Swann Radoux, Manager of Les Ateliers du Chêne, as Told by Stéphane Ebel

A Glimpse into Swann’s World!

At just 32 years old, Swann Radoux already boasts 13 years with the Charlois Group. He is now the manager of one of the company’s largest production sites, Les Ateliers du Chêne, located in Saint-Martin-du-Puy, near Lormes, within the Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan. A proud native of Nevers, Swann has carved out a remarkable career path.

Wood and Nothing Else!

Swann has made his home in the Morvan, near the Lac des Settons, about 20 kilometers from Saint-Martin-du-Puy. His choice reflects his deep connection to nature, the forest, woodworking, hunting, and fishing. “At the age of 12, I knew the names of all the trees in the Bertranges Forest. I used to go there with my father,” Swann recalls. When the time came to choose a path at the end of 9th grade, Swann rejected the offer to enter a general high school program. “School wasn’t my thing. I wanted to work with wood, in the forest. My dream was to become a lumberjack or a forest ranger.” Instead, he opted for an apprenticeship in forestry and moved to a boarding school in Beaune-la-Rolande, in the Loiret (45). “Those were amazing years. I was the youngest in my class. My parents supported my choice, even though they were wondering, ‘What are we going to do with our son?’” Swann recalls, visibly moved. The boarding school years, the friendships, and the spark of passion—Swann had finally found his path.

Continuing His Education

Swann would have preferred skipping classes altogether. But in the woods, he thrived. A pivotal internship with the ONF (Office National des Forêts) solidified his career path: “It was amazing—I had such a great time,” he says. With his BEP and Bac in hand, Swann boldly knocked on the doors of the Charlois Group, following advice from his internship supervisor. His goal was clear: to secure an apprenticeship contract for a BTS in Forest Product Marketing Techniques. Determined to succeed in a field that suited him, Swann landed the contract and was entrusted to Patrick Larivé, a seasoned Charlois employee with 29 years of experience. “I divided my time between the forest and the timber yard, learning everything—from marking logs to stave production, and even wood purchasing.” Swann quickly gained proficiency, excelling both on the job and at school. So much so that, after earning his BEP, Bac, and BTS “without much trouble,” he decided to continue his studies with a professional license in Besançon.

Real Life, or Almost

“Why stop there?” Swann recalls. “I arrived in a student town, with a salary, and enrolled in a program where the diplomas were awarded by the CNAM. Who would’ve thought? [laughs]”*The young man from Nevers embraced the joys of student life, forming a close-knit group of friends and meeting the woman who would become his fiancée. Everything seemed to fall into place. Swann earned his diploma and continued honing his skills within the Charlois Group, gaining confidence, independence, and the trust of his peers. Known as a “Swiss Army knife,” as he likes to call himself, Swann reflects: “I’ve worked in almost every position and learned a lot from each one, on every site I’ve been to.” Over his 13 years with Charlois, Swann established himself as a key member of the team, eventually becoming the manager of Les Ateliers du Chêne in Saint-Martin-du-Puy.

Determined and meticulous

“When I look back, I realize how quickly everything happened. Time flew by, and I didn’t even notice. My studies played a huge role in shaping my career,” Swann reflects. His work ethic also played a significant part. As is customary in the Charlois Group, young talent is trusted, given credit for their efforts, and offered opportunities to grow. “When I was offered the Saint-Martin site, I didn’t hesitate—I said yes immediately. You don’t pass up an opportunity like that.” Now leading a team of 50 people, Swann oversaw the transformation of the historic Malviche sawmill, a key site in the Morvan, into Les Ateliers du Chêne. “Redirecting operations to focus on producing wood by-products, overseeing expansions, new buildings, new machinery, and managing personnel—it was quite the challenge!” Despite the challenges, Swann tackled the task head-on. “A challenge, sure, but on a human scale. Behind it all is a group with strong values and people you can rely on. There’s a culture and a spirit of teamwork. Everyone moves in the same direction, and it’s a joy and a source of pride to work here.”This pride is shared by Swann’s mother, who loves to tell others her son is a “director.” It’s a pride that Swann’s late father and grandfather, who passed away during his teenage years, would undoubtedly have shared as well.

*National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts

Photo © Christophe Deschanel