Meet Jean-Nicolas Joly, General Manager of Gibraltar
After a career spanning several years in hospitality, Jean-Nicolas Joly has chosen to put his talents to work in a community where meaningful, lasting relationships can truly flourish. A firm believer that it’s the small, thoughtful gestures that make the greatest difference, Le Gibraltar’s new General Manager steps into this chapter of his career with genuine enthusiasm. We sat down with him to ask a few questions.
Jean-Nicolas, tell us about your professional journey.
I got my start in customer service, then went on to study at LaSalle College, which opened the door to the hospitality industry. I worked my way through several roles before being appointed General Manager of a Quebec City hotel in 2016. Working in a private seniors’ residence is, of course, a significant shift – though at its heart, it’s still about hospitality and caring for people. The key distinction here is that we have the privilege of truly taking the time. Hospitality is an exhilarating field, always in motion, but I felt a pull toward something more meaningful: bringing comfort and joy to older adults and making a real difference in their daily lives. I’d been considering the move for a few years; several colleagues from the hotel world had already made the transition, and every one of them called it the best decision they’d ever made.
What drew you to Le Groupe Maurice?
I was immediately drawn to its values! The company is known for its warmth and true geniality, and I felt called to the position because it was exactly what I was looking for. I wanted to be part of an environment where people are at the heart of everything. The values of kindness and integrity that Le Groupe Maurice holds dear are equally important to me. In my eyes, every small gesture counts, and it matters to not only meet people’s expectations, but to exceed them. All those little “extras” can truly make a major difference.
What excites you most about this new role?
Supporting people is one of my core motivations, and for me it’s essential to take care of every link in the chain – because it’s only by working together that we can offer residents a truly exceptional experience. To do that, I need to understand what every employee does and why it matters. Wherever I’ve worked, I’ve always put people first, because as a manager, they are our greatest asset. What drives me most is helping people and collaborating with them. There’s real value in looking out for one another, and I want to be present on the floor every single day. When a difficult situation comes up, my goal is always to find a solution; and there is always one to be found! I’ll admit it: I’m someone who sees the glass as half full, and I firmly believe that optimism is contagious.
Speaking of which, what do you consider your greatest strengths and qualities?
As you might have guessed, I love being at the heart of the action; I’ve even been told it’s one of my greatest strengths. I believe you need to truly understand a team’s reality in order to support it properly. I also place great importance on transparency: with me, people get the straight truth, and I ask the same of my team. That’s how you build a solid relationship of trust – one that allows us to move forward together, with respect. And as I said, I believe a leader must be positive, because it lifts the whole team up.
Jean-Nicolas, how would you describe your relationship with older people?
My father was the youngest of 17 siblings, so family gatherings always brought together people of all ages. I have a particular appreciation for the company of older individuals – each one carries a unique life experience, and that’s something we should never lose sight of. I think it’s important to approach them with curiosity and a genuine interest in their stories. My uncles, my aunts, my parents… they’ve all walked different paths, and I find it deeply enriching to listen to them. It’s something I’m really looking forward to nurturing at the residence: learning where people come from, what they’ve accomplished and what they’ve given to the world. I’m sure they’ll have plenty of wisdom to share with me too. In a world that never seems to slow down, spending time with older people reminds us to pause and focus on what truly matters.
And on your side, what do you hope to bring to the residents?
I want to provide them with security, comfort and stability – because these are the foundations of true well-being. To my mind, a living environment where people feel genuinely at ease changes everything.
What message would you like to send to Le Gibraltar’s residents?
The first thing that comes to mind is: “We are here for you and with you.” That’s really the message I want every resident to hear. My door is always open, and there’s always time to sit down together, talk things through and find solutions when needed. It’s through being present that we build a truly meaningful relationship of trust.
Jean-Nicolas, let’s move on to a few lighter questions.
What’s your favourite sport?
Alpine skiing is a sport I really love. It gives you an incredible sense of freedom, while also demanding quick decisions. It’s exhilarating and deeply satisfying. It’s a chance to take in breathtaking landscapes, bond with people… and enjoy a good hot chocolate. (laughs)
What do you like to do when you have time to yourself?
I’m a hands-on person and I love renovation work. It was my father who first put a hammer in my hands when I was very little; he bought me a screwdriver and a tool belt and taught me the basics. My father is my greatest role model, as much for the lessons he shared as for the values he instilled in me.
What book would we find on your night table right now?
I’m currently reading Boucar Diouf’s latest book, Déconnecter: pour se rebrancher aux racines de notre humanité. It’s a fascinating read – with humour, intelligence and a keen sense of observation, it invites us to question a world that sometimes moves far too fast.
If you could share a meal with a famous person, who would it be?
I’d go with Ricardo. He’s explored so many different things over the course of his career. I’m sure he’d have plenty of great advice to share on some recipes!
What has been the most important moment of your life, so far?
Without a shadow of a doubt, it’s the birth of my daughter. Twelve years later, I still remember every detail of that day. It was amazing to experience that birth after all the challenges my partner and I had overcome together. The road was difficult, but it taught us gratitude, and the reward was incredible.
Thank you, Jean-Nicolas Joly, for such a warm and engaging conversation. Welcome to Le Groupe Maurice. We wish you every happiness in this new role.