The Family Business CEOs to Watch Class of 2023 recognizes 23 exceptional business leaders. The CEOs honored run the gamut of family business leadership, from entrepreneurial founders to fifth-generation stewards of a multifaceted enterprise to non-family executives trusted by the family ownership group to lead and expand their operations.
Jeffrey Courey
President and CEO | Fourth generation | George Courey Inc., Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Jeffrey Courey joined George Courey Inc. as a senior buyer in 2008, became chief operating officer in 2012 and was named president and CEO in 2020. The 113-year-old company manufactures and distributes reusable hospitality and healthcare textile products, serving institutional clients across North America.
“His ability to chart a course for the company’s future and inspire others to share their vision has been instrumental in our growth and success and why the transition to the fourth generation has been so successful,” says Matthew Victor, national sales director at the company.
Courey holds a bachelor's degree from the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University and an MBA from McGill University. He chairs the marketing committee of the Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council.
“Jeff displays remarkable vision and strategic thinking,” Victor says. “He possesses a clear understanding of the industry landscape and is adept at identifying emerging trends and opportunities.
“His leadership style is marked by excellent communication skills. Jeff is not only an articulate speaker but also an attentive listener, valuing the ideas and perspectives of each team member. As this is the only business he has ever worked in, he leads the business through committees, learning and leaning on the experience of his senior management team. He fosters an inclusive and collaborative environment, promoting open dialogue and empowering individuals to contribute their best.
“In addition to his visionary mindset and effective communication, Jeff demonstrates exceptional adaptability. We have successfully navigated through challenging times, including most recently COVID. His ability to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity inspires confidence and encourages the team to stay focused on achieving our goals.
“Another notable quality is his commitment to fostering a culture of innovation. Jeff encourages experimentation, welcomes diverse perspectives and rewards creativity. By fostering an environment that embraces change and promotes continuous improvement, he has empowered our team to think outside the box and push boundaries, driving innovation throughout the organization.
“Moreover, Jeff displays a strong sense of integrity and ethical leadership. He holds himself and others to the highest standards of honesty, transparency, and accountability — it is part of our new mission statement that was created through his leadership and counsel. His unwavering commitment to ethical business practices sets a strong example for our entire team and fosters a culture of trust and respect.”
“Ever since I was a little kid, I always dreamed of working in the family business,” Courey says. “Every summer when school was out, my brother and I would work on the shop floor, sweeping up fabric clippings and helping wherever we could. Once we graduated from school, we were never pressured into joining the company, but it also was never a real possibility that we wouldn't immediately be a part of it.
“My undergrad was completed on Friday, May 23, 2008, and I was in the office in the morning of Monday, May 26, ready to start my professional journey. And what a journey it has been. Over the last 15 years, I have traveled the world, performed almost every job in our company, developed an incredible and resilient team, and now am the co-owner, president and CEO of a 110+ year-old family business that has almost tripled in size in just the last few years.
“As we look towards the next 100 years, I am proud to uphold the legacy that the family leaders of George Courey Inc established before me. It is a legacy founded on being courageous, taking risks, acting with integrity and recognizing that our strength comes from our diversity.”