A mechanical engineer, Valentin Daubré initially worked in machine design in the Paris area. Passionate about fishing since childhood, he met the founder of the PEUX Fly Fishing brand at a trade show in 2014. He completed a several-month internship in Ticino, which strengthened his skills in machining and product development. He took over PEUX Fly Fishing in 2018, when the previous owner retired. An interview with a dynamic entrepreneur who has successfully combined his passion with his work.
Why did you move the production facility to the Canton of Neuchâtel?
I took over the production facility in 2020. I wanted to stay in Switzerland to maintain the “Swiss Made” designation. In Neuchâtel, the entire industrial network for precision engineering and subcontracting is right at my fingertips, thanks to the highly developed watchmaking and medical sectors. I machine my parts myself, and to do so, I need tools and raw materials available within a 3-kilometer radius—that way, I don’t waste any time. For anodizing (surface treatment), I have access to numerous service providers, so I can really choose based on my needs. The quality and standards of the subcontracting sector are also very high—probably thanks to the standards required by the watchmaking industry.
How does PEUX Fly Fishing stand out from the competition?
Our brand image is built on the technical sophistication of our products. Our “Speedline” reels are high-ratio reels. When you turn the handle once, the spool makes four and a half revolutions. We are the only company in the world to offer this level of gear ratio. We also offer semi-automatic reels. The line is retrieved by operating a lever located on the front of the reel, which allows for very fast and effortless retrieval.
Customization is also at the heart of the services we offer. Currently, about 50% of our orders are customized. In the fishing community, it’s quite common to collect high-quality gear, such as rods and reels.
What are your goals for this year?
I already have customers in the United States, Australia, and Europe, and I’d like to strengthen my presence in these markets by focusing on communication and marketing.
I plan to hire someone within the next few months, which will free up my time for product development—specifically a saltwater fishing reel for which I’ve received numerous requests. Finally, now that I’m well-established, I’d like to start outsourcing. That’s why it’s important to increase my sales volume so that outsourcing becomes financially viable.