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Daring to Succeed: How Alain Bouchard Built the Couche-Tard & Circle K Convenience Store Empire
The exceptional, winding path of a man who is inseparable from the empire he built.
Combining a tobacconist, newstand, food mart, beer shop and general store, the convenience store has undergone many transformations over the last 35 years, ever since a man decided to turn it into his life's business. That man is Alain Bouchard. Strangely, few people know his name, even in Quebec, where he lives. He is, however, one of Canada's wealthiest entrepreneurs, as well as one of the most peer-honoured businessmen in the world.
Starting as a volunteer clerk in his brother's business before doing all the tasks related to this often thankless work, Alain Bouchard is truly a self-made man who climbed through the professional ranks. Today, the multinational Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. empire that he founded encompasses Circle K, comprises
12,000 stores and over 100,000 employees. It posts revenues of almost US $35 billion.
What is the recipe for this kind of success? What values drive this entrepreneur and his loyal collaborators? This book provides an unprecedented look into an extraordinary business and a man who put it all on the line to win.
Combining a tobacconist, newstand, food mart, beer shop and general store, the convenience store has undergone many transformations over the last 35 years, ever since a man decided to turn it into his life's business. That man is Alain Bouchard. Strangely, few people know his name, even in Quebec, where he lives. He is, however, one of Canada's wealthiest entrepreneurs, as well as one of the most peer-honoured businessmen in the world.
Starting as a volunteer clerk in his brother's business before doing all the tasks related to this often thankless work, Alain Bouchard is truly a self-made man who climbed through the professional ranks. Today, the multinational Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. empire that he founded encompasses Circle K, comprises
12,000 stores and over 100,000 employees. It posts revenues of almost US $35 billion.
What is the recipe for this kind of success? What values drive this entrepreneur and his loyal collaborators? This book provides an unprecedented look into an extraordinary business and a man who put it all on the line to win.
304 pages, Paperback
Published October 18, 2016
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 17, 2025
Great read that documents the growth of Alain Bouchard, an entrepreneur, who built the Couche Tarde CircleK empire. Alain began as a clerk and thru hard work, determination and a little luck has built an international convenience business. The book dives into the X’s and O’s of building something from the ground up but also about the importance of patience and relying on a team!
December 10, 2020
This book was handed to me by a friend of Couche-Tard and has been an extremely motivation read. I will return to this book time and time again for its message of persistance, enthusiasm, and relentless dedication to one’s passions. Truly a wonderful read.
December 6, 2019
Quel ouvrage inspirant et quelle fierté pour le Québec!
February 6, 2017
Entertaining enough. A business version of a thrilling bodice ripper but ultimately a book about an entrepreneur who transformed himself into a leader of a multinational corporation. Possibly an inspiration to others but it just goes to show that you need to be in the right place at the right time. Do not read it as a"You too can be your own boss" type of training manual.
February 9, 2017
J’ai adoré ce livre. Je le suggère à tous ceux qui ont à servir des clients. Pour devenir le meilleur, nous devons s’inspirer des meilleurs.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews