truly appreciated. The letter has been posted prominently in the store.
