Team
Sophie Brisebois founded C’est-à-dire in 2004 and joined forces with translator John Hountalas a few years later. To manage the growing demand for the company’s services, they recruited Pascale Fortin in 2016.
The team also includes a dozen experts in writing, research, copywriting, translation and editing who ensure that clients’ requests are addressed efficiently and promptly.
Sophie Brisebois
President and Communications Consultant
The business side
Sophie has been working in the field of communications since 1995. She wore many hats before founding C’est-à-dire in 2004: press agent, editor, assistant web editor, translator and internal communications consultant. Each of these roles has contributed to her deep understanding of the issues affecting large and small businesses.
Both consultant and copywriter, Sophie provides valuable support when it comes time to execute your strategy. She determines the tone to adopt according to your target audience and preferred media. Her web writing skills ensure successful online communications. Sophie always finds the right word and punchy phrase to move and convince, resulting in messages that are clear and effective. She holds a master’s degree in literary studies.
The casual side
- The most relaxing time of the week: playing AC/DC on the drums.
- A vintage and antiques enthusiast, she collects mid-century modern accessories.
- She can cut a rug with the best of them, preferring the Cuban salsa, Haitian kompa and Argentine tango.
John Hountalas
Associate and Translator
The business side
Before joining C’est-à-dire in 2005, John worked for close to 20 years at Montreal daily The Gazette before turning to translation. But he doesn’t settle for simply translating a document faithfully. He improves it, clarifies inaccuracies and adapts the message to the target audience. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Certificate in Systems Analysis and Design and a Certificate in Translation.
The casual side
- His obsession: breaking 80 in golf.
- His versions of “Little Wing” and “Black Magic Woman” on the guitar have been known to make an impression.
- Looking for the ideal food pairing with terpenes? Talk to John, who has been trained as a cannabis sommelier.
Pascale Fortin
Coordinator
The business side
Every day since 2016, Pascale has been answering your emails and phone calls in less than 10 minutes! She evaluates the cost and timeframe of your projects, distributes the work among team members and ensures that deadlines are met. A seasoned manager, she has over 20 years of experience in various industries. Her professional ethics, inspired by her passion for running, combine rigour, speed of execution and fun.
The casual side
- A hyperactive trainer, she has a reputation for making people sweat. Literally.
- She cooks a lot and eats just as much to regain the energy expended every day.
- Her friends have nicknamed her “Mother Teresa” because of the many causes she supports each year.
