It's back in july 1961 that Réal Allaire joined GBS as the manager of the Montreal east store serving the industrial and railway sector of the area that also contained at the time an important harbor section. Througout the years, Réal has acquiered deep knowledge of the bearing industry, knowledge shared everyday in all aspects of our organisation.

When did you join GBS?

I joinded the organisation in 1961. At the time, the store was located in the east end of Montreal, corner Notre Dame and Poupart. The store had been open for only two years when I started working at this location.

GBS offers a huge line of products. Do you have any preferences for any of them?
It is important to remember that back in these years, GBS was mostly a bearing distributor. We still are, but we now also supply many accessories and developped a strong leadership in power transmission. Back in the sixties, it was with great pride that we represented major quality lines like TIMKEN and SKF. I quickly became what I would modestly say an "expert" for these products that are still the major players in their field of expertise. It is with great pride that I still represent these manufacturers on a daily basis.

Is there any special memories that comes to your mind when thinking about all those years?

One thing I will always remember is when I had to served Steinberg (a huge Quebec grocery store (since closed) that used to make it's own bread) in the wee hours of the night. Their production line was stopped and they urgently needed a v-belt or else they would loose all of the production. The belt was worth just few dollars but I realized how crucial speedy and reliable service can be.
Another memory goes back in the eighties when our store on Hochelaga St., in Montreal, was robbed by a masked man. A shot was even fired. Since usually no money is kept on our premises, damage was minimal. But you still remember these things many years later.

What would you say to people interested to get involved in our field of expertise?

Someone who is customer oriented can have a great success in our line of business. It can be even more fulfilling when you are mecanicaly inclined. At the end of the day, anyone interested in working closely with dedicated teams and industrial customers can and do make a difference. Customers have great expectations, but often provide us with a great sense of accomplishment.

Interviewed by Ana Maria R. Rodas.