Epic Perks founder Joelle Parenteau used to work in the insurance industry, but one thing in particular bothered her:
“I quickly got frustrated because I was delivering quotes that weren’t affordable to small businesses, and on the flip side I had delivered larger business quotes, and I thought it was unfair,” said Parenteau. “Working with smaller business owners I was frustrated because there was very little I could do to make a difference, because they have no bargaining power.”
That's when she decided to take action: launching her Ottawa-based startup that leverages the collective buying power or small business to access the perks and preferred pricing typically reserved to larger corporations. As Parenteau puts it: "You can’t stand up to these big companies and ask for a better rate when you’re representing just one or two people. But when you unite 'the little guys', when we can team up, you realize that small business really is a big deal." And the big companies have taken notice...
“I quickly got frustrated because I was delivering quotes that weren’t affordable to small businesses, and on the flip side I had delivered larger business quotes, and I thought it was unfair,” said Parenteau. “Working with smaller business owners I was frustrated because there was very little I could do to make a difference, because they have no bargaining power.”
That's when she decided to take action: launching her Ottawa-based startup that leverages the collective buying power or small business to access the perks and preferred pricing typically reserved to larger corporations. As Parenteau puts it: "You can’t stand up to these big companies and ask for a better rate when you’re representing just one or two people. But when you unite 'the little guys', when we can team up, you realize that small business really is a big deal." And the big companies have taken notice...
ABOUT FOUNDER JOELLE PARENTEAU
Joelle Parenteau is not your conventional 27 year old. Having launched her first startup Epic Perks the day before turning 25, she rapidly accomplishing what many told her was simply not possible: getting small businesses access to the same treatment as large corporations.
Her first company now growing quickly she is learning to master the art of work life balance - taking Epic Perks to the next level while living life to the fullest... making waves in the business world while pursuing active challenges including catching waves on her surfboard.
Joelle admits to feeling more comfortable in a wetsuit than a business suit and loves the challenges of the business world "An environment as unpredictable as the Ocean". She spends much of her time inspiring the next generation to follow her lead and bring their own visions to life: "It's all comes down to execution."
Joelle Parenteau is not your conventional 27 year old. Having launched her first startup Epic Perks the day before turning 25, she rapidly accomplishing what many told her was simply not possible: getting small businesses access to the same treatment as large corporations.
Her first company now growing quickly she is learning to master the art of work life balance - taking Epic Perks to the next level while living life to the fullest... making waves in the business world while pursuing active challenges including catching waves on her surfboard.
Joelle admits to feeling more comfortable in a wetsuit than a business suit and loves the challenges of the business world "An environment as unpredictable as the Ocean". She spends much of her time inspiring the next generation to follow her lead and bring their own visions to life: "It's all comes down to execution."
AWARDS:
MEDIA:
Betakit: Edge to Epic Brings Corporate Sized Deals to Small Startups
Globe & Mail: Loyalty Programs Take the Pain out of Small Business Travel
Globe & Mail: The Big Draw of Small Business Benefits Plans
Kaleidoscope: Being Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
- Bootstrap Awards: Best Value Proposition
- Best Ottawa Business Awards: Exceptional New Business
- Ottawa Top 40 Under 40 2015
MEDIA:
Betakit: Edge to Epic Brings Corporate Sized Deals to Small Startups
Globe & Mail: Loyalty Programs Take the Pain out of Small Business Travel
Globe & Mail: The Big Draw of Small Business Benefits Plans
Kaleidoscope: Being Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable