A Company, A Family: 20 Years of Innovation and Love for Nature
Through four generations, the Couture family has shaped its story by combining expertise, innovation, and a deep love for the forest. Sequoia embodies this perfect balance of tradition and modernity, offering sustainable energy solutions to address the challenges of today and tomorrow.
1925: Gérard Couture, an Innovator in the Making
Gérard Couture, son of Joseph Couture, was born in Flushing, New York, in 1925. Even as a young boy, he demonstrated remarkable ingenuity—an early sign of the innovative spirit that would define the Couture family for generations.
1938: The Beginnings of a Life of Resourcefulness
At just 13 years old, Gérard left school to help his family. This experience shaped his practical mindset and his ability to develop innovative solutions.
1950-1960: Gérard, an Outstanding Salesman
Gérard excelled as one of the top agricultural equipment salesmen at Houle, thanks to his charisma and skills in understanding and meeting customer needs.
1960: Joseph Couture, a Visionary with a Love for the Forest
In the 1960s, Joseph Couture, Gérard’s father, laid the foundation for the family legacy. A true visionary, he became deeply involved in reforestation and responsible land management, planting fruit trees and hedgerows. His efforts profoundly inspired his grandson René, marking the beginning of a family tradition rooted in nature conservation.
1979: Gérard Founds Bodco
Driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, Gérard launched Bodco, a family-owned business specializing in the manufacturing of agricultural equipment. This initiative marked a turning point in the family’s history, setting a standard of innovation and success.
1998: A Promising Discovery
René Couture and his son Alexandre came across an outdoor boiler during a trade show in the United States. While it had technical shortcomings, they recognized its innovation potential.
2004: The Birth of Sequoia
René asked Alexandre to join the entrepreneurial journey, and together, they founded Sequoia. Their vision: Designing a biomass furnace capable of heating multiple buildings while producing hot water.
2005: The First Milestones
The first furnace was delivered in September 2005 and Sequoia sold 34 units that year. Alexandre, then a student at Cégep de Sherbrooke, used this project as a launch pad for his career, while Renée continued the entrepreneurial legacy of his father, Gérard.
2012: The Blue Sky Revolution
The launch of the Blue Sky technology, integrated into the GE-60 furnace, was a major milestone for Sequoia. This innovation reduced emissions to levels three times lower than the strictest North American environmental standards, opening new markets beyond agriculture.
2020: The Launch of the Blue Sky Platinum 750
At the SIMAQ 2020, Sequoia unveiled its Blue Sky Platinum 750, a model that combines sleek design, optimized performance, and minimal environmental impact. This product perfectly embodies the company’s commitment to sustainable innovation.
Today: A Future Focused on Sustainability
Now under the leadership of Alexandre Couture, Sequoia continues to build on its rich family legacy while addressing modern challenges. The company’s products, such as biomass boilers and Dragon Vert diffusers, contribute to an environmentally friendly energy model.
While public policies promote the transition to renewable energy, Sequoia is positioning itself as a key player in this transformation. As it approaches its 20th anniversary, the company remains true to its roots while innovating to build a greener future.