Genoa Design’s people share a passion for ships

For years, Alain Tientcheu dreamed about exploring Newfoundland’s beautiful coasts and soaking in the province’s rich shipbuilding history, so when the opportunity came to join Genoa Design International Ltd., he flew across the ocean to seize it.

With a background in naval architecture and a master’s degree in engineering, Tientcheu was working in shipbuilding in Europe when he discovered Genoa while researching Newfoundland. Born in Cameroon, in central Africa, he was drawn to the remote island.

“I was looking for a company that innovates and is always looking to be among the top. Genoa is the one,” says Tientcheu, a designer.

Based in Mount Pearl, just outside St. John’s, Genoa provides innovative 3D modelling and production design services to shipbuilding and ocean industries. Founded in 1995, the company now has offices in British Columbia and Louisiana and developed extensive experience working on navy and coast guard programs across North America.

When Tientcheu joined Genoa two years ago, he worked on computer software that structures modelling, piping, electrics and outfitting of large ship motors. He is focused now on a new, 160-metre-long polar icebreaker that will navigate the Arctic.

“Genoa is a company where I can develop and grow in my career,” he says.

Laurie Balan continues to learn five years after joining Genoa, and she fosters opportunities for the company’s close to 250 employees to do the same. A mechanical engineer with 20 years of experience in shipbuilding, Balan became the company’s first chief technical officer and then broadened her scope to chief operating officer.

“It is a female-led, growing company, and after returning home to Newfoundland, I wanted to continue my leadership journey in the marine industry; to do that under a female CEO was icing on the cake,” she says, referring to Gina Pecore, who started her career as a sailor with the Royal Canadian Navy and now leads Genoa.

Balan recently undertook an external executive leadership program and fosters the development of Genoa employees’ technical and leadership skills through the company’s in-house academy as well as through partnerships with outside organizations.

“‘Never stand still’ is one of our core values that drove the development of the academy,” she says.

The company’s values of putting people first, living well, creating lasting relationships, making a difference, owning it, and never standing still are incorporated into everything, says Balan. “We’re all about using a collaborative approach. We always try to bring people together. We’re about open and honest communication.”

Frequent townhall-style meetings are held with executives, who solicit feedback from employees. Leaders also engage employee through other initiatives, including mental health moments and knowledge cafes. “The cafes are about grab your coffee, join in and let’s learn about something we have a mutual interest in,” Balan says.

Aside from promoting continuous learning, Genoa’s leadership team fosters a culture of giving back to the community. As one example, the company is providing $150,000 over five years to SPCA St. John’s to build an animal shelter. Tientcheu recently used his eight hours of paid volunteer time to help with Furniture Fridays, a partnership Genoa formed with Home Again Furniture Bank, a non-profit providing furniture to people in need.

“My heart melted when we brought five beds for kids in a family. I was so happy when I saw smiles on their faces,” he says.

Tientcheu’s new community has welcomed him with open arms, making him certain he made the right decision to cross the ocean to join Genoa.

“We have a team that works hard, respects each other and has fun along the way,” says Balan. “I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

This article appeared in the magazine announcing this year's Canada's Top Small & Medium Employers winners, published April 8, 2025 in The Globe and Mail. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, which reviewed but did not write its contents.