IDCFA Franchisee Profile

Laurent Lefevre - K2 Development: Paris, France

1. Who has had the most influence on your franchise?

My personal background as MARS associates for 12 years that has taught me how to sell, manage, and deliver training.

2. What is the best tip you have gained from a Dale Carnegie Convention or Regional Meeting? A tip that has had a large impact on your company?

A conference we had on networking in our Lisbonne Regional meeting. Identifying champions in my customers in order for them to sell me.

3. What is your most memorable Dale Carnegie experience?

San Diego convention was great. A lot of energy, a positive atmosphere and a nice party.

4. What is one idea/technique that you would like to share with other Dale Carnegie franchisees that has been successful for your office?

I focus a lot on Industry and Manufacturing divisions. We have signed a deal with DANONE for its 15 French factories because of our ability to select industrial background trainers. Our selection process is tough but when we succeed, the results are outstanding.

5. What brought you to Dale Carnegie?

The potential of the brand and the international network (similarities to my MARS background)

6. Who is your favorite client and why?

CHANEL, because their sense of excellence enables us to become more professional everyday.

7. What are your current branding initiatives in the marketplace?

That’s the weak part of my business as I’m not a marketing guy but a sales one. As we manage by ourselves we do make mistakes and are still looking for the right formula.

8. What business trends are you finding and how are you aligning solutions to those?

Every French factory is struggling with productivity, challenges, and people disengagement. We have set up an Industrial curriculum that aids factories in moving forward. That’s a key business driver for us.