This article is based on a YouTube video featuring Jules Rousseaux, an MBE franchisee in the Burgundy region of France. Watch the full video below to hear his inspiring entrepreneurial journey.
Five years ago, Jules Rousseaux could never have imagined where he would be today. As a successful MBE franchise owner operating multiple centers in the Burgundy region, his journey from law student to entrepreneur demonstrates the transformative power of franchise opportunities and comprehensive support systems.
From Law Studies to Franchise Entrepreneurship
Jules Rousseaux began his professional path studying law, a field seemingly unrelated to the franchise business model. During his university years, he took summer jobs at the MBE center in Dijon, starting as a courier and transporter. This initial exposure to the Mailboxes Etc business model would prove pivotal in shaping his future career direction.
The critical decision point came when Rousseau faced a choice between continuing his law studies or launching into the franchise business. He chose to join the MBE Dijon team full-time, marking the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey.
Rapid Growth Through Franchise Opportunities
The progression from employee to multi-center franchise owner happened remarkably quickly. After just one year working with MBE Dijon under a permanent contract, an opportunity emerged to open a new center in Chalon-sur-Saône. Rousseau seized this opportunity, transitioning from employee to entrepreneur within twelve months of his initial full-time engagement with MBE.
Today, he operates multiple MBE centers across the Burgundy region, including locations in Chalon-sur-Saône and Mâcon, demonstrating the scalability of the franchise model.
Overcoming the Challenge of Starting from Zero
One of the most striking aspects of Rousseau’s story is his candid admission about starting with no entrepreneurial background. He acknowledges that he knew nothing about building a business structure or establishing a company. The concept of entrepreneurship was not ingrained in him during his law studies, and he had limited knowledge of franchise systems.
Comprehensive Franchise Support System
Despite these initial limitations, Rousseau reports having no fear at any stage of his journey. The key to his confidence? Comprehensive franchise support and accompaniment. This support structure enabled someone with no business background to successfully launch and grow multiple franchise locations.
The ongoing nature of this support is particularly noteworthy. According to Rousseau, the assistance does not stop after the initial launch but continues throughout the franchise operation, from creation through daily follow-up.
The MBE Network Advantage
Collaborative Franchise Community
The MBE franchise network operates on principles of collaboration and shared knowledge. Rousseau emphasizes the value of regular communication with fellow franchisees, who connect by phone to find solutions together on various operational challenges, including:
- Shipping and logistics questions
- Graphic design services
- Customer service issues
- Operational best practices
This peer-to-peer support network creates a collaborative environment where franchisees can exchange knowledge and solve problems collectively.
Central Support Infrastructure
Beyond the peer network, MBE provides centralized support through dedicated departments. The headquarters maintains specialized teams focused on:
- Marketing strategy and execution
- Business development initiatives
- Network expansion planning
Franchisees participate actively in committees that contribute to network-wide decisions, ensuring that the perspectives of those working in the field daily inform strategic choices. This structure allows the network to evolve and advance with input from experienced operators who understand market realities.
Comprehensive Service Portfolio
The MBE business model centers on providing diverse solutions to both businesses and individuals. Current service offerings include:
- Packaging solutions for various shipping needs
- Expedited shipping services
- Printing services for business and personal use
- Graphic design consultation and execution
This multi-service approach creates multiple revenue streams and positions MBE centers as comprehensive solutions providers rather than single-service businesses.
Growth Potential and Future Development
Territorial Expansion Opportunities
Rousseau identifies significant potential for expanding MBE presence throughout the territory. Additional centers would enable the network to provide even more comprehensive services to a broader customer base. The current focus on packaging and shipping represents just part of the potential service portfolio, with printing and graphic design services addressing additional client needs.
E-Commerce and Technology Integration
The growth of e-commerce and emerging technologies creates substantial opportunities for continued franchise development. Rousseau notes that possibilities within the MBE system include:
- Opening new centers in underserved markets
- Enhanced client support and services
- Adaptation to evolving shipping and logistics needs
- Integration of new technologies into service delivery
He emphasizes that the work is never truly finished, with enormous development potential remaining in the MBE franchise system.
The Unpredictability of Entrepreneurial Success
Reflecting on his journey, Rousseau expresses amazement at his current position compared to his law student days. Looking forward, he acknowledges uncertainty about the next five years, whether continuing to develop his current centers or pursuing new projects within the MBE network.
This uncertainty, according to Rousseau, represents the beauty of the franchise entrepreneurship model. The structure provides support and proven systems while still allowing for growth, adaptation, and new opportunities that cannot always be predicted at the outset.
Why the MBE Franchise Model Works
Several factors emerge from Rousseau’s experience that explain the effectiveness of the MBE franchise system:
Proven Business Model: The franchise provides a tested solution and genuine service offering that attracted Rousseau during his initial exposure to the business.
Continuous Support: Unlike some franchise systems that provide initial training and then step back, MBE maintains ongoing support that enables franchisees to pursue their goals without giving up when challenges arise.
Rapid Response Systems: Quick answers to franchisee questions prevent small issues from becoming major obstacles.
Collaborative Culture: The network approach encourages sharing and mutual support among franchisees rather than creating isolated competitors.
Local Development Focus: Despite being part of a global company, MBE emphasizes local market development and client proximity as core priorities.
Watch the full video below to hear Jules Rousseaux share his complete franchise journey and insights into building a successful MBE business in Burgundy.