[Alumni Story] : Thomas Desassis
After obtaining a DUT in Marketing Techniques, I entered the Grande École program at Rennes School of Business via the Passerelle competitive entrance exam. As soon as I arrived, I got involved in community life by joining the BDS list, with which we won the elections after a great campaign. The PGE core curriculum enabled
After obtaining a DUT in Marketing Techniques, I entered the Grande École program at Rennes School of Business via the Passerelle competitive entrance exam. As soon as I arrived, I got involved in community life by joining the BDS list, with which we won the elections after a great campaign.
The PGE core curriculum enabled me to acquire a solid grounding in management, before specializing in International Human Resource Management. I then did a gap year dedicated to human resources, consolidating my skills in the field through various professional experiences.
With a view to international openness, I also spent a semester abroad in Calcutta, India, where I enriched my intercultural approach to management.
Finally, I concluded my academic career with an end-of-studies internship at Walters People, in the recruitment department, reinforcing my expertise in talent management.
- What is your current activity?
Since 2016, I’ve been a multi-site and multi-brand manager in the restaurant sector, with expertise in the creation, development and operational management of strong identity restaurant concepts.
I started my business managing a Starbucks coffee lounge in Tours.Building on this first successful experience, I founded my holding company in 2019, with the aim of structuring my business and diversifying my entrepreneurial projects.In June 2020, I launched my own healthy fast food brand, Poke & Bowl, with a first opening in Tours. Given its success, a second establishment saw the light of day in July 2021. Pursuing my development strategy, in March 2022 I created the Taj Indian street food concept, with the opening of a first restaurant in Tours.In 2024, I embarked on organic growth with theacquisition of a Class’Croute franchise in Tours, via the purchase of 100% of the shares in U and CO, which had operated the brand since its creation in 2009.
- What’s your greatest achievement?
Difficult to answer… If I had to pick out a few, I’d say I’m particularly proud of having created two original restaurant concepts from scratch. We had to imagine the entire identity of the brands: from the name and logo to thegraphics, the menu, the choice of products, the price positioning and the decoration of the premises. A true entrepreneurial creation, from A to Z.
I’m also very proud to have successfully completed my first external growth project, by acquiring an existing, profitable company. I learned a lot every step of the way: from the initial discussions with the company’s management, to drafting the letter of intent (LOI), analyzing the company’s financial performance and assets with my chartered accountant, negogociation of the sales agreement, obtaining bank financing, operational training, then meeting the teams, finalizing the legal aspects, and finally supporting the transition with the former franchisee.
But beyond the projects, I think my greatest achievement is to have created jobs and stability: today, around 45 people work in the various structures I’ve developed. I’m immensely proud to be making a tangible contribution to the local economy and to sustainable career paths.
- In your opinion, what is the value of the network in general? The Alumni network in particular?
I have to admit that I’ve never yet taken part in any of the events or meetings organized by the Alumni network. It’s not for lack of interest, but rather for lack of time or opportunity. Having said that, I appreciate the importance of such a network, and I remain curious and open to the idea of getting more involved in the future.
- Tell us about an opportunity you had thanks to the school
The BDS campaign in my first year will remain an unforgettable memory. It was an incredible human adventure! We really enjoyed the campaign, working together as a team, with a great collective energy to go for victory.
And then there was the Coupe de France des ESC in soccer… An exceptional run that took us all the way to the Final Five in Clairefontaine! Spending a weekend down there, on those legendary pitches, with our team, was a memorable experience that I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.
Your best encounter at Rennes School of Business?
Friends I’m still in touch with today!
- What advice would you give to a recent graduate?
There’s one thing you have to bear in mind: getting your degree doesn’t guarantee you a dream job as soon as you start work. On the other hand, it does give you the keys to progressing faster and aiming higher.
Take full advantage of your time at the school to develop your sense of teamwork, strengthen your English (personally, I was very shy when I arrived, and today I’m fluent – this development has really given me confidence), learn to manage projects, lead meetings and communicate effectively with teams.today I’m fluent – this development has really given me self-confidence), learn to manage projects, lead meetings and communicate effectively with teams.
Thanks to the school, my speaking skills improved enormously. As soon as I started out in the professional world, I felt ready to speak with confidence and guide my teams in the direction I wanted to take.
And above all, have fun: in the classroom, in community life, in sports, in socializing. You’ll meet some wonderful people, and learn to work with a wide variety of profiles. The cultural diversity we encounter on a daily basis at Rennes SB is an immense asset – learn to understand it, appreciate it and value it.
- Do you have a hidden passion/talent?
I did judo at a high level. I’m still a sportsman at 34, playing competitive soccer at departmental level. My hidden talent? Empathy! I know how to adapt to situations and relationships, which helps me a lot in managing my teams.
- The final word?
Thank you for thinking of me for this portrait! I hope that all the students will LEARN, in terms of general knowledge, but above all LEARN to know themselves better. learn to make their own self-diagnosis, so that they can capitalize on their strengths in their business, and define the essential areas for improvement. Get up every morning and try to be better than the day before (even if it’s difficult, because we’re all human and we all have our ups and downs, in terms of motivation and performance). I believe that success often comes through modesty, the ability to question oneself, the ability to judge one’s personal performance with hindsight and humility… Learning to dare, to launch oneself towards the realization of one’s projects. Never overestimate yourself, but learn from each achievement to become better. Hang in there, face failure with courage. Believe in your dreams despite internal and external difficulties…