Episode 13

🎙 Meet Richard Léglise, director of the Padd stores in Saint-Émilion, Périgueux, and La Teste-de-Buch.

👉 Discover his journey from rugby to equestrianism via the DIY industry and learn what it truly means to "rise from the ashes."

Equestrianism wasn’t an obvious path in your professional journey?

Far from it! After finishing high school, I joined my father, who had developed a DIY business in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande. Together, we launched a Mr. Bricolage store, followed by four more over the years. In 2015, we sold them. Along the way, we faced two devastating fires—in 1999 and 2010—that completely destroyed our main store. Rising from the ashes? I know exactly what that takes!

Afterward, I took some time to consider my next venture. I chose to open an independent tack shop because my children were passionate riders. Three years later, Ekkia sales rep Pascal Rambert suggested franchising my store under the Padd brand. Things moved quickly: I opened the Saint-Émilion store in May 2020 (now run by my wife, Fabienne), followed by Périgueux in 2022 and La Teste-de-Buch in 2024. My eldest son, Grégoire, who has a business degree, now manages the latter.

Was it hard to transition from DIY to equestrian retail?

I’ve learned to love equestrianism, first through my son Armand, who sparked the family’s passion, and now by supporting my daughter Clothilde, who competes in amateur elite eventing. I also sponsor a professional eventing rider, Benjamin Massié, who’s on the French team and trains three horses I’ve placed with him.

That said, I’m primarily a retailer, not a rider. I love human interaction and am naturally curious, which drives my interest in the products we sell. I’m fortunate to have an excellent team of store managers and salespeople who are riding instructors and equestrians themselves. Their hands-on experience with the equipment is invaluable when advising customers.

How would you describe your relationship with customers?

I come from an industry where customers are incredibly demanding, nitpicky, and competitive on pricing. In equestrianism, it’s a pleasure. Three out of four customers know what they want, but they come to us for expert advice—that’s the key to the stores’ success.

I focus on maintaining a strong connection with the local equestrian community through stable and club visits and initiatives like "Padd, My Club, and Me." This program offers riders store-wide discounts while their club earns 10% of the purchase value. It’s a virtuous, win-win system.

How would you describe your relationship with Padd?

I’ve never regretted joining Padd. It’s a brand that remains human-sized and deeply values personal relationships. If I encounter a problem, I can call Arielle or Sarah directly—they’re always solution-oriented. Their external perspective often helps me reevaluate things, fostering a genuine relationship of trust.

What personal qualities do you value most, and which are deal-breakers?

My rugby background defines the qualities I admire. I played one year in first division at Angoulême and 10 years in second division as a hooker or flanker. Rugby fosters honesty and directness in the locker room, so I value candor. Conversely, I dislike dishonesty, evasiveness, or timidity.

What’s your guiding motto in life?

Never give up. If you fall, get back up. After two fires that left me with nothing—not even a pen—I rolled up my sleeves and kept going. Mental resilience is everything.

Padd in one word?

Serenity. With Padd, you feel at ease!