From ball-picking robot to managing an SME: the inspiring career story of Frédéric Comte, Managing Director of BIBUS France

From Drôme to Lyon, the beginning of the adventure

A BTS Electrotechnics competition, a project building a ball-collecting robot, and suddenly I was off to Lyon at 19 for a six-month temporary contract.
That was July 12, 1999.
Those six months turned into six years of learning and discovery.

I successively worked as a design office technician, after-sales technician, technical support, inside sales, field sales, and finally sales engineer.

Those early years gave me two of the four key skills I rely on today: technical expertise and sales knowledge.

An international career and unexpected challenges

Later, I joined the fire protection industry, where I moved from Sales Manager for France to Europe, then to Global Sales Manager.
I traveled widely, learned from diverse markets and cultures… and faced a few surprises along the way.

Once, I was even detained in an Eastern European country when a dissatisfied customer refused to accept a delivery. Experiences like that teach resilience!

The Decisive Meeting with Jean-Luc Traineau

In 2011, I met Jean-Luc Traineau, then Managing Director of BIBUS France, who was looking for a Sales Development Manager.
After three hours of conversation, the connection was undeniable.
I didn’t have the perfect resume, but something clicked. The magic worked.

Joining BIBUS France

On June 1st, 2012, a Friday, I remember it well, I joined BIBUS France.
There, I learned how to manage people, lead a design office, and coordinate a workshop and warehouse.
It was a human and technical school, demanding yet caring.

From Manager to Managing Director

In 2017, when Jean-Luc decided to pursue his dream of moving to Asia, he entrusted me with the leadership of the company.
I became Managing Director, a role to invent, a huge challenge, and an incredible opportunity.

Even today, I’m fully aware of the responsibility and trust this position represents.

25 years later the power of daring

Twenty-five years after it all began, I often think back to that kid from the Drôme.
I never expected to come this far but I was never afraid.
I’ve been guided, supported, sometimes challenged, but always with kindness.

Deep down, I’m still that young man who loved riding tractors, carefree and free.
Maybe that’s the secret, staying true to who you are.

My message to those who doubt

My journey is proof that you must dare.

• Dare to dream, even if you come from a small rural town, with no network, no family connections, and no “right” background.
• Dare to start, even without the perfect résumé.
• Dare to believe in yourself especially when you doubt.

I often tell my children and stepchildren: you can catch your lucky star.

Thank you, Frédéric COMTE, for this inspiring story!