Marc Desjardins, Marc Subs Inc: A Finalist Who Embodies Entrepreneurial Spirit and Community Commitment 

Marc Desjardins is a business leader whose journey reflects vision, resilience, and a deep-rooted commitment to the communities of Northwestern New Brunswick. As a nominee for the Atlantic Business Award of Distinction, Marc’s story stands out for its steady growth, strategic diversification, and unwavering dedication to local development. 

After earning a master’s degree in biology and working for the federal government in Ottawa, Marc made the decision to return to New Brunswick to raise his family. That choice marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial path. In 2015, he purchased three Subway restaurants from his father and began building a business portfolio that now includes eleven locations across the region. These businesses span restaurants, gas stations, convenience stores, and retail, each serving a unique role in their communities. 

Marc’s growth has been consistent and impressive. By 2018, he owned eight Subway restaurants. In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he acquired a gas station in St-Léonard and discovered a new passion for the fuel and convenience store industry. This led to further expansion in 2021 with the purchase of a second gas station and convenience store in Perth-Andover, along with the Country Dollar Store and commercial property that included another Subway location. 

His businesses have faced significant challenges. During the pandemic, restaurant sales dropped by more than sixty percent. Rather than laying off staff, Marc pursued government programs and CBDC support to maintain employment. Once restrictions lifted, he invested in major renovations at four restaurant locations, which led to increased sales and improved customer satisfaction. 

In Perth-Andover, Marc faced intense competition when a new gas station opened just two hundred meters from his own. Despite losing a liquor license to the competitor, Marc focused on building strong relationships with commercial clients and enhancing customer service. His efforts helped retain existing accounts and attract new ones, even as a newcomer to the community. 

Marc’s businesses operate under three main entities. Nald and Marc Entreprises Inc. includes an Irving-branded gas station with convenience store located in St-Léonard, known for its clean facilities and highway accessibility. Marc Subs Inc. encompasses eight Subway restaurants, four of which have undergone full renovations. These upgrades have led to an increase in sales and a steady rise in customer satisfaction scores, reaching eighty-five percent in early 2025. Desjardins Complex Inc. includes a gas station, a Subway restaurant, and the Country Dollar Store in Perth-Andover. The store is the only general retail outlet in the community, offering everything from office supplies to household goods. 

Marc’s plans for growth are ambitious and thoughtful. He aims to renovate all eight Subway locations by the end of 2026. He is also planning a major project in Perth and at both gas stations. These additions are designed to meet emerging customer needs and expand service offerings. At the Country Dollar Store, Marc has doubled profitability since 2022 and plans to expand the grocery section, recognizing the growing role of dollar stores in food retail. 

Marc’s commitment to community is evident in every aspect of his work. He employs more than one hundred people across the region and consistently supports local contractors and suppliers. He serves as a director for the Grand Falls Downtown Business Development Committee and is a member of both the Edmundston and Grand Falls Chambers of Commerce. His donations support youth programs, schools, and sports clubs, with a special focus on initiatives that benefit the next generation. Each month, he sponsors student of the month awards at a school in Saint-André. 

His business performance reflects the strength of his leadership. Sales at the St-Léonard gas station increased exponentially in just one year. His Subway restaurant inspection scores have risen from below the national average to well above it, and customer satisfaction continues to climb. Despite temporary closures for renovations, Marc has achieved a steady increase in sales. His retail store has also seen significant growth, with net profits doubling between 2022 and 2024. 

Marc Desjardins’ nomination for the Atlantic Business Award of Distinction is a recognition of his entrepreneurial drive, his ability to overcome challenges, and his dedication to building businesses that serve and strengthen their communities. His story is one of growth, innovation, and heart, a powerful example of what it means to lead with purpose.