A New Brunswick entrepreneur has turned his love for artistic welding into a fulfilling career, creating art that brings people joy.  

Rémi Boudreau started his business Boudreau Metal & Custom Design after realizing his love for welding while working as a mechanic.  

“I always enjoyed working with my hands and creating items that were functional and made people happy,” he said.  

While learning more about welding, Rémi heard about CNC Plasma Cutting. It’s a process where a jet of hot plasma is used to cut through electrically conductive metal. It quickly became his favourite hobby. 

“I found myself doing it for others purely for the joy of it,” he said.  

Drawing inspiration from his father and grandfather, who each turned their respective hobbies of hunting and craftsmanship into businesses, Rémi decided to take the plunge into entrepreneurship with the help of the CBDC’s Self Employment Benefit Program for Persons with a Disability.  

“From giving my business a strong start, to connecting me with some of the best business and marketing consultants available, I am grateful for the expert guidance and support I've received from CBDC,” Rémi said.   

The support offered by the CBDC has helped him to overcome challenges and seek new opportunities and growth in his business.  

“Now I get to do the work I love, make a decent living through CNC Plasma Cutting, and support my family while enjoying a life filled with purpose and happiness,” he said.  

The business allows Rémi to use his creativity to reimagine raw materials into unique art and custom designs for his vast clientele. Clients range from outdoor enthusiasts and memorabilia collectors to corporate enterprises and more.   

Rémi has also sought out partnership opportunities with retailers like gift shops, garden centres, and hardware stores to sell his creations and diversify his income.  

“Walking through the aisles of a retail store and seeing the products I made with my own hands displayed on the shelves boosts my sense of achievement and motivates me to keep improving my craft and create even more exceptional pieces,” he said.  

Rémi enjoys the freedom of being an entrepreneur, which allows him to conduct business in a way that aligns with his personal values and goals.  

“My favourite part of being an entrepreneur is the sense of freedom and personal fulfillment it brings,” he said. “Seeing how happy and surprised people are as I present a finished piece is truly the most rewarding part of my work.” 

He is also thankful for the ability to build a legacy for his family and community as the business continues to grow.  

“For me, it’s about going above and beyond the call of duty to make a positive impact on the lives of the people we serve and those we partner with,” he said. 

Despite the challenges that sometimes arise, Rémi says his business ownership journey has been very rewarding because of the support he’s received. 

“This entrepreneurial journey continues to affirm that with the right mindset, we can carve out our own paths and achieve amazing things,” he said.  

“Thank you, CBDC, for believing in me.”