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The Marina St-Tropez on 39th Avenue in Saint-Blaise-sur-Richelieu has quite a history, a history of extraordinary businesswomen. From Fernande Tremblay to Karyne Roy via Doris Robert, this company is a remarkable example of success by visionary and ambitious women.

It all started in 1951 when Jacques Robert and his wife Fernande Tremblay bought the current land. Since Mr. Robert owned a transport company that occupied him full time, it was Fernande who took over the reins of the “Plage St-Blaise”. As she already owned a small restaurant nearby, it was obvious for her to take charge of the new business. At first, the place offered a beach, a restaurant and a dance hall.

In 1966, because of algae problems in the Richelieu River, Fernande had a semi-Olympic swimming pool built. Then, in 1974, following the fall of the prohibition law in Saint-Blaise, Fernande gave new impetus to the company, which became the “Bar-Salon Saint-Blaise”. She built a new building which still welcomes customers today. In 1983, Fernande Tremblay, who had found a way to raise five children while running her business, passed the torch to her daughter Doris Robert. This changes the name of the company, which becomes “Le St-Tropez”, then “La Marina St-Tropez”. She, who already had solid experience as a businesswoman since she had opened two restaurants and a brasserie in Montreal North, added the marina service in 1990. Doris grew and prospered the company whose reputation goes beyond the borders of the region.

In the spring of 2016, Doris’s daughter, Karyne Roy, who had already worked in the company, returned after having acquired solid experience in business development in Montreal. Karyne, who is gradually taking over from her mother, has big ambitions. “St-Tropez is a unique place in Quebec. We offer a wide range of activities for the whole family. It’s like a resort for a day. I want to make it an unmissable summer destination! she says with a smile as wide as the one of her mother who fully supports her. Hats off ladies!