Building Success: Blueprint for Innovation with Grayson PS
Donnie Arsenault has been working in construction for 39 years, and for 27 of those years, he has owned and operated his own company, Belle-Vue Construction. “We do anything from houses, cottages, multi-unit buildings, commercial, and residential,” Donnie proudly stated.
About 10 years ago, Donnie was on-site at an apartment building with his plans and blueprints strewn across the floor. Coming up with a quick solution to get organized, he built a unique, mounted drafting table out of scrap wood found on the job site. After he was finished on site, he left the table there for the next tradespeople to use to complete their work. “Then last Spring, I came up with the idea that I should make that drafting table out of aluminum,” said Donnie, “It’s lightweight and durable.” Donnie went through many prototypes and refined the drafting table to what it is now – the Grayson PS. “Once I got it made, I thought: I might have something here,” he said.
The Grayson PS set up on site at an apartment building in Summerside, PEI.
The Grayson PS is a portable and durable drafting station that quickly attaches to construction site framing, allowing contractors on job sites easy access to view, secure and maintain their blueprints. It mounts quickly and easily with a universal mounting system that fits both 2×4 and 2×6 framing, perfect for plans of all sizes, blueprints and other essentials on the job site.
Many tradespeople can use the Grayson PS throughout a construction project, from framers and architects to electricians and plumbers. Donnie found his local connections to be a great advantage to get the word out about his product here in Prince Edward Island. “I’ve lived and worked here all my life,” he said. “PEI is a very friendly place, and you get to know your connections with tradespeople”. Donnie was able to connect with local tradespeople to test out prototypes of the Grayson PS and gather important feedback to better the product.
Donnie heard about the Ignition Fund in the Spring of last year when he was in the early stages of product development. After applying for the Spring 2024 round of funding and not being a successful recipient, he decided to refine his application for the Fall 2024 round of funding.
Incorporating feedback from the previous round, Donnie applied for the Ignition Fund again in the Fall of 2024 and was successful in moving onto the pitch portion of the Ignition Fund application process. Initially, Donnie was hesitant about the pitch training, but throughout the day, he gained confidence in himself and learned how to present his product in the best way. “Through the Ignition Fund process, I’ve learned that – although I’m not usually a public speaker – when it is something that you believe in, it seems to come easily,” said Donnie. And his hard work paid off: Donnie was one of five successful recipients of the Fall 2024 Ignition Fund.
“My advice for anyone looking to apply for the Ignition Fund would be to never give up,” said Donnie. He took what he learned from the first application process and used it to implement changes and improve his application, finding success when he tried again.
Learn more about the Grayson PS.
The Ignition Fund is a competitive-based fund for entrepreneurs seeking startup capital for a new innovative business venture or to develop and launch a new innovative product. The fund invests seed capital that will allow successful applicants to turn their ideas into a tangible and viable business.
Applications for the Spring Round of the Ignition Fund open on April 7th, 2025.