After a long career in international purchasing at Carrefour, Gilles Detraz decided to change direction to rediscover what he had been missing: personal connections and everyday interactions with customers. Now a CAVAVIN franchisee in Palaiseau, near Paris, he shares his career change and experience as a business owner.
A Career Change Inspired by Human Connection
After 26 years working in international purchasing at Carrefour, Gilles Detraz felt the need to take his career in a new direction. More than simply changing jobs, he wanted to reconnect with people and enjoy meaningful interactions in his everyday work.
With this in mind, he decided to join the CAVAVIN franchise network and open his own wine shop in Palaiseau.
A Business Built Around People
What Gilles enjoys most about his daily work as a wine merchant is the relationships he builds with his customers. Beyond helping them choose a bottle, he has discovered a profession where listening and trust are essential.
Conversations often go far beyond wine. During their visits, customers share stories about their lives, concerns and future plans.
It is this variety of encounters, along with the different responsibilities involved in running a shop, that makes his work particularly rewarding.
Taking the Leap into Entrepreneurship
For those considering becoming franchisees, Gilles has two pieces of advice: choose the location of your future wine shop carefully and make sure you are genuinely motivated to start your own business.
For Gilles, preparing your business project is essential, but so is knowing when to take action. Beyond research and forecasts, becoming an entrepreneur requires self-confidence and authenticity.
His message to future franchisees? Dare to take the leap, believe in your project and stay true to yourself.
