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Michel FlamantThe French Baker Who Sold His Business for One Euro
Country:
 France |
Content:
- The French Baker Who Sold His Business for One Euro
- A Heart of Gold
- A Life-Saving Call
- A Grateful Baker
- A Childhood Dream
- A Symbolic Sale
- A Legacy of Baking
- A New Start
- The Meaning of Life
The French Baker Who Sold His Business for One Euro
French baker Michel Flaman made an extraordinary decision: to sell his bakery to a homeless man for just one euro. Flaman knows better than anyone that life is not all about flour and water. He owes his life to Jérôme Okan, the homeless man who used to beg outside his bakery. As a token of his gratitude, Flaman sold his business in the eastern city of Dole for the symbolic sum of one euro.
A Heart of Gold
Despite his gruff exterior, Flaman, a portly businessman often seen in a vest and shorts to cope with the heat of the ovens, has always had a large heart. Long before that fateful December day when Flaman nearly died from carbon monoxide poisoning, he would greet Okan every morning with a cup of coffee and a croissant. "If Jérôme hadn't been there that day, I wouldn't be here," said the 62-year-old Flaman.
A Life-Saving Call
On that fateful day, a faulty oven filled the bakery with odorless, colorless, deadly carbon monoxide. Okan noticed Flaman wandering aimlessly outside the bakery, looking unwell. Realizing instinctively what was wrong, the homeless man called emergency services. That call saved Flaman's life.
A Grateful Baker
After twelve days in hospital, Flaman returned to work and offered Okan, a 37-year-old dreadlocked, tattooed former vagrant, a part-time job. It soon became clear to Flaman how adept his savior was at baking. "I'm demanding," said the silver-haired, voluble Flaman, sliding a fresh batch of baguettes into the hot oven. "It has to be done properly, my way." Flaman added that he enjoyed training people like Jérôme, "who are intelligent enough to listen."
A Childhood Dream
Originally from Paris, Flaman dreamt of becoming a truck driver as a child. But when his father offered him a job in the family bakery at the age of 14, Flaman found his true calling. Baking bread, croissants, and pastries from midnight to midday six days a week, Flaman eventually decided to sell his business as none of his three daughters wanted to take it over.
A Symbolic Sale
For two years, he failed to find a buyer, then the baker had a brainwave. Flaman offered his bakery to his savior for the token sum of one euro. "What's more important, money or life?" asked Flaman. "Money does nothing for me. I'm not rich, but I don't care. I want to be free. It's time for me to ease up. And if it makes Okan happy then..."
A Legacy of Baking
The veteran baker plans to stay on as a mentor to the new owner until September, then he will retire and hand over the keys to his business formally. "That will give it time to settle down," added Flaman. "Jérôme is a grafter, he wants to succeed, and he has a chance now."
A New Start
Okan, who has since shaved his dreadlocks, is now fully engrossed in his new job. "I like the work, I don't mind the hours," he said. Although Okan had only worked sporadically at fairgrounds in the past, he is fully aware of the responsibility he now bears. "I have to give it 100 percent," he said. "Michel has given me an incredible gift, now I have to prove myself worthy."
The Meaning of Life
Flaman, perched on a pile of plastic crates to ease the gout in his feet, reflects, "Bread has been my life, but now it's time to relax a bit."
