Christophe Lacazette
Career Story
As we approach the end of the year, we take a moment to celebrate the remarkable career of Christophe Lacazette, who will be retiring after over three decades with Joris Ide. Since joining the company in 1993, he has played a key role in shaping the success and growth of Joris Ide Sud Ouest. Throughout his career, he has been a source of inspiration, leaving an indelible mark on both his colleagues and the company. Let's look back at his journey, sharing stories, anecdotes, and heartfelt messages from those who have had the privilege of working alongside him.
Mr. Lacazette is the kind of leader we all dream to have, and I was lucky to have that chance.
Can you describe your career and your development at Joris Ide?
I first came into contact with Joris Ide in August 1993 through my father, who was already working for him. At the time, Joris Ide had just acquired a profiling machine to manufacture fence posts. Since I was employed by a fence manufacturer, we collaborated to market these products in France.
After a few months, leveraging my prior experience in the manufacture and sale of sheet metal, Mr. Joris Ide tasked me with developing the marketing of the product range. A few weeks later, we participated in the Batimat trade fair in Paris for the first time. Although our range was still modest, this experience marked the beginning of an exciting journey. Subsequently, I spent 10 years working in Belgium as a salesman for the French market. The early days were particularly dynamic: without a subsidiary in France, we collaborated with dealers who were occasionally approached by sales agents falsely claiming to represent Joris Ide.
In the 2000s, we expanded our range to include industrial products and strengthened our presence in France. This period demanded significant effort to establish our reputation with new customers, overcoming both strong competition and entrenched prejudices. Thanks to the perseverance and dedication of the sales team, we successfully opened many doors. In 2004, I joined CBI Poitou (now Joris Ide Atlantique) as an employee, managing a geographical area in the South-West. Two years later, a fantastic opportunity arose: I took on the management of Joris Ide Sud-Ouest after the acquisition of a business in Hagetmau, leading a team of 15 people. Further milestones followed: the purchase of the Saint-Jory site in 2011, the construction of our factory, and our relocation in 2023—each marking significant steps in our development.
I have known Christophe for 20 years. Always attentive, supportive, and with a smile.
What have been the highlights of your career at Joris Ide?
My career has been marked by significant moments that have greatly enriched my experience—important milestones, as well as simpler or unexpected events.
I especially cherish the memories of my early days with the company, the pragmatism of Mr. Joris Ide, the valuable exchanges with my various managers, and the relationships I built with my colleagues. The Joris Ide Sud-Ouest adventure and the construction of the building also stand out as key highlights.
What advice would you give to the next generation?
Always remember where you come from. Cultivate humility, respect your colleagues, and never underestimate your competitors. Approach your work with a long-term vision, keeping customer satisfaction at the heart of everything you do. You have exceptional potential. While much has already been accomplished, the future is still yours to shape.
In 1998, France won its first World Cup. It was also a special year because I met Mr. Lacazette, an extraordinary man, a true character, whose presence left no one indifferent throughout all these years of collaboration. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for his poise and calm, which allowed all of us to grow, setting an example, a path, and direction for our teams. To conclude, here's a quote that inspires me for this new chapter in your life, Christophe: 'Now, you stop living to work and start working to truly live 😉'
What will you remember most about your experience with Joris Ide?
Above all, it has been an extraordinary human adventure. I’ve been fortunate to earn the trust of managers, colleagues, and customers over the years, and I hope I’ve repaid that trust in kind.
I always saw myself as part of the company, driven by a deep belief in its growth and values, rather than pursuing a predefined career path. I was inspired by the collective energy, dynamics, and expertise that form the core strength of Joris Ide.
Christophe brought the values and experience he gained from rugby into his management of JI Sud Ouest: A strong, committed team, respect, and humility! Like a gardener, he planted seeds and carefully nurtured them to yield the best results. We shared many great moments at Batimat, as well as during our seminars and management meetings. I’ll always remember Christophe's top-level skills at paddle tennis... I’m definitely going to need some training if I want to have a chance to beat him! 😉
More than a decade ago, I had the opportunity to begin my journey within the Joris Ide group with a tour of the Business Units across France. My time in the South-West was particularly memorable. Your warm welcome, along with your team, left me a lasting impression. I want to highlight your dedication, your passion for our job, and your ability to convey strong values that enrich our company. Your availability, whether it was accompanying me on-site or sharing your expertise, was invaluable. Working with you over this decade on marketing and communication projects has been an absolute pleasure. A heartfelt thank you for everything you’ve contributed. I wish you great success in all your future projects.
Any anecdotes or special memories you'd like to share?
To stay in the festive spirit at the end of the year, I'd mention the evenings in Bruges, which remain unforgettable memories. I have so many anecdotes that I could go on for hours about them! Perhaps one day, when I retire, I'll write a collection to share them.
What are your plans for ‘after Joris Ide’?
I've already signed up as a consular judge in a commercial court, an activity that interests me a lot. I'm also planning to take some time off, both mentally and physically, and why not write that famous collection of memories!
When I started at Joris Ide, I heard that Christophe was the very first sales rep in France. And look where we are today with France—it’s undoubtedly thanks to his significant contribution! He is an example, always exuding a great sense of calm. He will surely be missed at Joris Ide, but now he can enjoy a well-deserved retirement. Though, I suspect he’ll still keep busy with a few projects for a while. Thank you, Christophe!