Triple reigning champions, the Capitals are so much the envy of their rivals with their victories on the field and their sold-out matches (24 sold-out stadiums this year) that during the last league meetings, the leaders cited them as an example .
The recipe for their winning culture has been touted, a model that the circuit led by Steve Tahsler would like to see implemented in several of its North American markets. “The longevity of the people in place really stands out, when you stop to think about it,” notes Charles Demers, promoted to president of the team last month.
Before succeeding Michel Laplante at the head of the Capitales – the latter has just bowed out after 26 years within the organization – Charles Demers had devoted the last 12 years of his life to this team, while the manager , the head of the baseball component, Patrick Scalabrini, is preparing to begin his 20th season with the yellow and blue colors of the Quebec team.
“In offices, it’s the same thing,” continues Charles Demers. Our employees have an average seniority of more than seven years, a true rarity in professional baseball. Even our volunteers stay for a long time, with an average of 12 and a half years.”
These “remarkable” figures reflect something else: they also reflect the pleasure that the people of Quebec have in working for the Capitals and spending time at Canac stadium.
“The labor shortage has not hit us, that says a lot about the level of happiness of the employees, even if, for the vast majority, it is only seasonal work.”
— Charles Demers, director of Capitales de Québec
The familiar faces at the old Victoria Park stadium are part of the customer experience. “Coming to the stadium is like coming home,” says Demers.
Consolidate acquired knowledge
For 2025, the Capitals therefore want to “consolidate what has been built over the years”. The monster attendance of the last year, almost 185,000 supporters during the summer, gives us the desire to continue to surpass ourselves.
No question of sitting on your laurels. A new sound system and modern giant screen will be installed in the spring, and leaders meet every Thursday afternoon for brainstorming activities.
Driven by a deep “desire to excel,” senior management involves all its employees, from the translator to the equipment attendant, including the manager, a true generator of ideas.
The Capitals no longer have anything to do with the loss-making company at the turn of the millennium. Since 2022, this flagship of Quebec has managed to surprise season after season. “We have a nice deck of cards for 2025, all we have to do is place our aces and jokers well for the benefit of the supporters,” Charles Demers gets excited.
Namely
- Year of foundation: 1998
- Head office location: Québec
- Number of employees: 300, including 25 contractual on an annual basis
- Name of manager: Charles Demers
- Main objective for 2025: consolidate the acquired knowledge
This text is part of the magazine Le Soleil Businessalso available in full electronic version.
