There is no doubt that its founder, Honoré Pelletier, would be very proud to see the scale and reputation the company has achieved over the years. “The company name, HDF, refers to Honoré, Daniel and François,” explains François Pelletier, President of HDF Constructions and co-owner with his wife Caroline Hébert, who serves as General Manager.
The company was founded in 1959, but it was incorporated in 1976. Originally, it specialized in excavation, earthworks, snow removal, and bulk transportation. Over the years, HDF has evolved significantly. In response to market needs and business opportunities, the company has greatly diversified its range of services.

Brothers Daniel and François joined their father in the company at a very young age. They gained experience in many areas of the business and gradually worked their way up through the ranks. In 1992, Honoré Pelletier passed the company on to his sons, both of whom were committed to honoring their father’s work. Caroline Hébert joined the company in 2000.

“By 1999, paving had become HDF’s main activity until 2013,” explains François Pelletier. “Then, the milling equipment we acquired starting in 2011 allowed us to expand both our client base and the territory we serve.
Today, HDF specializes in pavement maintenance and rehabilitation, which includes various types of asphalt milling, pulverization and stabilization, asphalt paving, sweeping, public roadway snow removal, as well as the purchase, sale, and rental of heavy equipment.”

Expansion and investments

2019 got off to a strong start for HDF Constructions with the opening of a new office in Sainte-Catherine, in the Montréal region. “This new office will allow us to be even more competitive and better serve our clients across the province,” explains Caroline Hébert.
The company has also acquired specialized equipment for milling asbestos-containing asphalt pavements, micro-milling, and rumble strips. These investments come in addition to those made last fall for the acquisition of infrared preheating units, which are currently operating on the Samuel-De Champlain Bridge project.
In 2017, the company also implemented a 3D guidance system (robotic control) for milling operations.

Private and Public Clients

HDF Constructions’s clientele is composed largely of general contractors, but the company also works directly with Transports Québec and various municipalities.
“There is certainly competition in our sector,” notes François Pelletier, “but we stand out through the high quality of our work and a highly personalized customer service. Our clients trust us, and many have been working with us for a long time. They appreciate that we are willing to do things differently. We do not hesitate to collaborate with them and think outside the box to optimize the execution of their projects. At HDF, our corporate culture is built on teamwork and passion, which is reflected in everything we do.”

A true partner in its clients’ projects, HDF often advises them well beyond the mandates entrusted to the company. “Our expertise is extensive, and we have a comprehensive vision of construction sites. If we are unable to take on a contract due to our existing commitments, we will not hesitate to refer our clients to another company. We never leave our clients without a solution.
It is therefore no surprise that HDF ranks among the most important players in its sector. For us, honoring our commitments is essential. We are known for being reliable and transparent.”

A loyal and motivated team

About forty people are currently employed at HDF Constructions. The company maintains a very low employee turnover rate.
“Here, we work in a family-like atmosphere where everyone shares the same values,” explains Ms. Hébert. “We are very proud of our employees—they are loyal, committed, and highly motivated. They represent the company very well on the various job sites.”

Caroline Hébert sees workforce recruitment as an exciting challenge rather than a constraint to the company’s growth. “We have created a work environment and a corporate culture that promote employee retention,” she adds. “Some of our employees have been with us for nearly 40 years.”

At HDF, training is also a top priority. Most young recruits come from vocational training programs in heavy equipment operation. Once hired, they are supported by an in-house trainer who prepares them specifically for the positions they will hold.
“For us, an employee’s attitude is just as important as their skills,” emphasizes the General Manager. “We are looking for people who share our values and our business vision. What makes HDF strong is that we have always surrounded ourselves with the best people. Our teams work directly with clients, out in the field. They represent the image and reputation of the company.”

Growth and succession

Even though HDF Constructions is enjoying strong momentum, the company intends to continue evolving and stay ahead of the curve. “We have great ambitions for the company,” says the President. “And we are already thinking about the next generation. Caroline and I have six children, and four of them work in the company while pursuing their studies. Because they are genuinely interested, they represent a potential succession for the business.”

To help drive the company forward, François Pelletier began the Élite program at the École d’Entrepreneurship de Beauce in 2018. Through this program, he aims to acquire the best tools to support the company’s growth.
“I have already learned a very important lesson there: in business, you have to be well in order to perform well.”

– Industry and trade, May 2019