Meet Marie-Claude Desjardins, Owner & COO of Hardware Rebels.

Marie-Claude Desjardins never imaged that her lifelong interest in drawing, organizing space, and planning would one day be used to create products. She founded Hardware Rebels in 2019, a hybrid import/export and industrial design co-development company that supports manufacturing companies in the creation of products and the supply of specialized components in the field of commercial, residential, government and hospital furniture.

My first job ever was…

Working in the kids’ department of a Globo shoe store when I was 16 years old.  Who knew that sandy little feet, torn socks and Disney movies on a loop would be essential to solidifying English as my second language?

I decided to be an entrepreneur because… 

I saw a need in my industry for a new way to do things and I decided to go for it.  In that moment, I just felt it was my calling.

My proudest accomplishment is…

Aside from my kids, of course, my proudest accomplishment is to have made groundbreaking changes in a male-dominated industry. 

My boldest move to date was…

Leaving the comfort of a position as General Manager.  As a single mom with no safety net, I jumped into a gigantic void of unknowns to start my own business.

I surprise people when I tell them…

That I did my motorcycle licence and bought my first motorcycle at the age of 40.  I approach riding the way I face my entrepreneurship; I decide of the destination and I’m steering my way forward.

I knew it was time to launch my business when…

I realized that the cliché of having to move on when you know you can do it better than your boss was true.  I just had to do it.

My best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is…

My favourite quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson: ‘’Do Not Go Where The Path May Lead, Go Instead Where There Is No Path And Leave A Trail.’’  It sums it up.

My best advice from a mentor was…

‘’Just try it!  If it doesn’t work, try something else.’’  For me it means, don’t give up and don’t believe those who would tell you that you are crazy.  Use it instead as fuel to succeed.

When the going gets tough, I tell myself…

Well, Marie, grab a coffee and roll up your sleeves, because it’s going to be a long night…

If I had an extra hour in the day, I would…

Love to mentor young adults coming into the workplace in order to help them best develop their skills and achieve their full potential.

I stay inspired by…

The difference that my team makes in peoples’ lives through smarter designs, creative solutions and out-of-the-box thinking.

The future excites me because…

For the first time in my life, I get to truly lead, not follow.  I love what I do and I just can’t get enough.

My next step is…

To further develop two new business divisions within Hardware Rebels.  I guess that’s why people think I don’t sleep.