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Business Unusual: interview with Alexandre Issac (Bo 219), CEO and Founder of The Repair Academy
AFAM: Hello Alexandre and thank you for agreeing to answer our questions. You are the CEO and Founder of The Repair Academy and you announced a few months ago that you’ll be expanding your business to the US. Please, first tell us more about the Repair Academy concept and why you decided to enter the US market.
Alexandre:
Thanks so much for having me—I'm excited to share this journey!
The Repair Academy was born from a very simple idea: electronics are everywhere in our lives, yet very few people know how to repair them. So we created an ecosystem to democratize electronics repair through training, awareness, and technical support.
We offer certified training—both online and in person—to build a new generation of professional repair technicians. At the same time, we work closely in our R&D department to create operational training that gets people ready to grind.
Expanding to the US is a natural next step. The market is huge, awareness of electronic waste is growing rapidly, and right-to-repair legislation is finally gaining momentum. There’s a real appetite for solutions that combine environmental impact with economic opportunity—and that’s exactly where we come in.
AFAM: You are an Entrepreneur Award Winner (as mentioned on your LinkedIn profile). Please share more about this award and what being an entrepreneur means to you.
Alexandre:
The Australian eChallenge 1st place was a fun round. Receiving that award was a strong sign that we’re moving in the right direction. At the time, we were thinking of going to the big appliance market.
To me, being an entrepreneur means solving real-world problems—especially the ones that seem “too complex” or “not profitable enough.” It’s a mix of creativity, resilience, and daily commitment. You're building something from scratch, and that’s both terrifying and incredibly rewarding.
AFAM: You call yourself a Green Tech Enthusiast. What does that mean? Are there any green tech companies/startups (in France or the US) that have impressed or inspired you?
Alexandre:
For me, being a Green Tech Enthusiast means believing that innovation and sustainability should always go hand in hand. Too often, tech has been part of the problem. But more and more, it’s becoming part of the solution.
I really admire what Back Market and Leasetic have done in France—making refurbished electronics mainstream for both consumers and businesses. In the US, iFixit is of course a major inspiration. Their commitment to open repair and education is game-changing. That’s exactly the kind of impact I want to be part of.
AFAM: How did being a Gadzarts help you in your entrepreneurship journey and your career?
Alexandre:
The Gadz’Arts network is incredibly supportive. I’ve received advice, introductions, and even formed partnerships thanks to that community—both in France and surely internationally (soon).
Being a Gadzart gave me not only a solid technical foundation, but also a mindset: hands-on, resourceful, and mission-driven. It taught me to think in systems and to solve problems under pressure—which is exactly what you need when building a company.
AFAM: If you could give some advice to those exploring entrepreneurship opportunities in the US?
Alexandre:
Do your homework—and then go for it. The US market moves fast, expectations are high, but so are the opportunities. You need to understand the local business culture, sharpen your pitch, and adapt your product-market fit. What works in Europe won’t necessarily work in the US. And I’m learning that lesson every day, still !
Also: don’t do it alone. Surround yourself with people who know the local ecosystem—mentors, advisors, accelerators. I feel incredibly lucky to have started my US journey with support from iFixit.
AFAM: You’re going back and forth between France and the US. What do you like most about working in each country? What’s the most exciting and the most challenging part of being an entrepreneur in both?
Alexandre:
In France, I really appreciate the technical expertise, the innovation support from public programs, and the strong engineering culture. In the US, I am still discovering; Honestly I thought people would be really more hard working. In the end, I think I like the way it is easy to do business in the US with less social rules; but a mix of both French and US stuff would be great.
What excites me most is blending the strengths of both ecosystems. The challenge? Constantly switching gears—navigating different legal frameworks, customer expectations, investor mindsets. But that complexity is also what makes the journey so dynamic and fulfilling.
AFAM: Could you tell us more about your future plans?
Alexandre:
We’re launching our first US-based training hub later this year, MVP in July, aimed at building a skilled local workforce for electronics repair. We’re also developing a digital platform to centralize repair-related jobs—helping our alumni and others in the industry find meaningful work (first in France, later EU and US). We hope this platform will also make it easier for companies to hire certified technicians.
