My parents have been in business for as long as I can remember. My fondest memories in the company are the special moments I shared with them. How many times we ate with work teams. My father had made a spaghetti sauce and one evening, he and I brought it all on a contract to go eat with the employees. Frascarelli family, it's a matter of the heart.
At another point, we had decided to bid on big public contracts. So, I remember one evening when my father and I, against the one who was in charge of finances, my mother and the one who was in charge of projects, my sister, we had an "argumentation fight" concerning the prices that we should submit! Phew, that had been an exciting evening! Hahaha Who had won? My father and I of course, like good old salesmen! A few days later, it was the public opening of the tenders. I had attended the one on the North Shore and my sister, the one on the South Shore. Both tender openings were at the same time. During public tenders, we had a golden rule that we respected. Right after the opening, we called the office on a conference call where everyone could hear the results. So, disappointed with the result, I made my call and told them, "Well, we only got one! And my sister shouted: LYDIA Frascarelli, we got 3 on the South Shore!!! WHAT??? 4 schools that we just got? Well yes! From that very moment on, the company began to take off in earnest. We were a team. We rolled up our sleeves and made it happen!
When I first started working for my father, the company had about twenty employees. When I left, it had about a hundred employees and sales were still booming!
The Honor of the Frascarellis
We gained experience, tested, and sometimes learned the hard way. Indeed, sometimes we had to start again, or 'eat money,' as they say. Because the Frascarellis had an unwritten golden rule: Taking care of customers at all costs! If we made a mistake in a quote, there was no way we were going to charge the client or degrade our service. We were always researching ways to improve. We were using better equipment or products to achieve better results.
The customer was KING for us. We took them in hand and pampered them as if they were a real gift. Because indeed, for us, a customer was worth a lot. We understood that the customer had done us the honor of coming to us and we were indebted to them to a certain extent. If, unfortunately, we lost a contract, there was no question of tarnishing our image by leaving in an unprofessional manner. On the contrary, our principle was to always go out with your head held high.
My mother made it her duty to pay our suppliers on time. And if she couldn't, she was exemplary in her honesty with our suppliers, who could count on their word. We respected our suppliers and the privilege they gave us to be in partnership with us. We were loyal to our suppliers as much as possible, also favoring quality.
A family affair, the Frascarellis
We were a family that managed. So, sometimes, it was very difficult. Imagine a family celebration where we didn't talk about the business... IMPOSSIBLE!! It took up all the space in our hearts and in our homes. Our spouses and children suffered from this clumsiness on our part. They suffered our arguments, our discussions, our overflowing enthusiasm at family dinners. Today, I realize that the business was truly the center of our universe, very often pushing the other members of the family aside.
The complicity of a family
When the company lost or gained a client, experienced a difficult or happy event, the entire office, and very often the employees, benefited. Because what would a new contract be if we couldn't celebrate with the people for whom it mattered most? At first, it was a glass of port or a meal shared with the entire office to congratulate each and every one of us. In the end, we were more sensible and it was more like hot chocolates or iced smoothies. The employees were important. Unfortunately, a few employees have passed away now. But we still know their names by heart and share fond memories with them. If we unfortunately lost a big contract, we experienced it together. And we redoubled our efforts to replace that income and save the jobs of the housekeeping staff. You should see when it was time to do a sales mailing or when my father and I went to a sale.
“Move over, it’s going to be a busy time! We’re back with a sale! Get ready!”
The family gathered for a running race in Acton Vale. My parents, as usual, were there to cheer us on!
Retirement
And one day, my parents announced to me that they were tired, that they wanted to retire. That day was sad for me, in a way. It was the end of the Frascarelli team. The housekeeping industry was no longer the same and had become a source of stress for my parents. They chose tranquility in a gentler business with fewer upheavals. I would never have dared to stand in their way and I accepted their decision, not without sadness for the future.
Alone
I realize today how lucky I was to have parents who were such builders. It's not given to all children to grow up in a business family. It wasn't always easy and fun, believe me. Nevertheless, this family business allowed us to live very close to each other. Having been immersed in business since the age of 5, I carry within me the stamp of business. I surely have the ease more than anyone to build a business and make it a success and this is thanks to the example I received from my parents.
Today, I created my own small business, without partners. It's a consulting and training company specializing in housekeeping. At first, I panicked at the task. How am I going to do sales, accounting, production, all by myself? I understood that now, businesses had to be on social media!!! Phew, me who felt useless when it came to technology! I then understood how my father must have felt when computers took up space in the office and became essential. I had to face it, just as he had to face these fears in the past.
I was also fortunate to have the unconditional support of my husband. This photo, taken at the summit of Mount Richardson in the Gaspé Peninsula, shows the team we still form.jean-and-me
THANK YOU with all my heart
To my parents, Dino Frascarelli and Louise Damin Frascarelli, I would like to pay tribute to you for all the love, time, and attention you have given to this business. I would like to thank you for putting this business so much at the heart of our family even though it has been so difficult. Today, I am convinced that I am a respectable businesswoman thanks to the example I have received. I know the value of money, of a customer, an employee, or a supplier. I continue to take care of my customers at all costs and to pay my suppliers as quickly as possible, as I learned from honorable people. I received an important legacy from you: A sense of honor, business, and respect. You are and will always remain my mentors.
THANK YOU mom and dad xxxx I love you so much!
My parents, Dino and Louise Frascarelle, these builders
Mom and Dad now run a small counseling business and are extraordinary mentors. You can find them at Douce Libération or at the following phone number: 450-549-5441
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Who am I?
My name is Lydia Frascarelli, a trainer and consultant in housekeeping – sanitation within my company: CF Salubrity Inc.After 32 years at the helm of a cleaning company with around 100 employees, I now offer consulting and training services, specializing in cleaning and food safety. I also have the pleasure of supporting entrepreneurs in their businesses or building managers as well as housekeeping managers. I love my job and I take great pleasure in seeing these managers dare to create.
Do you have a problem in one of your buildings or with employees and you can't find the solution? Would you like to improve the quality of sanitation in your building? Contact me by phone: 514-795-5962 or by email. I will be happy to meet your needs.
From that very moment on, the company began to take off in earnest. We were a team. We rolled up our sleeves and made it happen!
