Sollio Agriculture team: Meet Alexandre Lebel

Alexandre Lebel became a poultry nutritionist for Sollio Agriculture because he wanted to play in the big leagues. He wanted to work on strategy, make important decisions, and tackle challenges. In fact, the daily challenges of the job are what keep him motivated every day.

Question: What does a poultry nutritionist do? 
Answer: I determine the optimal poultry feed profiles based on the needs of the birds and the crops in the field. I also support the sales teams at our cooperatives. When they have a tough call to make, I’m there to help. I’m sort of a miracle worker!

Question: What’s your favourite part of your job? 
Answer: I really love going on the road with representatives. Most of my work is done on a computer, but it’s important to stay connected to the field and see the issues on farms with my own eyes. It helps me find the best solutions.

I also love a good challenge. And that never stops—the challenges just keep coming. It’s not a job where I can be on autopilot. What I do today might not work anymore tomorrow. I have to be constantly adapting, improving and evolving. It’s really motivating!

Question: Why did you choose to work for Sollio Agriculture? 
Answer: I got an entry-level job at a competitor of ours straight out of school, but I wanted to be in the big leagues. You know, I don’t play to participate, I play to win! So when I saw a job opening at Sollio Agriculture, I jumped at the chance. It was my ticket to the big time!

Question: How has your role changed since you joined Sollio Agriculture?
Answer: The core job has stayed the same, but the dynamics have changed. The birds are more productive and the feed is more efficient, but livestock health is more of a challenge and we need to pay attention to carbon footprints now, among other things. It pushes me to keep growing.

Question: Now for a few rapid-fire questions. What’s something about you that might surprise your colleagues? 
Answer: I do open-water swimming. And I’m a huge Dungeons & Dragons fan!

Question: What was the last book you read? 
Answer: Wings of Fire #11, by Tui T. Sutherland

Question: If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Answer: Valhalla Calling by Miracle of Sound

Question: What’s your dream travel destination?
Answer: Greece, to see the Parthenon.

Question: Who’s your most inspiring colleague?
Answer: René Bergeron, agribusiness strategy expert, because he was a straight shooter and had a unique personality. I learned a lot from him.

Question: Which Sollio Agriculture value resonates with you the most? 
Answer: Community involvement and supporting homegrown businesses and organizations.

Question: To conclude, do you have any advice for new employees starting out at Sollio Agriculture?
Answer: Take ownership. Before passing the puck to someone else, make sure you’ve done everything you need to do.