A Lifetime in Bolton, with Isabelle Bonnet

You've been working with us for a very long time, right?

Yes! I joined Bolton Home Care in France back in 1988, when I was only 23 and a very young sector manager in Lorraine (Eastern France). But even after all these years, I still have the same desire to work!

I don’t find my job monotonous: Every customer is different, and with some of them I’ve created real bonds. There is mutual respect everywhere around me, and I’m proud to represent Bolton in my daily life.

What are the main changes you've witnessed with your own eyes?

Well, if I’m not mistaken, I was the first woman working in the field, while today, women represent about 47% of the workforce, I believe. Gender diversity has definitely improved. I’ve also seen a great evolution of the company: from the expansion of our product ranges to the growth and development of people and their positions. I was really happy to see several Sector Managers promoted to Headquarters, one even progressed to become General Manager!

What’s your role in Bolton?

I am a Sector Manager who, within a geographic area, visits hypermarkets and supermarkets. Over the years, I was responsible for various warehouses:
Maximo, the Intermarché Base in Pagny-sur-Meuse, Scapest—either independently or alongside the Regional Director

What does it mean to be a Sector Manager?

Basically, I visit stores to reference and set up Bolton HPC products and act as the representative of the link between the field and headquarters. At certain times, I’ve covered for my manager and assisted my regional directors with regional warehouses, too.

Practically, I drive a lot within my geographical area, and I organize myself according to the objectives I have to reach. And if my work seems solitary, yes, maybe — but far less than 30 years ago, when mobile phones didn’t exist and I had to make calls from a phone booth!

What Bolton values do you feel closer to?

I feel very aligned with the sense of pride in my work. Bolton and I both value hard work, respect, and maintaining good relationships. During these 37 years, I’ve managed to work, take care of my three sons, my husband, and my home. Finding the right balance between professional and personal life has been one of my greatest achievements.

What’s one memory dear to your heart in such a long career?

I had the privilege of exchanging a few words with Mr. Nissim Joseph in 1992 during his visit to Paris when he acquired Bolton Solitaire. AND the equal privilege of meeting our Chairwoman, his daughter Marina, during her visit to Paris last January for the group’s 75th anniversary.

What’s the thing you’re most proud of?

With no doubt, my team! Even when I became old enough to be their mom or almost their grandmother. I know what you’re going to say to me: “Age is all in your mind.”
But it doesn’t stop you from thinking it.

We may not always agree, but there’s no competition, just respect and kindness, and that is priceless. Everyone truly makes an effort so that we always talk things through and off we go again! So team, if you’re reading this: thank you for putting up with me, for continuing to support me, and above all, for staying just the way you are!