YARMOUTH, N.S. — He’s a man that many may know through his past businesses: Yarmouth Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge and TriCounty Tractor.
Entrepreneur Aldric Robicheau is also known for his love of music.
On March 21 last year he launched the Facebook group Quarantine Musical Performances, which now has close to 3,000 members.
He says he started the group while in a 14-day quarantine for a particular reason.
“I felt that the local musical community could help heal the sudden shocking restrictions imposed and that it would keep us all busy either posting on site or just enjoying the performances.”
Personally, he finds listening or playing music the best way to relax by far.
“It’s always so soothing and therapeutic,” he says.
In 2013, Robicheau was diagnosed with stage four melanoma.
He says he knew then that he would never be the same. He has a pop-up message on his phone now that shows 365 days of the year and says: “If you’re not doing what you love then you’re wasting your time.”
He says his greatest fear used to be failure in business, as his father always told him that he would fail in business and in life.
“I got over that as time passed. After going through cancer twice, these days my greatest fear would be not living long enough to see my kids succeed in life.”
Recently, Robicheau participated in a Q&A with SaltWire Network.
Q: What is your full name?
Aldric Paul Robicheau
Q: Where and when were you born?
Yarmouth Hospital, 1963
Q: Where do you live today?
I live in the great community of Arcadia and my family and I absolutely love it here. The people here are great.
Q: What’s your favourite place in the world?
That’s a hard question as I have many but I’ll give you my top three, in no particular order. My wife and I have a large property in Maxwellton (Clare) on the Salmon River where we go either on our ATVs or by jeep. We cook our meals on open fires, have a picnic and listen to the water ripples while enjoying the smells of nature. I love being around water, boating with family and friends on a hot summer day or walking an ocean beach - anywhere locally or abroad. And, a good music jam with my music buddies.
Q: Who do you follow on social media?
My idol, Garth Brooks, because he’s not only a great entertainer but he’s such a great human that never passes an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. Barack Obama because he climbed so many barriers to become the (past) president and was such a great speaker to listen to. Oprah for the same reasons as Obama, plus she was such an influencer for so many people. I watched all her talk shows and was always thrilled at how she changed so many lives.
Q: What’s been your favourite year and why?
My favourite years were the year I met my wife and the years my two daughters were born.
Q: What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
The hardest thing I’ve had to overcome was growing stronger from a broken childhood.
Q: What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I once applied to be in the RCMP.
Q: What’s your greatest indulgence?
I would have to say my biggest indulgence is food. I love trying something different and love most foods although now I have food allergies.
Q: What is your favourite movie or book?
Don’t laugh but I love romance movies, The Notebook, A Star is Born, etc. But my favourites are based on ‘true events movies.’ I don’t read much unless it something for sale or business oriented.
Q: What are you reading or watching right now?
Undercover Billionaire on Discovery.
Q: How would you describe your personal fashion statement?
T-shirt/shorts in season and T-shirt/jeans the rest of the time.
Q: What is your most treasured possession?
My kids by far are number one.
Q: What physical or personality trait are you most grateful to a parent for?
Patience and time spent with your children. I have friends who have children with special needs and always think about how special those parents are. I admire them for being such super parents.
Q: What jobs have you held in the past?
Started delivering Chronicle Herald at age 13, worked at Home Hardware, worked in a mink ranch, fish plant worker, sold vacuum cleaners, sold cars, sold tractors. My greatest lesson learned was taught to me by my customers: they showed me how they wanted to be treated.
Q. What do you work at now?
I am semi-retired after a great career as an entrepreneur.
Q: What three people would join you for your dream dinner party?
My wife and two of our close friends.
Q: What is your best quality and what is your worst quality?
I would say my best quality is giving. My worst quality is not having enough patience, although I’m getting better.
Q: What’s your biggest regret?
I regret not being nicer to others earlier in my life.
Meet your Neighbour is a regular feature that profiles area residents. Want to suggest someone who should be featured? Email your idea to Scott Doherty.