In the long run, our mission is to make repair a standard, scalable part of the electronics lifecycle—everywhere. That includes bringing together all the companies of The Repair Group: Seensys (for businesses), La Fixerie (for consumers), The Repair Lab (R&D) iSpart (recycling) and more. It’s about reducing e-waste, creating sustainable jobs, and changing how we value the devices we use every day.
Alexandre during the class
Brand new repair technicians
Pictures are courtesy of Alexandre
Other interviews in "Business Unusual" series:
interview with actor and film director Guillaume Campanacci (Ai 201)
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Arts et Metiers students finished the semester at Texas A&M in May.
Here is what some of the students told us about their staying:
"We will keep great memories of our semester at Texas A&M including ( but not limited to):
- a lot of sun every day!
- Visit to San Francisco organized by AFAM
- American football game at Kyle Field (the home stadium of the Texas A&m Aggies)
- Basketball and baseball games
- Awesome BBQs
- Arts et Metiers school delegation visit of the College Station
- Country dance classes"
Thibault
"Surely one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, I loved being immersed in the middle of a student town like College Station and meeting all these new people. The events organized by the TAMU team and the other students were really incredible! I hope everyone will be able to experience what I did there one day in their lives."
Amaury
BBQ with international students organized by the TAMU team
in front of Kyle Field in College Station
Gadz'Arts at one of the most famous BBQ place in Texas
Young Gadz'Arts from TAMU in SF during Mini GadzMeet organized by AFAM
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The Shasta programs invites Arts et Metiers students and apprentice students to join. If you want to find an internship ( starting January 2026 or later) please let us know about it
Testimonial #1
"My mentor, along with AFAM, helped me discover all the specific requirements for applying to internships in the United States. Indeed, the selection criteria are different, and you need a tailored profile to apply and hope to be accepted. Thanks to AFAM and my mentor, I was able to properly build a US-style resume, search for contacts among alumni in the US, and start creating a portfolio.
My mentor was a tremendous help: whenever I faced difficulties, had doubts, or needed feedback on what I was working on, I would schedule a voice call with him about a week in advance, sending him the relevant documents beforehand. This allowed me to make steady and effective progress. Additionally, AFAM and my mentor provided me with sample applications, profile types, and resumes to draw inspiration from."
Testimonial #2
"The Shasta program played a crucial role in my internship search. My mentor was exceptionally supportive throughout the entire process. We held weekly meetings every Sunday, during which he guided me through adapting my CV and cover letter to the American job market, finding relevant companies, and preparing applications. His insights into the industry and his dedication to my project were invaluable. Through these sessions, I not only improved my professional approach but also gained confidence in my English communication skills and expanded my understanding of the aerospace sector by connecting with other alumni during One Time Consultation. The personalized and consistent support I received made a significant difference, even though the highly specific nature of my target industry posed additional challenges and was not conclusive. I wholeheartedly recommend the Shasta program to Arts et Métiers students, especially those exploring fields with broader opportunities in the US."
Testimonial #3
"I had the great opportunity to be mentored by one of the Shasta mentors through the AFAM SHASTA program. Our discussions were both insightful and diverse, covering everything from
adapting to life in the U.S. and exploring various pathways to get there, to tips for improving my résumé and shaping my career plans. We even talked about the latest FIFA World Cup, which added a fun and relatable touch to our conversations. What I appreciated most was mentor’s approachability and dedication. He was always available to share advice, provide encouragement, and push me to deliver my best. Our communication was smooth and dynamic, primarily through social media, which kept us in regular contact. Thanks to his guidance and the resources provided by AFAM, I was able to structure a clear and ambitious plan for my professional future. This mentorship has been a real game-changer for me, and I’m genuinely thankful for the support that has helped me move closer to achieving my goals."
We would like to sincerely thank all our mentors who spent time with students to help them in their internship search.
We invite Arts et Metiers students to join our Shasta program today to explore internship opportunities in the US.
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"Green and Clean":
AFAM: Hello Alessandro and thank you for agreeing to answer our questions. You are a Project Manager at Waga Energy and you work as a VIE in Philadelphia. Could you please tell us a few words about the company you work for and your role in it?
Alessandro: Waga Energy is a French cleantech company specializing in the recovery of landfill gas into Renewable Natural Gas (RNG), also known as biomethane. The company operates internationally, including in North America, and is committed to accelerating the energy transition by transforming waste into a valuable energy source.
