From Logistics to Leadership: The 30-Year Journey Behind BLV Executive Search
Francois Lechaine of BLV Expert talks about the history of the firm
When Francois Lachaine talks about his 30-year career in logistics and supply chain, he does it with the easy confidence of someone who has lived every layer of the industry. His path, which has been a mix of sales, operations, executive leadership, and eventually entrepreneurship, led him to the simple philosophy: “Our business is people.” Today, Francois is the co-founder of BLV Executive Search, one of Canada’s most respected boutique firms specializing exclusively in supply chain and logistics leadership. But the story behind BLV is one of timing, reinvention, and a commitment to people that has guided every decision along the way.
A Career Built on Understanding People
“I’ve been about 30 years in the trade,” Francois says. He started in the early ’90s with DHL Express, then jumped briefly back into the automotive sector before returning to transportation in 1997 with World Courier of Canada. There, he managed time- and temperature-sensitive shipments and rose steadily to become General Manager. Over 14 years, he managed offices across the country, hired nearly every employee, and helped shape the company’s presence in the specialized healthcare logistics space. “We had a niche in healthcare,” he says. “I’ve hired just about everybody in the company.” From there, he moved into third-party logistics with Accuristics, part of the ATS Group, later acquired by UPS Healthcare. But with all the operational expertise he accumulated, the throughline of his career was always people: hiring them, coaching them, and building teams that could thrive. So, when a career transition arrived, he found himself drawn toward recruitment.
A Chance Encounter Becomes a New Beginning
During that transition, Francois reconnected with Mr. Besner, the seasoned recruiter who had once placed him in his role at World Courier. Besner was semi-retired and looking to sell his small recruitment firm, though Francois recalls reviewing the books and decided he would not go forward with it wanting to evaluate other opportunities. Still, they stayed in touch. When Besner later introduced him to another potential buyer, Erik Valiquette, the spark that would become BLV ignited almost instantly. Erik had also met with Mr Besner to discuss possibilities. “The first thing I asked Erik was, ‘So you want to buy Mr. Besner’s company?’ and he said, ‘No, for pretty much the same reasons as me wanting to explore opportunities and continue executing mandates as a Logistics consultant in the trade. Francois laughs. “We kind of connected at that level.”
Both men were between roles, both had deep industry networks, and both saw an opportunity to build a business. They proposed a trial partnership: six months of effort, leveraging their relationships and expertise, to see where it might lead. “We just skyrocketed. Great mandates and everything,” Francois says. By October 2015, they incorporated BLV (Besner Francois Valiquette) Inc. “We put Mr. Besner’s name in there because his name was very, very important,” he says. “It honored our relationship.” Besner passed away just three months later, but his legacy remains embedded in the firm’s story.
Building a National Brand One Relationship at a Time
Unlike the firm they inherited, BLV wasn’t built for volume. From day one, the focus was broader and deeper: “We wanted to attack the whole supply chain: from procurement to production, distribution, transportation, compliance, across every industry,” Francois explains. Nearly a decade later, BLV has become a nationally recognized specialist in executive and critical recruitment across supply chain, logistics, and operations. Their success, Francois says, is rooted in a simple philosophy: “We started with an idea, a handshake, and our combined experience — and turned it into something that honors our mentor’s legacy while shaping the next generation of leaders in logistics.”
But as BLV celebrates its 10th year, 2025 has brought new challenges.
A Challenging Year for Executive Search
“2024 was a very, very good year,” Francois says. “But as of January 20th, what happened in the U.S ‘’There was a lot of insecurity.” That uncertainty rippled across Canada, particularly for firms whose clients trade heavily with the United States. “Those high-level positions, the ones that really impact the business, that’s where employers start to cut first,” he notes. We started observing a hire freeze.
In early 2025, BLV saw high-level mandates stall almost overnight. Meanwhile, the volume of inbound calls from displaced executives skyrocketed. "As I navigate this journey, I find myself often in the position of a confidant, with directors and VPs reaching out for support during challenging times. The demand for guidance is significant, yet the supply of resources to assist is limited. This dynamic highlights the need for more support systems in our professional landscape."
Despite the turbulence, Francois maintains perspective: “Are we struggling? No. But we’re concerned. Like everybody in the trade.”
Staying Human in the Age of AI
One trend that cannot be overlooked is the rise of automation and AI in recruiting. AI offers benefits when used moderately; however, many business owners express frustration, stating, "We’re inundated with automated uninvited messages, and we just don’t respond anymore. As the landscape of recruiting evolves, it is essential to consider the impact of automation on communication and engagement.
BLV’s response has been deliberate: embrace technology but keep the firm’s identity rooted firmly in human connection. Building a business organically is a unique approach that emphasizes personal connections. As Francois states, "Our products are humans." This philosophy highlights the importance of establishing one-to-one relationships with business owners. Rather than simply flipping resumes, the focus is on truly understanding a company by getting a feel for its culture and identifying its specific needs. This depth of engagement allows for more tailored and effective solutions. The current excitement surrounding AI is reminiscent of the early days of the internet. There was an initial frenzy, followed by a period of stabilization. As one expert notes, “It’s going crazy right now… but it will come back to a more human level, and we want to be there when it does.” This perspective highlights the importance of staying grounded amid the hype and preparing for a future where AI integrates seamlessly into our lives.
Why BLV Goes Straight to the Source
Many recruitment firms rely on HR for business development, but BLV adopts a different strategy.
Francois shares, “No offense to HR, but they are generalists''. They’re busy with several other responsibilities such as, labor laws, compliance, and internal teams. When we approach them, it becomes mechanical.” Instead, BLV prioritizes direct engagement with hiring authorities with expertise in the trade: directors, VPs, and CEOs who understand the operational challenges they face.
The reasoning is clear: “We’re not generalists,” he emphasizes. “Our sole focus is supply chain and logistics.” This specialization builds credibility, opens doors, and frequently leads to opportunities that extend beyond a single placement.
Beyond Recruiting: Becoming Strategic Advisors
A notable example from 2022–2023 involves a global company that initially reached out for a VP of Global Transportation search. It soon became evident that this request was part of a broader talent strategy.
Some individuals were retiring, while others were not in the right roles. Through these discussions, the client recognized our expertise in the industry and our ability to provide valuable insights into their business needs, which fostered a significant level of trust.
This trust led to six mandates aimed at reconstructing the management team. We successfully closed five of these mandates. The combination of expertise and relationship-building was key in establishing confidence throughout the process.
Keeping the Human Core Intact
Even as BLV evolves, the core of the business remains steadfast.
“Our business is people,” Francois states. “That’s not changing — no matter how fast the world gets.” The firm continues to support long-term clients with mid-level to senior leadership roles, prioritizing an organic approach whenever possible. They also maintain their commitment to real-world networking through CITT and industry conferences. “With everything moving to virtual exchanges, there’s something missing,” Francois adds. “When you meet in person, that’s where real connections happen.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the uncertainty of 2025, there is optimism in the industry and 2026 is promising. “We see it as a pause,” says Francois. “We observe some positive signs out there; things will kick back in.” The show must go on.’’ BLV plans to remain at the intersection of expertise, trust, and human connection.
“We’ve built our reputation on relationships,” Francois adds. “On trust, on expertise, on a human approach. And that’s exactly how we plan to keep going.”