Close up: Marc Beaudette General Manager, Bombardier Miami-Opa Locka Service Centre
Long-time Bombardier employee Marc Beaudette is general manager of the new Miami-Opa Locka Service Centre, officially opened on Oct. 31. Here, he reflects on his career with Bombardier and life in Miami.
Q. What is your most memorable customer experience?
A: Two come to mind. Back in my days at the Laurent Beaudoin Completion Centre (LBCC) in Montreal, I was very fortunate to work closely with Mr. Niki Lauda on his Global aircraft delivery. He had selected a unique aircraft interior and was quite involved with the specs, build process and delivery. I was lucky enough to spend several days with him; in fact, I often drove him from his hotel to Bombardier. His generosity, respect, and availability was mind-blowing. Second, I must mention the grand opening of our Miami-Opa Locka Service Centre. It was wonderful to have the Bombardier board of directors, Montreal senior management, customers, and employees here. The fact that I was able to live this huge achievement with my son, Jeremy, attending the event as well was very touching.
Q. What makes you proud to work at Bombardier?
A: Bombardier has offered me a variety of opportunities and allowed me to broaden my knowledge by learning new sectors of the business. I started in Plant 1 in the manufacturing facility in Saint-Laurent, Quebec; then I transitioned to Dorval, Quebec to work on the former CRJ aircraft program; then I went to Mirabel to work on CRJ paint and interior; and then I went back to Dorval to start Global Express completions. Other assignments in the U.S. include St. Louis, Wichita, Dallas, and Tucson. Today, I am general manager of the new Miami-Opa Locka facility. It really shows Bombardier’s commitment to its employees. I am truly grateful for these opportunities and the company’s trust.
Q. What is your favourite thing to do in Miami?
A: Well, the transition from our Fort Lauderdale facility to the Miami-Opa Locka Service Centre has kept us quite busy. However, I try to watch a few Florida Panthers hockey games, see the Miami Heat, and, especially this year, the Miami Dolphins football team. Nothing is more relaxing than spending a day on a boat on the Intercostal Waterway around Miami – if I’m lucky, I will see a few dolphins. I also really appreciate a bike ride from my house to Miami Beach along the ocean bike trail.
Q. What is your favourite Bombardier aircraft or service offering, and why?
A: Very good question. For the past 20 years, the Global aircraft program has been a major part of my career – from deliveries at the LBCC to today, doing maintenance on them, with some coming in for 240-month inspections. I cannot believe this aircraft has been in service for more than 20 years! As well, I can’t forget the Challenger 300/350. What an amazing aircraft from a performance, interior design and reliability standpoint. Let’s also remember the Learjet aircraft program and the incredible legacy created by Mr. Bill Lear; servicing all these aircraft at our service centre here in Miami is a great privilege.