Article Summary
Jean-Luc Rouleau is a fourth-generation collision repair professional who owns seven CARSTAR locations and is transforming the industry through technician development, state-of-the-art equipment, and training centers that prepare apprentices for real-world careers in modern automotive repair.
- Fourth-generation legacy: Jean-Luc follows in the footsteps of his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, all car painters and repair professionals
- Seven CARSTAR locations: He owns and operates multiple collision repair centers with a focus on team stability and employee loyalty
- Training and development: Operates a training center in St. Hubert partnering with local technical colleges to provide real-world apprenticeship experience
- Industry modernization: Emphasizes I-CAR training, state-of-the-art equipment, and ongoing education to address electric vehicle repair and technological advancement
- Family-first culture: Maintains long-term employee relationships, with his first CARSTAR location (Le Cabriolet) retaining the same team after seven years
Jean-Luc Rouleau was born into the business of collision repair. As a fourth-generation repair professional, he grew up watching his father, his grandfather and his great-grandfather dedicate their careers to the industry. Today, he’s carrying that legacy forward while building a strong future for the next generation.
“My father was a car painter, as were my grandfather and great- grandfather. I am the fourth generation, so car repair has always been a part of my life,” said Jean-Luc. “I met a wonderful woman who also worked in the field and was as passionate as me. She has shared my life for several years now. My son Jessy and my nephew Zackary started working with us in the summer at the age of 15. And when they finished high school, they started working full time with us.”
Jean-Luc was nominated by CARSTAR Corporate, who credit his decades of experience, sharp operational standards and commitment to technician development as the key pillars of his success. Today, he owns seven CARSTAR locations.
He is especially proud of his first ownership opportunity, CARSTAR Le Cabriolet, a milestone moment in his career that remains close to his heart.
“I am particularly proud of the purchase of our first CARSTAR workshop, the Cabriolet, where I partnered with Frank Tokatlidis and the entire team he already had in place,” said Jean-Luc. “Even today, seven years later, we still have the same team at this workshop. Over the years, we have built a family atmosphere, with loyal employees as passionate as we are.”
That mindset extends beyond the walls of his shops. Through a training centre in St. Hubert, Jean-Luc works with local technical colleges to offer apprentices real-world experience. The training environment mirrors the conditions of his repair centres, creating a smooth transition for students into full time roles.
To stay at the forefront of a fast-changing industry, Jean-Luc emphasizes ongoing education and updated tools, particularly as electric vehicles become more prominent on the roads.
“We need to buy the equipment and have ongoing training for ourselves and our employees,” he said. “We certainly have strong support from our CARSTAR banner, which keeps us up to date with the latest industry updates. We also push hard for I-CAR training and purchase state-of-the-art equipment.”
While some may still picture collision repair as repetitive manual labour, Jean-Luc sees a high-tech, evolving industry with long-term career potential.
“The field of auto repair was said to be boring and redundant. Now we have vacuum cleaners for sandblasting, air induction masks and lifts so that technicians have a better quality of work and can work for many years,” said Jean-Luc. “Each collision is different, so each repair on a vehicle is a new challenge.”
For Jean-Luc, being nominated for 30 Under 40 is an honour rooted in a lifelong passion.
“I am very happy and flattered to be able to share in a few lines my vision of the industry for which I have had an immense passion since my youngest age.”
