Poches & Fils: at the heart of companies

Poches & Fils is a Quebec company recognized for its clothing with original and unique pockets since 2015! The first pocket was designed in a suburban garage and eventually sold over 10,000 copies in its first year. In this article we will feature an interview with Anthony Vendrame, founder and creative director of Poches & Fils about this extravagant and playful local company!

How would you describe your business in one sentence?

At Poches & Fils, we dream of a world where everyone can choose their pocket!

Who are you? Why did you choose this field?

I am Anthony Vendrame, I am 31 years old. I grew up in sports. I played football for the Carabins of the University of Montreal at the same time as doing my bachelor's degree in finance at HEC Montreal. I decided to stop my master's degree in business strategy in 2015 to launch the company.

I would describe myself as a class clown who wants to get A's. That is to say, someone who likes to make people laugh, who has a little difficulty with authority, but who, despite his nonsense, insists on performing. and deliver quality work. Today, I embrace my creative side much more by performing at improv parties and on my TikTok account.

What was the trigger that pushed you to go into business?

It was clear to me that I would not pursue a career in finance. I had had a few student jobs and dreamed of being my own boss. During university, in the summer, I had started a football camp for young people. It was my way of making some money and it was my first contact with entrepreneurship.

What is the most memorable moment in your career as an entrepreneur?

I find it difficult to identify a precise moment in the history of Poches & Fils, but I would say that, personally, it was since I was sober and saw a therapist. I learned about myself, learned to choose myself, learned to listen to myself better and I believe that this has positively influenced my business relationships and my management choices. I put the focus on projects that stimulate me. It allowed me to improve my leadership by accepting to show myself vulnerable and to create a corporate culture around the game and a little less around performance. And even today, I am often invited as a speaker to share my journey and talk about corporate culture and employer branding.

What motivates you at work right now?

Uplift the people around me. I love seeing the potential in everyone and helping them, supporting them, supporting them in achieving and expressing what they aspire to become.

What's your next project?

The last year has been very difficult for the Pockets. We are coming out of a major period of restructuring, several cuts, and so on. We're slowly getting back on our feet, so it's hard to say, but for 2023, I'd like to take our content marketing to another level. It has always been one of our strengths. Now, I think we still have to push. But I don't have anything very concrete in mind at the moment.

Looking back, would you have done anything differently?

It's such a difficult, even "trick" question, because when I made certain decisions, I made them in the state of mind that I was and with the information that I had. at this moment. But if I had to name one thing, it would have been to trust me more. My intuition has often served me, but I often question myself, I doubt.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out?

Go! What are you waiting for?

What is your wildest dream with the company?

I would like Poches & Fils to become “playful” what RedBull is to the extreme. I would like the brand to express itself in playful events (Tournoi de Roche Papier Ciseaux, Tournoi de BeyBlade, etc.) and for it to go beyond the “product” that is the pocket t-shirt.

What can we wish you for the future?

Wish me challenges, great encounters and above all, fun along the way. Entrepreneurship has taught me to listen, to value and to welcome the point of view of others. There are people much better than me at many things, and I have to trust them. And this, even if I do not exactly understand their approach.

Poches & Fils products are available on our online store and in store at the Dix-30 store. Come try them!

Thanks to Anthony Vendrame for his collaboration and his time to answer our questions!

By Marianne Pregent

Reviewed by MF Editorial

photo credits: Poche & Fils