Gisèle Kobelansky Ventes et Distribution Nationales Inc. Anjou, Québec A pioneer's path Gisèle Kobelansky had to come a long way before becoming head of the Ventes et Distribution Nationales Inc. (VDN) company.

She started out in 1968 as a telephone operator for this company which specializes in distributing telephone books. "When I was hired I was very motivated, but I never thought I would get this far," she observes. "Yet I did let it be known to my superiors of my desire for advancement, and that's how I was able to move up the ranks." In every assignment she accepted at VDN she blazed trails by occupying positions traditionally held by men. In the mapping department, where distribution routes for all the territory served are planned, she successfully performed tasks previously needing two men. "After I worked in mapping, they always hired women in that department! Our attention to detail is well appreciated." A determined and highly organized mother, she also became the first woman manager assigned to field work before becoming president of the company in 1988.

Determination and risk-taking: critical success factors
With her ambition and perseverance, Ms. Kobelansky has always aimed high in planning the company's future. In 1996, at an age when most look forward to retirement, she decided to buy the company. At that time VDN was delivering 5.5 million telephone books, mostly within the province of Québec. Today the company distributes 17 millions of books in Québec, Ontario and the Maritimes. Its income and net earnings have tripled. In addition to its head office in Anjou, the company maintains 2 regional offices in Fredericton and Toronto. Ms. Kobelansky now manages 78 employees, and in addition coordinates a network of almost 5,000 subcontractors-all to provide good service to its main client, Bell ActiMedia.

The president of VDN attributes her rise within the company ranks to determination. "I have never shied away from obstacles, and never been afraid of learning new things to get ahead. Concern for customer service is another factor contributing to my success." Her willingness to take risks has also stood her in good stead. "In 2000, to obtain the Ontario and Maritime markets, I decided to enlarge our facilities even before the distribution contracts were signed. Had I waited for the official signing before taking action, we would not have had time to fill the orders."

Obtaining solid assistance
The company leader speaks of having received solid assistance in this regard from the Business Development Bank of Canada. "BDC participated in financing the construction of our head office in Anjou. I have always felt that the Bank was very comfortable with the fact that I am a businesswoman. In fact it was the only financial institution that did not require my husband's signature as collateral for a loan!"

Advice for women entrepreneurs
She has good advice for women entrepreneurs: "Do not fear your ambitions. You must believe in your capabilities and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the scope of the work at hand," she counsels. She also encourages women entrepreneurs to listen to what their personnel has to say and to familiarize themselves with all aspects of company activities. "You must have a good understanding of what the work is all about before making demands on people."

Now in her mid-sixties, Gisèle Kobelansky is planning her succession. Her son and daughter are preparing to carry on. "They are full of new ideas, which leads me to be optimistic about the future of the company. We will certainly diversify our activities so that we can develop the business even further!"