As a Project Engineer within the U.S. branch, based in Philadelphia, I’m currently leading the execution of RNG infrastructure projects, ranging between $25M and $30M in value. My role involves managing the full EPC cycle — Engineering, Procurement, and Construction — from early-stage technical design to commissioning. I coordinate multidisciplinary teams, monitor budgets and timelines, and ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards. It’s a dynamic, high-responsibility position that offers me strong exposure to both technical and stakeholder management challenges.
AFAM: what is the most exciting and the most challenging in your current job?
Alessandro: What excites me the most in my current role is the scale and impact of the projects I manage. Working on multi-million-dollar infrastructure that directly contributes to decarbonizing the energy sector is both meaningful and motivating. I also really enjoy the dynamic, international environment — coordinating with stakeholders from different cultures, backgrounds, and technical expertise gives me a constant opportunity to learn and grow.
The most challenging aspect is managing complexity under tight deadlines. Leading EPC projects means being at the intersection of engineering, procurement, construction, and compliance. I need to ensure every component aligns — from technical design to contractor schedules to permitting — while adapting to unexpected changes on-site. It requires being proactive, detail-oriented, and calm under pressure. But these challenges are also what make the job so rewarding.
AFAM: We have several students in our Shasta program (as every year) who are looking for internships in the US and would like to pursue a VIE ( as VIE is accepted today by the school as end-of-the-year internship abroad). You managed to obtain a VIE with Waga Energy. Please let us know why you think you were successful in securing this position?
Alessandro: I believe what made the difference in securing my VIE at Waga Energy was a combination of genuine international motivation, targeted preparation, and persistence. I had previously spent six months in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa, which not only demonstrated my enthusiasm for working abroad but also helped me develop adaptability and a global mindset — qualities that are essential in an international assignment like a VIE.
When I applied to Waga Energy, I made sure to align my profile with the company's mission in renewable energy and their ambitions in the North American market. I tailored my application to highlight both my engineering and project management background, and how I could contribute to large-scale energy infrastructure projects in the U.S.
Another key point is that I proactively reached out to a current VIE at Waga before applying. I asked questions about the role and the company’s culture, which helped me better prepare for the interviews — and showed the recruiters that I was already projecting myself into the role.
My advice to students looking for a VIE: don’t hesitate to reach out to people already in the position you’re aiming for. It helps you understand what’s expected, and it shows initiative and motivation — two things that really stand out during the recruitment process.
AFAM: If you could give some pieces of advice to those who are looking for an internship in the US today, what would you say to them?
Alessandro: First, be very clear on what you’re looking for — the U.S. job market values focus. Whether it’s project management, data, engineering, or marketing, know your target and adapt your resume and outreach accordingly.
Second, network actively. Many opportunities in the U.S. come through connections, even weak ties. Reach out to alumni, current interns, or professionals on LinkedIn — ask for 15 minutes to hear about their experience. It’s not about asking for a job, it’s about learning — and showing you’re proactive.
Third, get comfortable with the cultural codes: have a sharp, one-page U.S.-style resume, be direct and confident in interviews, and follow up after conversations. Soft skills, initiative, and communication often matter just as much as technical background.
Finally — and most importantly — be patient and don’t get discouraged. It can take time to land the right opportunity, and rejection is part of the process. Each step, even the ones that don’t work out, helps you get closer to the right fit. Stay consistent, keep learning, and trust the process — your effort will pay off.
AFAM: It's been a year that you've lived in Philadelphia, what do you like the most in this region? How do you spend your free time?
Alessandro: Philadelphia has been a great discovery. I really appreciate the mix of history, culture, and the strong sense of community here. The city is dynamic and full of character, and I enjoy how walkable and lively the neighborhoods are. There’s always something going on — from local events to food markets and museums.
In my free time, I stay active — I’ve played rugby for many years and recently got into trail running. I even completed a 50-mile trail race, which was a rewarding personal challenge. I also like to explore the city and its surroundings with friends. Living abroad has been a very enriching experience, both professionally and personally.
AFAM: Could you tell us more about your future plans?
Alessandro: After my VIE experience, I’m planning to continue developing my career in the U.S., ideally in New York City. I’m looking for opportunities where I can apply my engineering background and project management experience to drive impactful, technically complex projects.
