“Business Unusual” entrepreneurship interview series
Our first interviewee for this new interview series is:
Paul-Henri Gauvin (Cl 192), Incubation Partner at Michelin - Founder and CEO SPH Group
Paul-Henri found the time to answer some of our questions about his activities and life in the United States.
AFAM:
When did you start your activity as an entrepreneur? How did you start entrepreneurship activities in the United States?
Paul-Henri:
It all started in Mexico with a personal investment in 2 industrial warehouses in 2007. I learned a lot about the market by reinvesting and developing more warehouses over a few years, but it was becoming clear that debt financing was becoming more and more difficult. In 2017, I decided with a friend to create a business that developed and offered the same products to investors.
In 2019 investors became risk adverse due to Mexican federal governmental changes. They asked us if we had opportunities in the US. The idea matured and, in 2022, we decided to start an investment fund in the US. We purchased a first property and worked on the structuration. The fund was successfully launched this year and we are purchasing our second property.
AFAM:
Would you like to share any of your professional plans for the future?
Paul-Henri:
After having worked for a couple of years part time at Michelin, I have decided to focus on SPH starting in October. The company is growing and we have plenty of prospects.
We will grow the fund in the US and we are also starting a fund in Mexico.
AFAM:
How being a gadz’arts helped you in your entrepreneurship activities?
Paul-Henri:
The main element of success has been relationships, which I learned about through social and integration activities as well as student clubs and work groups. The second element is persistence. I have developed my grit during school integration and later, as an engineer in charge of highly challenging projects in Mexico, Japan and in the US.
AFAM:
Any piece of advice you would like to give to gadzarts-entrepreneurs today?
Paul-Henri:
We almost went bankrupt in 2019 due to a market drop and a growth plan that was too ambitious. We adapted our business model to be more flexible to market swings. We knew the core value proposal was the right one. Make sure you have the right offer through the voice of your customers. Design Thinking is an excellent methodology to practice. Get constant customer feedback as you adjust your value proposal.
Also get constant feedback from friends, consultants, experts who are external to your company. They have a more neutral opinion and may help you avoid spending resources on the wrong concepts. They will also give you fresh points of view and ideas on how to develop your business and face challenges. They are also a good source of positive energy and make you see the glass half full when facing difficulties.
AFAM:
Paul-Henri, you live in South Carolina. What do you like about the region? How do you spend your weekends?
Paul-Henri:
I love outdoor activities. SC is a great place for camping, sailing, biking, etc. Greenville is also a place for social activities, with a lot a good restaurants, a concert hall regularly bringing Broadway shows and several movie theaters. Downtown Greenville is a beautiful place to walk or cross by bike. The city organizes free outside concerts weekly all summer long.
AFAM:
Thank you very much, Paul-Henri.
As a reminder, AFAM launched a new program - Yosemite - to help gadz’arts-entrepreneurs with their ideas and projects in the United States. Please contact us to know more about the program and become a part of it.
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