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We have interviewed Francis Robcis

Manager of ADN-ROMA Counseling

1/ You’ve been counseling Luc and Thierry Frayssinet for 12 years now. How can one remain a company consultant for so long ?

That’s very simple : among my clients, this company is no doubt the most innovative. Urged by its management, the company takes up new challenges every year and my role is to accompany the team in their pursuit. A 20-year old experience as a multinational subsidiary manager has brought me quite a good field-interpretation, mental readiness that enables me to help try to achieve these projects with the entire managing team. A knowledge of « the trade » combined with good interpersonal relationships with the Frayssinet staff as a whole has facilitated the consulting connection.

2/ Could you mention some of these challenges ?

There’s been the ISO certification ( let’s say the ISO spirit rather) with the complete certification outcome, a premiere in their trade ! We also achieved together the state-of-the-art computerization of this mid-sized company by successfully implementing an ERP (Enterprise resource planning) and all the related great managing tools ( planning, managing instrument panels, decision support systems for process pilots, CAMS, cost and management accounting, etc …

3/ The way you see it, what are tomorrow’s challenges for this medium sized company ?

It will have to adjust to its market which, although currently flourishing within the « sustainable agriculture » trend, is nevertheless stirred by forthcoming deep changes in viticulture, market gardening, and arboriculture in France. The Groupe Frayssinet are well-armed to face the years ahead but they have to assimilate the extreme concentration of agricultural distribution. I also believe that it will be necessary to rapidly look beyond the Atlantic because the vinegrowers of the New World will soon discover that a terroir must be safeguarded and that only an agronomic approach respectful of the environment can ensure them glorious days to come. The expertise acquired by Phalippou-Frayssinet since 1870 is unique, and it should make it possible for them to internationalize their business in the near future. Besides, the next generation is likely to be craving for new ventures ! They’re 7 of them ! One for each continent and for the youngest ones, there is space to grow plants in our space stations !

4/ You sound very confident as regards the future, when in fact many XXIst century companies find it hard to be passed on from generation to generation.

Luc and Thierry are still young men, so the problem is not posed in the short-term, which leaves us time to train up the next generation outside the company. This is an inescapable stage because today’s business world has changed, only your competence allows you to apply for high corporate positions. At Frayssinet’s, the company processes are piloted by a well-seasoned staff with the two managers conducting the orchestra.

5/ What about your counselor’s position in the next decade, still with Frayssinet ?

The answer is not mine, I’m 58 today and I hope my neurons are not going to fade out over the next 5 years ! If Luc and Thierry renew me their confidence, I am ready to extend the lease to the next 3 years.