Some people dream about running away to join the circus. For those who do, they rely on logistics professionals like Patrick Zenobio to ensure the show will go on. 

For the past four years, Patrick Zenobio, CITT, has been performing the role of Customer Services Coordinator - Logistics and Customs, with Cirque du Soleil. 

Cirque du Soleil is a Quebec based company recognized the world over for high-quality, artistic entertainment. Since its dawn in 1984, Cirque du Soleil has constantly sought to evoke the imagination, invoke the senses and provoke the emotions of people around the world. In 1984, 73 people worked for Cirque du Soleil. Today, the business has 5,000 employees worldwide, including more than 1,300 artists.

A large and dedicated staff working behind the scenes is needed to support this renowned global operation. At the Montreal International headquarters there are close to 2,000 employees.

As a member of the supply chain department at Cirque du Soleil, Patrick juggles many responsibilities. He guides internal customers on everything that relates to transport and customs, and he arranges shipments and transportation to help minimize costs. Patrick also coordinates and manages the export and import movement of goods and serves as the link between carriers of all modes of transport, forwarders and government agencies.

Patrick got into the logistics and supply chain profession almost by accident. During his studies in International trade, he had to contact companies in order to do an in-house “stage” for a set period of time.  A steamship company agreed to take him for the summer. Upon completion of his studies the following year, they hired him.  After seven successful years there, he decided to take his talents to Cirque du Soleil. 

And it was at Cirque du Soleil where Patrick realized just how important transport, customs and supply chain in general was to a company. Working in the entertainment industry with a renowned group of artists comes with its own set of unique challenges. And Cirque du Soleil performs more than 20 different shows around the world.

“Basically, we ship anything to anywhere, which is both challenging and interesting,” said Patrick. “We do have some resident shows that never move but we also have big top shows that change cities every six weeks along with arena shows that move every week.  This means your routes and modes of transport are always different.”

The type of cargo shipped is also always different, and includes everything from costumes, scenery and stages to bolts, wood sheets and kitchen appliances.  And since the show must go on, all shipments are meticulously planned well in advance. With the performances being presented worldwide, Patrick must regularly deal with some complex transport and customs practices. It takes a unique skill set to do the work he does.

Along with his own natural talents and dedication, the CITT’s program of study has helped Patrick’s career in a number of ways.

“One of the benefits of CITT training comes in the form of additional confidence,” said Patrick. “The program of study gave me the tools to perform my day-to-day operations and the confidence to know I am moving in the right direction with any given task. I still occasionally refer back to textbooks to validate facts.”

Although he just earned his CITT designation, Patrick has already identified one of his greatest strengths.

“My greatest strength, one that is essential for everyone in the logistics game, is my ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently. And like all logistics professionals, I am constantly analyzing the things I am doing and planning for the work yet to come.”  

Patrick very much enjoys what he does, and he receives a great deal of satisfaction from his work. And working in the entertainment industry affords him a special vantage point for which to gauge the results of his efforts and the efforts of the Cirque du Soleil team first hand.

As the house lights are dimmed, the feedback is almost instantaneous and is revealed through expressions of joy and wonder shown on the faces of Cirque du Soleil spectators young and old.

“Working at Cirque du Soleil gives you a feeling of great pride,” said Patrick. “Every time I read about the success of one of our shows or see the positive reaction from the audience in person, I can’t help but feel that I had something to do with it even if my contribution took place behind the curtain.”