Inauguration of Cabinet Bonaparte

It was amidst the vineyards of Beaujolais that the Château de Bagnols, under a late summer sky with soft hues, hosted on September 2nd, the inauguration soirée of the new company created in 2022 by Valentin LORENTE and Augustin GAUTIER. The superb historical monument from the 13th century, with its symbolism of conquering time and facing challenges with prestige, bravery, and solidity, aligns perfectly with the ambitions of the young entrepreneurs, placing them under the best auspices. With the aim of establishing Cabinet Bonaparte as an essential reference in the transaction of all types of residences, the partners offer premium services that have become rare in the offerings of traditional real estate agencies. With the help of their "Bonapartists," their independently trained experts in the methods and values of the Cabinet, it's a battalion of excellence that sets out to conquer Lyon, Megève, Paris, and Saint-Tropez before continuing with a nationwide expansion and broadening their activities.

The project first takes root in Augustin's mind, who in 2017 starts by registering the company name, giving himself the time necessary to develop and implement each milestone required for its realization. He waits to meet his partner, someone who will give him the push he needs because he doesn't want to embark on this adventure alone. As often happens, studies play their part. In 2019, Valentin LORENTE joins a Real Estate BTS program while working part-time, and Augustin is part of the same cohort. The two students, now friends, exchange ideas about the project and let it mature through to their bachelor's degree (which they completed this year) until they decide to join forces. With equal shares in the entrepreneurial venture, they dive in immediately. Augustin, who has already started previous companies, is currently pursuing a Master's degree alongside the business, with plans to later expand the Cabinet's activities by adding property development. Valentin, now found in the company's offices on Smith Street in the second district of Lyon, has the daily role - among others - of training and managing their "Bonapartists," while also supporting and overseeing each client's case. At twenty-two years old, the business partners share a common vision: "We are indeed young entrepreneurs! We start early because we both have the desire to embark on this journey. It's a bet we're making. Our skills and personalities complement each other very well, and this project is shaped down to the smallest details." Augustin is highly commercial-minded, and legal aspects are one of his areas of expertise. As for Valentin, he enjoys interacting with clients and being out in the field. Exploring the most beautiful villages and cities in France, discovering new people and properties every day, whether it's an apartment in the city or a house in the countryside, each with its own specificities and demands, fascinates him: "Architecture also requires a great deal of my attention. Having started a career in construction, I find the balance I needed in this company. Furthermore, Augustin and I both greatly admire Napoleon (beyond the controversies he may provoke) for the prestige he exudes, his pursuit of excellence, and because he's a conqueror. He perfectly embodies the character of our company and our commitment to French heritage and values."

Currently focusing on recruitment and consolidating the structure, the partners spare no effort in the essential phases of starting up to ensure the best possible development. In a short time, they already have twenty-five listings for sale and have completed three sales. While they offer traditional residential transactions for primary or secondary residences, they deal with all types of properties. However, they do not handle commercial properties. Where Cabinet Bonaparte notably stands out is in the services it offers its clients. With a range of personalized and high-end concierge services (Napoleon service), they are capable of meeting all kinds of expectations and needs, offering tailor-made solutions: "These services are becoming increasingly rare in real estate agencies. We aim to provide real solutions to our clients, with a range of services every day, akin to those found in a hotel or on a credit card. You can ask us for almost anything."

At the heart of their strategy is also the professionalism of their agents, their specific areas of expertise, and an in-depth knowledge of the market. Valentin and Augustin choose to work with independent collaborators who work exclusively for them. Cabinet Bonaparte equips them entirely, from branded working documents for each task to the company's values, including the training that will make all the difference. "We want them to carry out their work in the best conditions, to maintain their passion for their profession while feeling a sense of belonging to a family, the 'Bonapartists.' Collaborators are capable of handling a case from A to Z, being the privileged interlocutor of the client," explains Valentin. One of the pillars of the company is personalized support and respect for the client. No transaction takes place without involvement, regardless of the stage of the process. Cabinet Bonaparte aims to provide genuine support, not leaving clients to fend for themselves. At every stage of the real estate project, there is always assistance or a solution available.

On Friday, September 2nd, the launch event achieved its objectives. It facilitated the meeting of the respective networks of the two partners and officially presented the company. Family, friends, clients, prospects, acquaintances, and partners attended in a sumptuous setting. Against the backdrop of a late harvest atmosphere, facing the garden surrounded by eight centuries of history, it could only encourage and seal, in a festive, elegant, and professional manner, the new entrepreneurial venture of Augustin and Valentin. Among the event's partners was Sélectour Bleu Voyages, whose CEO, Jean-Pierre LORENTE, as the name correctly suggests, is Valentin's father: "What I wanted by becoming a partner of the event was primarily, in a friendly manner, to provide advice, network support, and help my son and his partner stand out. And as the CEO of a company [Sélectour Bleu Voyages has 300 employees and generates a turnover of 200 million - 2019 data before the health crisis], I believe it is part of a company's duties to support young entrepreneurs." Jean-Pierre LORENTE also received the award for Best Ambassador of Château Saint-Maur in Saint-Tropez (Zannier group, originating from Saint-Chamond), resulting in a quality partnership in Excellence white wine and rosé. Other partners, including Bentley Lyon dealership, contributed to the event's prestige.

Let us mention, if it is appropriate, a "transmitter and a soul partner," in the person of (late) Mr. François LORENTE. He was the father of Jean-Pierre and the grandfather of Valentin. A great entrepreneur in the region since the 1960s, he began his career in real estate with Omnium Services located in Rive-de-Gier. As a builder, constructor, developer, and real estate transaction expert, he also developed a travel business within his company for a few years. Then the rules changed, and he had to make a choice. The travel sector prevailed, and his success, continued by his son, is acknowledged: "My father could have continued in real estate. Perhaps I would be in real estate today because I followed my father when he needed me. Ultimately, it's not me but Valentin," concludes Jean-Pierre LORENTE. From grandfather to grandson, the passing of the torch is assured. The respect for traditions, the art of transmission, and the entrepreneurial spirit seem to directly encourage the launch of Cabinet Bonaparte.

Article written and published by STEMP Magazine.