Meet Our Leadership Team
Jacques DeLarochelliere
CEO, Chairman, Cofounder
Jacques DeLarochelliere
Jacques DeLarochelliere is the CEO and cofounder of ISAAC Instruments, and Chair of the Board of Directors. His business journey began on a racetrack. One morning in 1990, Jacques tried to understand his poor performance as a pilot, which he initially blamed his race car’s tuning. Santo, his mechanic, then pretended to make adjustments, as he was convinced that everything was fine.
When he got back on the track, Jacques made the best time. Proud of his performance, he was sure the adjustments he had asked for had done the trick. He was then told nothing had changed. This lesson in humility helped Jacques realize that people couldn’t feel, record and explain actions and reactions as well as technology. This triggered his need to develop a tool to quantify the behaviour of a pilot and their vehicle.
The family home’s garden shed then became ISAAC’s first laboratory. And that’s only because the basement was already being used for something else! With his childhood friend David Brillon, he spent his free time working on his telemetry system. At the time, the Internet, GPS, cellular communication and accelerometers were brand new tech!
In the early 2000s, his telemetry system piqued the interest of leading automakers, like Ford, GM, Chrysler, Honda and Toyota. His entrepreneurial vision enabled him to build a successful business, which today brings its unique expertise to the transportation industry.
Jacques’s entrepreneurial leadership led to his nomination as a finalist in the Ernst & Young and Desjardins entrepreneurship awards. Jacques holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, a flight theory and practice certification from the Kansas University School of Engineering, and specialized training in aircraft certification from Transport Canada.
Jacques is a sportsman at heart. He particularly enjoys speed and extreme sports. He particularly enjoys riding his longboard to the office, since the slopes along the way mean he can get there really fast!
Jean-Sebastien Bouchard
Executive Vice-President of Sales, Cofounder
Jean-Sebastien Bouchard
Jean-Sebastien Bouchard is Executive Vice-President of Sales as well as cofounder of ISAAC Instruments. He is responsible for implementing the business strategy for the telemetry and telematics solutions designed and manufactured by the company. He has more than 20 years of experience in the development, service and commercialization of telemetry solutions in the transportation industry.
From a young age, Jean-Sébastien has always been the one who liked to find problems and solve them. He was the expert at changing the time on the VCR without instructions! Today, this curiosity is put to good use helping trucking fleets meet their greatest challenges. Thanks to his analytical skills and problem-solving abilities, he contributes to the evolution of ISAAC’s solutions.
Jean-Sebastien holds a bachelor’s degree from McGill University in computer engineering with a specialization in technological entrepreneurship.
Passionate about many sports, such as hockey, skiing, mountain biking and running, he especially wants to be able to pass on this passion to his two daughters.
Top professional skills
Problem solving
David Brillon
Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Cofounder
David Brillon
David Brillon is Chief Technology Officer and cofounder of ISAAC Instruments. A true software Jedi, David launched the “ISAAC” project in 1999 with his childhood friend Jacques DeLarochellière. He now leads the software and hardware development teams which set ISAAC Instruments apart by covering all aspects of vehicle telemetry.
The products developed under his leadership have been used by the major global vehicle manufacturers (Ford, GM, Chrysler, Honda, Toyota, FAW, BRP, Volvo, John Deere, etc.) and the largest carriers (CNTL, TransX, Groupe Robert, Trimac, Challenger, etc.). His vast expertise includes software architecture, distributed applications, ommunication protocols, processing, analysis and viewing of vehicle data.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering as well as a master’s degree in industrial electrical engineering.
Julie Phaneuf
Chief Operations Officer (COO)
Julie Phaneuf
Julie Phaneuf is Chief Operations Officer at ISAAC Instruments. She leads all teams responsible for the client journey; from the deployment of the ISAAC solution to the delivery and installation of the equipment, as well as maintaining the satisfaction of long-time clients. Julie cherishes the Effortless Experience approach to customer care. Recognized for her leadership and multidisciplinary team management, Julie’s passion and innovative thinking ensure ISAAC Instruments puts clients at the center of every decision.
Julie is a seasoned leader with valuable experiences in technology companies. Prior to joining ISAAC Instruments, Julie started her career in high-tech companies such as BNR and CAE. Then moved into C-level positions at Jobboom (Canoe-Quebecor), Newad and TC Media.
Julie holds a bachelor’s degree from HEC, as well as several certifications. She is a sports enthusiast. In her spare time, she bikes, hikes, runs or skis with her family and friends. She also likes to channel her passion into supporting industry-related causes such as “Le grand défi Pierre Lavoie” and “ACQ Golf & Bike Day.” If you need an athlete on your fundraising team, look no further, she’d love to join you!
Top professional skills
Ability to make strong connections between people and ideas
Ross Castleton
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Ross Castleton
Ross Castleton, CPA, CA is the Chief Financial Officer at ISAAC Instruments where he leads the Financial and Accounting operations of the Company. A thought leader and finance disciplinarian, he works to ensure the business scales responsibly. As a relentless growth steward, Ross enjoys rolling up his sleeves and using data to optimize the company’s operations and processes. He is passionate about technology and disrupting industries through innovation. He is motivated by the personal satisfaction of mentoring and training teammates to their full potential – the ultimate test of a successful leader.
With a BComm in Honors Accounting from McGill University and the Chartered Accountancy designation through John Molson School of Business, Ross is a seasoned leader with over 16 years of experience in finance, accounting, turnaround consulting and executive management.
Outside the office, Ross is a passionate supporter of Liverpool Football Club and the Baltimore Ravens. He enjoys powerlifting and can often be found kicking a soccer ball around a pitch.
Top professional skill
Developing profitable businesses with robust financials
