In this series, we are interviewing members of our club, so that you can get to know each other a bit better. Today we talk with Jamie Waldron about his life and work in the region.
What brought you to the French Riviera?
I relocated from the Aude to Nice to embark on a my new business venture for several reasons.
Firstly, Nice offers a thriving and diverse economy. Which aligns perfectly with my business goals and opportunities. Its strategic location on the French Riviera provides access to a broader customer base. Both locally and internationally with a rich Anglophone presence.
The unique lifestyle and Mediterranean charm of Nice, with its beautiful coastline, and pleasant climate, provide a motivating backdrop for both work and leisure.
This move represents a strategic choice to combine business prospects with an enhanced quality of life in one of France’s most picturesque cities!
Could you tell us about your professional career? What do or did you do for work?
My professional journey has been a transformation from serving 24 years in the British Army to pursuing a career as a handyman.
Throughout my military service, I gained valuable skills such as discipline, leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability.
These qualities not only shaped my character but also prepared me for a successful transition into civilian life.
After my retirement from the army, I decided to embark on a new path as a handyman.
This decision was driven by my passion for fixing things, working with my hands, and a desire to serve my local community.
Drawing from the discipline instilled during my military service, I approached this career change with a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence.
My military background has instilled in me a sense of reliability and responsibility, qualities that have hopefully translated seamlessly into my handyman profession.
Clients appreciate my attention to detail, punctuality, and problem-solving skills, which I developed during my years of service.
The transition from a structured military life to the more flexible world of entrepreneurship has been a long-planned journey of personal growth and adaptation.
I am learning to navigate the challenges of self-employment in France while continuing to uphold the values and principles instilled in me during my military career.
This transformation reflects my resilience and determination to evolve professionally and make a positive impact on the lives of those I serve.
My journey from a dedicated soldier to a skilled handyman has been a fulfilling one.
It underscores the idea that the skills and values acquired during military service can be successfully applied to diverse careers, enabling personal growth and the ability to contribute to the well-being of the community in different ways.
What does your company do?
I aim to offer low-level repairs and improvements with a mix of both commercial and individual clients.
My ideal clients are property managers who task me to repair properties after a tenant has moved out in order to get it rented out again quickly.
Currently I am working on a contract to provide home modifications to people following a hospital stay.
I am particularly interested in working with vulnerable members of society. This is something that gives me enormous satisfaction.
Why did you decide to start your own business?
Because my previous job forced me to spend significant time away from my family. And because working in an organisation of this scale meant meeting after meeting. I decided that I didn’t want to spend half of my life on a Zoom call.
During my time in the military I had always had to strictly adhere to orders. Even if they had a significant influence on my personal life.
During my career I craved the flexibility to select how and with whom I wanted to work.
I enjoy meeting new individuals and taking the time to establish long-lasting relationships.
Also, I love being able to pilot my own ship to my own destination, even if it feels far away.
I have a vision and will work towards that whilst holding onto four core principles: Honesty, reliability, trustworthiness and punctuality!
What is your best advice to others thinking about living or working on the French Riviera?
If you have an idea of what you want to achieve and the willingness to see it through then, of course, do your due diligence and don’t be foolhardy.
However, do not let people talk you out of reaching for the stars.
I think that the concept is absolutely fantastic. Bringing together like-minded people who can give each other advice and ultimately contacts!
I’m looking forward to meeting like-minded individuals in the near future!
Fun facts about Jamie Waldron!
Since when do you live on the French Riviera?
Beginning of August 2023.
Where are you originally from?
I’m originally from South Wales and have lived all over the world for various lengths of time. Whether that was 6 weeks or 6 years!
What languages do you speak?
English, French (B2ish).
What is your favourite wine?
Chablis or Bourgogne.
What is your favourite spot on the French Riviera?
Èze!
What French word do you find difficult to pronounce?
Grenouille.
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