"For me, it was the most advanced brand that best knew how to meet local needs" Tristant Daver, Carrefour City Lomme franchisee

Who are you? What is your background?

My name is Tristan Daver, I am 46 years old, I am an investor franchisee, that is to say the owner of the Carrefour City business in Lomme, in the North, in the commune of Lille.

Originally from Toulouse, I studied accountancy. At the same time, I was working at Mammouth (now Auchan) for a student job, I was doing shelving. I immediately liked it, the stores, the products, there is something alive. At the end of my studies, the brand changed to Auchan. I stayed on as chief accountant of the Béziers store. I stayed for seven years, managing a team of 15 accountants. I then had a proposal for a move to Lille. The mission included the management of a team of 85 people. It's been five great years! I really had the opportunity to grow my team and together we were able to meet important challenges.

Then an opportunity presented itself at Leroy Merlin. I stayed there for three years. This experience allowed me to take a step back. When I turned 42, I asked myself the question of what I really wanted, I did not have the soul of a handyman and I lacked concrete things. It was time to do something that I am passionate about: working in the local food business.

So I went to the Franchise fair in Lille, I went straight to see Carrefour, it was my favorite brand. For me, it was the most advanced brand and the one that best knew how to meet local needs. Following this show, I learned a lot, on the networks, I went to meet many Carrefour managers. After some time for reflection, I decided to go for it and started the recruitment process with Isabelle Parmentier, franchise recruitment manager.

How was the recruitment process?

It took me eight months to think things through. I had long and numerous meetings with the brand manager and the franchise advisor, I wanted to be sure I had all the necessary information to make the right decision. After various interviews and tests, Carrefour presented me with a project, investing in a Carrefour City. I was presented with the business plan and the store. I immediately detected the potential of the store. It's like buying a house! I analyzed its location, its capacities, and also if I could resell it.

Why immediately go through investment?

Investment was the most suitable formula for my contribution, my determination, my age and my family project. I wanted to be the direct owner, I wanted to invest myself humanly and fully in the project. There is also a heritage aspect to my investment. I did it in order to leave something for my children. Compared to a salaried job, this asset creation aspect makes all the difference.

Wasn't the process too cumbersome?

Investing is quite a long process. There is nothing difficult but many administrative procedures to do. The investment represents a little pressure but we are well supported by Carrefour. Indeed, it is taking a risk, we have a family behind. It is a family project because it is a lifestyle choice.

Why a Carrefour City?

Carrefour City is for me the best compromise. This is the right size store in size and team structure. Carrefour City is adapted to my way of doing things and to my needs, it is a brand that looks like me. It is a brand that moves in an urban environment, which offers many services. I wanted to invest in a place to live.

How would you describe your experience?

It's a great adventure, and above all it's my adventure! Today I work in partnership with Carrefour, in particular with my franchise advisor in whom I have complete confidence. I could not have set up my project without the support of Carrefour, we are in a Win-Win relationship. I am free to take initiatives and even share ideas with the group! I feel totally free and independent. And what a pleasure, pride to be the social link, the local lung of a city! The richness of my job is to rub shoulders with people, proximity. My store is a bit like my house, I take care of it. In four years, I have done work, in terms of frozen food, tiling, lighting, the transition to the new concept, etc. I improve every little element for the comfort of my customers and my collaborators. It's our home.

I could spend more time at the store, but today I found the right balance between my professional life and my personal life. Everything is not always rosy, there are unforeseen events. For example, the street of my store was closed for works. It was a stressful but challenging time at the same time. I had to review the management of working time, orders, etc. I lost up to 30% of turnover, but Carrefour was present.

Any advice for the franchisees of tomorrow?

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