Mathieu has recently consolidated Activar’s business portfolio of hotel development, investment and management into its own venture, Activar Hôtels Inc., for which he acts as CEO. In a short 24 months, Mathieu has brought it from zero to 5 managed hotel properties through new development and acquisitions. An ambitious and charismatic leader, Mathieu has spearheaded Activar Hôtels growth in terms of projects and people. His entrepreneurial spirit is palpable. He’s raised close to $100M over the years in project funding (debt and equity) to activate infrastructure projects, mostly in the hospitality sector. His knowledge of real estate development, land acquisition, financing and investment, construction and hotel operations make him an invaluable asset for the businesses he oversees.

Mathieu loves to build new partnerships and focuses on creating long-term relationships that spark innovative ways of doing business or shed a light on community and culture. He takes pride in encouraging local firms for his projects: legal counsels, consultants, architects, engineers, artists and designers. He believes that entrepreneurship is a pillar of sustainable healthy communities and works towards supporting and celebrating it.

Mathieu provides strategic support to cultural not for profit endeavours, such as Popsilos, a graffiti/urban art circuit on rural farm silos invented and developed by his partner at Activar. He’s a strong supporter of Franco-Ontarian cultural endeavours and has served on boards such as local radio station UniqueFM and Les amis du Festival franco-ontarien.

Jennifer is passionate about creativity and communication: she conveys emotions through words, expressions and images. Jennifer has acquired over 15 years of experience in marketing and communications. She launched her professional career by working for a fortune 500 company in Montréal, then held a position of Marketing Manager at Export Development Canada before she moved to working as the Marketing and Communications Manager for an Ottawa co-operative, La Siembra, known for its ever-beloved Camino fair trade and organic chocolate.

Jennifer is regularly solicited to work on the conceptualization, architecture and messaging of websites, web communications and print materials and she is known for her ability to exude a brand’s values. Since the founding of Activar Inc., she has developed close relationships with trusted clients, such as the University of Ottawa. Jennifer also manages marketing projects for Activar Hôtels Inc. and the hotels it currently operates.

Also a visual artist, Jennifer loves when art has the power to engage people who are not naturally drawn in. Recently, this creative spirit and entrepreneurial flair helped her create a unique experience in Canadian tourism, Popsilos: a countryside road trip that has visitors discover seven monumental urban art murals on farm silos in the Eastern Ontario countryside. In 2020, the Popsilos experience was featured in the Globe and Mail’s Hidden Canada series as one to discover.

Jennifer is an inspiring thought leader and vibrant public speaker that is always game to share her knowledge.