The master builder CEO leading Codis
Nick Fortin’s story is one of curiosity, courage and continuous improvement. From his beginnings in Montreal’s manufacturing scene to becoming CEO of Codis, Nick’s journey shows what can happen when you keep learning, keep building and never stop pushing yourself.
When I sat down with Nick, I walked away with three big lessons.
What I Learnt
Know when to evolve. Nick realised that to reach the next level of leadership, he was missing tools in his toolbox. So at 40 he went back to school for an executive MBA. That willingness to step back in order to grow forward is something I really admire.
Do more with less. It has been his mantra since his engineering days and it still guides him now. He brings a maker’s mindset to business building, practical, focused and relentlessly efficient.
Think like a builder, not just a manager. Nick takes the same approach to leading companies that he once did to designing manufacturing sites. He understands that success is built on strong systems, clear plans and great people.
What I Liked
I loved how intentional and driven he is. Classic entrepreneur DNA, do more with less, always find the next challenge, keep improving. His decision to invest in himself mid career really stood out. It takes humility to admit what you do not know, and even more to do something about it.
He also brings that unmistakable Montreal French style, calm, confident and grounded. And he has taken his engineering and manufacturing foundation to build businesses, not just plants. It is leadership through construction, not conversation.
Reflection
Nick is proof that self awareness and ambition can go hand in hand. He never pretends to have it all figured out but he is always evolving. In an industry that moves fast, that mindset is gold. Codis may be a young brand but under his leadership it already feels built to last.
Hear the full episode here: Apple | Spotify.
Big thanks to our amazing sponsors Bora Pharmaceuticals, Charles River Laboratories and Lead Candidate for supporting the pod
