We’re talking about us : Simon Lemaire, Fruit Sales Manager
05 June 2025
This is the inspiring story of a passionate 33-year-old who is committed to his missions as if they were his own business!
It all began in 2010. Simon was studying for a technical diploma in agri-food sales. He was interested in selling to professionals, to convince them and build up volume.
🚀 That’s how he got his start at Lagache. His work-study placement was to last 3 years, ending with a degree in Agri-food Distribution Manager and… a permanent contract with Lagache!
🧑🤝🧑 Simon starts out as a buyer/seller, working in tandem with Christophe, an “old hand” who passes on the keys to him. He started with “low risk” products to get the hang of it. As time went on, he managed more and more products, understanding supply, demand and the nuts and bolts of the business. With Guy Lagache, who recruited him, he goes out into the field to meet producers to understand the different terroirs and products. On the sales side, he’s learning to find his place. Not easy when you’re just starting out and your customers have been used to you for years!
📈 Simon is passionate, he’s in his element, learning, observing, growing in the business. His partnership with Christophe was solid, and together they developed and built up the Fruits offering. “It was exciting,” remembers Simon. With his mentor retiring, the time came for the handover.
🍓 Xavier Martin, who took over the management of the company in 2020, finds it natural and legitimate to appoint Simon Sales Manager. The transition went smoothly. Simon took charge of new products, surrounded himself with a new team that he recruited, Victor and then Antoine, and took on management roles in the warehouse and sales. “The management of the 2 teams is different, but that’s what I like – everyone is important. Listening to people is essential in this company”.
🌟 Simon loves his job and thrives in it! He enjoys taking charge of leading products, working alongside his colleagues, helping them to improve their skills and, last but not least, being a member of the Executive Board! It’s rewarding,” he says, “I’m consulted on major decisions, and people count on me. I’m the ‘boss of the fruit’. Xavier trusts me, and I take decisions from A to Z in my team. I give everyone autonomy.
🤗 You could say that Simon has found his place. He is very grateful to Guy Lagache for getting him started and to Xavier Martin for helping him grow. “I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I’m 33 years old, I’m an executive and I’m involved as if it were my own company. We grow together, we make mistakes together, we move forward together. We are trusted and we trust each other.
