The Bombardier Story: Planes, Trains and Snowmobiles

Gordon C. Shaw is professor emeritus in the Faculty of Administrative
Studies at York University.

This book relates the corporate history of Bombardier Inc., from its
humble beginning in 1937 when founder Joseph-Armand Bombardier developed
a prototype snowmobile in his garage in Valcourt, Quebec, to the
company’s present-day status as leading manufacturer of transit
vehicles, medium-sized airplanes, and recreational vehicles. A key
factor in the company’s success was Laurent Beaudoin, the founder’s
son-in-law. Trained as an accountant, Laurent was able to take advantage
of opportunities while at the same time minimizing risk. He also
recruited good people and enabled them to work independently of head
office. Another success factor has been the company’s ability to work
well with governments, particularly when a Bombardier product
complements a government priority; for example, the company acquired
Canadair at a modest price when the government wished to save the
Canadian aeronautical industry. The Bombardier Story is a must-read for
entrepreneurs and anyone interested in Canadian business history.