Making a career change is not always easy… And things can get even more complicated when it comes to becoming self-employed and running your own business. But with the right support, the journey quickly becomes less daunting, and the outcome is positive! Here’s a look back at the success of Jean-François Lambert, the new owner of Europ’Aventure.

What made you leap?

For several years, I had been thinking about becoming self-employed, either by creating my own business or by acquiring an existing one. One day, I decided it was time to go for it: I resigned from my job as a manager of a cleaning company in Brussels in May 2019.

What steps did you take to find the business of your dreams?

I started searching online, contacting friends, and activating my network. Quickly, in September 2019, I came across a BestValue listing for the sale of a company specializing in organizing hiking trips in the Ardennes (Europ’Aventure). Since I had already worked in this sector, I was immediately drawn to the opportunity!

What role did BestValue play in this transaction?

Thanks to BestValue’s involvement, I was put in touch with the company’s owner, and we had a very positive and constructive first meeting. In the months that followed, Romain Simar (BestValue) played a key role as a mediator, facilitator, and information verifier. BestValue was the perfect intermediary between the seller and me, providing expertise and a level of objectivity that I probably wouldn’t have had on my own.

This process allowed me to understand how the company operated, its strengths and weaknesses, and to develop a takeover and growth plan. Not only was the work environment I was about to enter healthy and positive, but the project also aligned perfectly with the challenge I wanted to take on and my skills.

What has become of your career today?

BestValue supported me until the signing of the transfer agreement at the end of November 2019. Since then, I have been the proud owner of my own company. In the first few months, I was fortunate to have the former owner by my side. Everything was well-structured, and my action plan for the future was coming together… until the arrival of COVID-19, which led to the cancellation of all trips from March to June.

It was a tough blow—I had to wait and prepare for what was next. I realized that this, too, was part of being your boss: highs and lows that you have to navigate. But since the end of the lockdown and the gradual return of tourism in Belgium, I have been receiving a huge number of trip requests! Despite the exceptional circumstances of this year, I have no regrets about acquiring the company and the direction my career has taken. I have great memories of the entire process, thanks to the support of Romain and the BestValue team. Thank you!