Gilles Combalat franchisee Lissac at Laye

Gilles Combalat, franchisee Lissac at Laye.

American experience

At first glance, nothing distinguishes Lissac de Laye in a classical optical store shop. But just up the steps of the mezzanine to realize that Gilles Combalat is not one optician as others. In this suspended Office files alongside a golf club, a baseball glove, a plate stamped marseillaise Street doctor Combalat, family photos... And handcuffed in steel, "offered by a New York police officer", says, not without pride. As Gilles Combalat has a professional background also atypical as his Office. Hired in Lissac, right out of school, in 1983, he made his weapons in the vast store of the rue de Rivoli. Three years later, he was sent to the United States to develop a partnership with ophthalmologists. Across the Atlantic, physicians have the right to conduct a commercial activity. It negotiates Lissac corners in offices or in services ophtalmos of clinics and hospitals in Manhattan.... "An excellent way not"directly"rent paying and take advantage of a customer" captive"", explains the representative of the French sign.

The franchisor franchisee

On his return in France, it integrates the branch of the Place of the Opera. Parallel to the creation of points of sale in own sign launches free. "In 1992, Lissac has created a position as Director of Franchise Development and network to structure the network in full expansion," he continued. In the space of 7 years, he launched some 60 stores. Then, he decided to "is auto-franchise" by creating his own shop at Laye, a city "clean, pleasant living and rich" while pursuing his career as Director of network and development Franchise. It is then the double-hatted franchisor and franchisee. Then in 2001, he chose to devote himself fully to his store, located a few steps from the Church, in the heart of the city. "With all these experiments with creation of points of sale, there was little chance that I plant", he says. Of course, it must consent in the first time a decrease in revenue and dedicated seven days a week at his company. But his efforts pay. Today the store is part of the most profitable network. "In the end, it is safer to be his own boss, ensures Gilles Combalat.". An employee, even if it is Executive, can get to the unemployment of the day to the next.

The relationship customer foremost

But money is not her main engine. It is for its customers that it rises in the morning. Since its open mezzanine on both sides, he observed passers-by who watch his showcase and takes shots to look at the workshop. "I am not here to monitor my employees but to ensure that everything goes well, also in the wizard, if need be." I want to stay available, justified. Beyond the merchant trade, it is a real desire to make service behind me. "I get people as my home." And when he goes on the market of Laye, Sunday morning, he crosses his clients that he was able to retain these ten years. "My youngest son is not always accompany me because I stopped to greet and talk with many people."