The power of the family

« In the médias » : Les Résidences Soleil’s interview with the magazine Boomers & Cie

It is with great pride that we announce our presence in the special issue of Boomers & Cie magazine. Appearing in the October-November edition, this article highlights Mr. Eddy Savoie’s inspiring journey through the great family adventure that are Les Résidences Soleil – Famille Savoie.

The creation of a brand new concept

“Les Résidences Soleil were founded as a family business in 1988, and the family has been growing ever since.” It was for family reasons that Eddy Savoie embarked on this great adventure of Les Résidences Soleil. Living at the time with his parents in the family home, he began looking for alternatives that would allow them to enjoy themselves and avoid boredom, while the whole family was at work and school, and to care for his father who was in the early stages of losing his autonomy.

But nothing like this yet existed in Quebec. There was still a lack of a combination of elements he considered indispensable: 24-hour security while preserving everyone’s freedom, delicious home-cooked meals, a wide variety of leisure activities and events, a swimming pool, a garage and communal living spaces to get together, all while remaining as accessible as possible.

Driven by this human and innovative vision, Eddy Savoie, then a building contractor, thought that if this concept of residential living would be suitable for his own parents, it could also be appropriate for many other seniors. He promptly set about designing a residence that would meet all his exact specifications, without compromise.

Today, 36 years after the birth of this innovative concept, Les Résidences Soleil are undeniably a model that has inspired others and enhanced the offering in Quebec, and one of the greatest family and entrepreneurial adventures in the province!

His « ray of sunchine »

This project would not have been possible without the unfailing support and presence of Carmelle, the woman who has been his life partner for 56 years and with whom he is still as much in love as on the first day. As proof, the couple have renewed their wedding vows three times:

“Alongside – and not behind – every great man is a great lady. Carmelle is my ray of sunshine, and I always look forward to coming home to see her.”

— Mr. Eddy Savoie, Owner, Founder and Chairman of the board, Les Résidences Soleil – Famille Savoie

Eddy Savoie : visionary and humanist

The first residence marked not only a milestone in the career of this man with a heart of gold, but also the beginning of a new era in Quebec with what are known today as seniors’ residences. With his humanist and philanthropic qualities, combined with his visionary, entrepreneurial and business skills, Eddy Savoie paves the way for a new social approach to the solitude of residential life, one that is both respectful and attentive to the real needs of seniors.

The Savoie Family have always been guided by that family spirit, and every action is based on solid family values: commitment, loyalty, solidarity, a sense of duty, ethics and respect for others.

The man who will celebrate his 81st birthday on November 13, 2024 – which coincides with World Kindness Day – rightly embodies these values, supported by his actions that are full of righteousness. Particularly through his support for countless causes:

In his spare time – which is rather rare! – the businessman finds a way to relax and indulge his passions. 

A lifelong fan of country music, he loves to attend country festivals, always in the company of his sweetheart. Also a golf player, he regularly takes part in charity tournaments, where he combines pleasure and generosity. But his greatest joy lies in spending time with his family, for he’s a natural unifier, seizing every opportunity to bring his loved ones together. A man of great simplicity, his favorite moments are festive family dinners, impromptu card games and forest outings on ATVs or snowmobiles.

A vocation since Day-1

Warm-hearted, attentive and thoughtful, Eddy Savoie pursues his vocation with the same love and passion as when he started. He loves to visit each of his residences, taking pleasure in meeting the residents and, above all, thanking his dedicated employees. He always takes the time to listen and talk to everyone he meets. A jokester, Eddy Savoie also enjoys pleasantries with his residents and listening to their amusing anecdotes.

And what about retirement? Although the major responsibilities have already been delegated to his eldest daughter, son and eldest granddaughter, he doesn’t see himself slowing down any time soon. For him, his job is not a job, because his passion allows him to be with his family every day!

Family makes babies

Although the first Résidences Soleil was built especially for his parents, Mr. Savoie and his family soon discovered their vocation for seniors and developed a deep attachment to them and a high sense of duty. Approached by several municipalities, they decided to expand their concept, at their own pace, one Residences Soleil at a time, not only to maintain total control without ever losing that family spirit, but to bring its many benefits to as many seniors as possible in Quebec.

Since 1988, Les Résidences Soleil have multiplied in many cities across Quebec, offering employment to nearly 2,000 people and a roof over the heads of nearly 7,000 who have chosen to make their homes there.

Three generations involved

Eddy and Carmelle’s greatest source of pride is undoubtedly the fact that they have managed to interest, mobilize and involve their family, who are currently active and devoted to the mission. This ensures that the family dream will live on.

Right from the start, their children – the second generation (Nataly, Janet, Nadine, Nancy and Junior) – joined the company and, according to their skills and commitment, each has found his or her own path and place. Today, it is with absolute confidence that Eddy and Carmelle have handed over the reins of their company to Nataly (Executive President) and Eddy Junior (President of Construction and Investment).

Among the 13 grandchildren making up the third generation, the eldest Katarina is also already a senior executive (Vice-President Customer Experience). Born in the first Résidences Soleil, she had the privilege of living there, growing up, blossoming and working in all departments, while continuing her studies.

The 11 great-grandchildren who make up the fourth generation, nicknamed “bébés Soleil”, are already pacing the corridors of the head office and residences from an early age.

A grandpa with a heart of gold

At the office, Eddy and Carmelle’s greatest joy is to hear their great-grandchildren running up to them as soon as they arrive, jumping into their arms for a hug or two, and then scurrying off to “grandpa’s” candy stash!

The power of the family

The differentiating feature of this business model is that the company is now entirely independent. With over 55 years’ experience in construction, plumbing, heating, real estate investment, management, etc., the Groupe Savoie has succeeded in integrating every aspect that gives it total control over the quality, cost and longevity of all its real estate projects. As a family, the company takes full responsibility for development, design, construction, operation, management and self-financing, and is the sole owner of each of its residences. In fact, it is the largest family-owned private company in its field in Canada.

THE reference

Les Résidences Soleil is unquestionably THE reference in the field, and it’s on this solid foundation that the Savoie Family has been caring for Quebecers since 1988. The many awards they’ve received over the years attest to this, including the prestigious and coveted honour of being listed among the Canada’s Best Managed Companies and the Consumer Choice Awar  in 2024, both for the 21st consecutive year!