With wide and generous hands, Ronan
Cadiou welcomes us to the Ostarili Ty Jos, the café nestled
in the heart of Locronan. In an authentic setting, the
founder of Cadiou opens up to us, blending humor, modesty,
and simplicity.
Born in Locronan on August 22, 1949, the man shares
his story. The son of a carpenter, the only boy among
three sisters, Ronan Cadiou "fell into the world of
entrepreneurship at a young age." Indeed, following
a work accident, his father needed assistance. At 16,
he put aside his schoolbooks to work in the workshop
and discovered his calling!
At 23, married and a father, Ronan Cadiou
took over his father's business and relocated it to the
premises of an old school in the village of Locronan.
His company then had 8 employees, with clients
including architects and individuals. "I was also
incredibly fortunate in my life: my wife Monique
always supported me!" says the man with respect.
Passionate about technology and new products,
Ronan Cadiou was the first to create PVC windows
in 1975. However, it was unsuccessful: "Sometimes
you're wrong by being right too early," notes the man
who has always had a knack for seeing the future. He
then decided to specialize in designing gates. Initially
for individuals in Finistère, and later for fellow artisans
across France: this marked the rise of Cadiou Industrie.
Always up for a challenge, he later identified a PVC
window profile suitable for livestock buildings. To
promote them, he didn't hesitate to hitch up his
caravan filled with samples and head to the Paris
Agricultural Show to present his products. Curious
and open-minded, he constantly traveled to find good
ideas at trade shows and among professionals. "I’m no
less capable than anyone else: I can make plastic
feeders too," he once remarked.
He then imported 25 tons of polyethylene from
Germany to manufacture these products, as well as
chimneys and ventilation boxes... Thus, Cadiou
Chaudronnerie Plastique was born. By 2017, the
company had become the market leader.
When passing the torch of the family business, Ronan Cadiou displays a certain serenity because the atmosphere is excellent: "When you work for a company, you have to be happy there. My daughter and my two sons-in-law know how to instill this principle in the teams. Cadiou’s greatest asset is its staff," he asserts. "At our company, employees don’t leave." He concludes, "I am very proud of what my company has become."
When it comes to the value of work, Ronan Cadiou refuses to believe in its disappearance among younger generations. He cites his company as an example, brimming with young people full of motivation and a genuine passion for their craft. The man remains both realistic and optimistic: two qualities characteristic of a modern self-made man!