Interview with Martine Boire, Head of Product Quality Management

Martine is SOLABS' Head of Product Quality Management.

This interview took place on 2023-03-29. Interview by E. Langlois.

Etienne L.: How long have you been a member of the SOLABS team? And what was your initial role with the company?

Martine: I have been with SOLABS for 16 years! After all this time, I’m not sure what my exact role was at at the time, it was among the lines of Quality Specialist. Over the years, I moved up and have been part of the management team as the Head of Product & Quality Management for over 5 years.

Etienne: What motivated you to join SOLABS at the time?

Martine: I was working for a GMP pharmaceutical company, and the plant where I worked announced that they would close in two years. At the same time, one of my co-workers was approached by Richard Fecteau, who at the time, was SOLABS' CEO. She introduced me to Richard and Philippe thinking I would be interested in the job, and she was right! I was also seduced by the offices in old Montreal, right in front of  Canal Lachine.

Etienne: What's your favorite part of being a member of the SOLABS team?

I love working with a small and focused team! When I joined SOLABS, I was employee no 6 or 7 and that was very different from what I had known. I have the chance to tackle different tasks daily. This can be stressful as I need to maintain expertise in multiple areas, but it also never gets boring or repetitive! I also love how we as a team are always searching for ways to increase customer satisfaction and improve their experience with SOLABS QM10.

Etienne: What do you love most about the SaaS and Life Sciences industries?

Martine: Ever since I started working in QA, I fell in love with the rigorous, structured mindset of quality. I thrive in a well-organized environment, and it’s a perfect fit for me!

Etienne: What's a fun fact about you that not many people know?

Martine: I started my career as a nutritionist, I have a bachelor’s degree in nutrition. Early in my career, I worked in hospitals and my work involved clinical counseling in nutrition! 

Etienne: What is your favorite hobby?

Biking is one of my main hobbies. I enjoy long rides in the countryside frequently! Aside from this, I enjoy renovating my house. I’ve done it multiple times in the past, and I’d love to buy a second house, renovate it, and rent it.

Etienne: What is the next place on your travel bucket list?

Martine: I love travelling, though I haven’t in a few years! To me, the best destinations need to have good wine. I would love to go to Spain, France, Italy, or Portugal and do a tour of the vineyards!

Etienne: If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Martine: Baguette, Cheese, and Wine!

Etienne: What's one item you can't live without?

Martine: There’s no specific item I need. I live in the countryside, material or accumulating stuff is not top of mind for me. Assuming I cannot name my two sons, can I pick my dog Léo and my cat Billy? I love them so much!

Etienne: Yes Martine, this is not a contest. :-)