Lou MacEachern

Lou MacEachern knows first-hand the value of an education. Growing up in Hazel Grove, P.E.I., he started on the same path many of his generation did on the Island in the ‘40s, and left school at a young age to help run the family farm. Pursuing an education was always on his mind though, and in 1956 he returned to Queen Charlotte School in Charlottetown as what is now known as a ‘mature student’. In those days there weren’t many people Lou’s age returning to school.

“My classmates called me ‘the old man with the briefcase’ – I was 23 years old and in grade eight”, recalled Lou.

With some extra help from his teachers, Lou graduated high school, went on to attend post-secondary training at Prince of Wales College, and then to Dalhousie University where he studied commerce. He moved to Calgary, Alberta in 1964 and with his combination of determination, ambition, a keen business sense, and an education, Lou worked hard to establish himself as a leader in the business community.

His first business venture was launching a cleaning company – Servpro. Today, Lou is president and owner of Fortune Industries Ltd. At 88 years young, Lou certainly hasn’t slowed down; he still arrives at his office at about 6 a.m. each day.

Throughout his life Lou has never forgotten the important role that his education played in creating a fulfilling and successful career, and that, along with his strong sense of community, led Lou to become involved with many charitable organizations and educational institutions across the country. The Holland College Foundation and Holland College are grateful for his long-time support.

In 2015 Lou created a unique opportunity for hard-working Holland College students called 'Earn a Car'. Each year, Lou donates a brand-new car and four cash awards of $1,000 each to the Holland College Foundation, to be awarded to five deserving students who are nominated by faculty and staff based on merit, character, and academic achievement.

“Ultimately, I hope to motivate students to keep striving to reach their goals, to roll up their sleeves and put the work in, and to give back to their communities,” explained Lou.

Lou takes the time to meet with the finalists each year and continues to be a mentor to many, as they move forward in their chosen educational paths and careers. In addition to this, Lou supports Holland College students, through the Louis W. MacEachern Bursaries for Aspiring Business Leaders, for which he has donated $70,000 in student bursaries over the last seven years.

“Our gratitude to Lou is immense,” said Jo-Ann Campbell-Boutilier, Holland College Foundation Executive Director. “His generosity to our students, our college, and our community as a whole is nothing short of inspiring.”