I particularly enjoy working in dynamic, international environments and taking on responsibility — especially when it comes to coordinating teams, managing stakeholders, and delivering results under tight timelines. In the long run, I aim to grow into leadership roles where I can contribute both strategically and operationally.
AFAM: Thank you, Alessandro!
Picture (courtesy of Alessandro): Alessandro during 50 mile ultramarathon at Antelope Canyon (AZ)
Other interviews in “Green and Clean” series:
Interview with Guenael Prince (Cl 201)
Interview with Raphael Zaccardi (Cl 182)
Interview with Lucie Marionnet (Class 2019)
Interview with François Callait (Ch 189)
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AFAM: Hello Rémi and thank you for agreeing to answer our questions. You are a Sales Director at Instrumental Inc., Palo Alto, CA. Please tell us a few words about the company you work for and your role in it?
Rémi: Instrumental Inc is a startup specialized in the manufacturing tech sphere. We help electronics OEMs build better quality product faster. We have around 70 employees and I joined the company one year ago. In my role as a sales director, me and my team focus on bringing new customers.
AFAM: Before joining Instrumental Inc and moving to California, you lived in Mexico.Could you please tell us a few things about your Mexican experience and then how come you work in the US now?
Rémi: yes, my love story with Mexico started in 2013 when I found a VIE there, at the company called Fives. It is a company with headquarters in France and a lot of Gadz’Arts work there. I was one of them and it is an example of exciting things we can do in the manufacturing industry. Then, I went back to Europe, In England, for 2 years, staying at Fives for another subsidiary. And after that I came back to Mexico, this time as a Sales Manager for Latin America and for the USA. After more than 7 years at Fives, in 2021, a good friend of mine, also an engineer, asked me if I would be interested in setting up a company in Industry 4.0 with him. We started visiting customers to understand how the digital transformation looked like in Mexican factories. It was still at an early stage. And a few months after we started a company called JoonX, with the idea of improving plant's effectiveness thanks to real-time data analytics (IIoT, for those who know), where I worked until 2023. We developped our own solution, packaged it and we now support factories in the automotive and food & beverage industries. Then finally, my personal story took me to the US where I decided to join my girlfriend and I moved to an advisory role for JoonX.
AFAM: And then in the US, was it easy or difficult to find a job?
Rémi: Actually, it was not that easy. The market was already challenging for job seekers. I applied to 100 jobs or so before I could join Instrumental Inc. I had to leverage my sales skills. Instrumental was one of our prospects in Mexico for JoonX and that’s how I contacted them. This journey ended well for me. I think that when you are an expert in a certain field and if you persevere, you have good chances to succeed.
AFAM: what is the most exciting and the most challenging in your current job?
Rémi: for me the most exciting thing is the ability to make a quick impact. We are just a team of 6 people including myself and as a team we are able to see quick results of our work. But of course, it comes with a challenge - working hard, under pressure, you need to be available and sometimes swallow your pride.
AFAM: how being a Gadzarts help you in your international career?
Rémi: I would say that being a Gadzarts gives you a very good background in mechanical engineering and the ability to understand very technical aspects as well as critical thinking and engineering mindset.
And also, for the VIE in Mexico I replaced another Gadzart and that’s basically how I started my international career - partially thanks to the Gadz’Arts community abroad.
AFAM: It's been around two years that you’ve been living and working in Northern California, what about your life in the bay area that you like the most? How do you spend your free time?
Rémi: We enjoy nature, landscapes and its variety. We live 15 minutes away from Alameda beach and go there often. Though Okland, where we live, gained a bad reputation, it has some very nice neighborhoods. The quality of life is very good in the bay area: you can go to the beach or plan a mountain biking trip, and the next weekend - you are going skiing at Tahoe or enjoying Napa or Sonoma Valley. However, coming from Mexico and being French, I often complain about the food. Food here either comes pricey or often disappointing!
AFAM: Thank you, Rémi!
Photos: courtesy of Rémi
- April Happy Hour - French alumni gathered in East Palo Alto, CA
- AFAM informational Sequoia session in partnership with Pôle Carrière took place online in April
- "Zoom on”: interview with Charles Calvinhac (Bo 222)
- TAKE MY WORD FOR IT: Jean Delaunay (An 221), a double degree student in mechanical engineering at Georgia Tech
- Arts et Metiers alumni based in the United States met Aix students during English class
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