Meet our founders: A conversation with Xavier François Barbe on expanding horizons

Vimian's Veterinary Services segment (VetFamily) is at the forefront of advancing veterinary care. Xavier François Barbe, Global Strategy Director at VetFamily and founder of its French division, shares his journey from a mixed practitioner to becoming an integral part of VetFamily’s global family. And how rugby became part of an animal health strategy. 

Tell us about your journey and how you joined VetFamily.

I started as a mixed practitioner in the south west of France, running my own practice together with some partners. Over time, I became more interested in the business side of veterinary care. While I enjoyed working with animals, I felt the urge to do something more. One day, around the age of 40, I told my partners that I wanted to sell my shares to create a company offering services to other veterinary practices. They thought I was crazy, but I followed through and founded a company called Pick and Go, a reference to a term used in rugby which is a big sport in the part of France where I’m from. 

What inspired the name and strategy behind ‘Pick and Go’?

The name "Pick and Go" draws from rugby, where diverse players collaborate strategically. On TV, attention often centres on the battles between the larger players. Yet, what is often missed, is that these clashes create opportunities for smaller, nimble players to advance with the ball. Similarly, I envisioned Pick and Go tackling challenging tasks—like negotiating deals with pharmaceutical companies—so that veterinarians could focus on their practices. This collaborative approach aimed to enhance professionalism and efficiency in veterinary care by leveraging collective resources.

How did Pick and Go lead to your involvement with VetFamily and Vimian?

Our approach at Pick and Go caught the attention of VetFamily when they were looking at expanding their business to France. I quickly understood that they were doing something very similar to what I envisioned for Pick and Go and we decided to join forces.

Originally, I had planned to stay on for about two years after the acquisition, ensuring a smooth transition, but we got along so well that I was offered a role as Global Strategy Director. In this capacity, I am allowed to work in a forward thinking manner, analysing trends and data and help resolve challenges. I have also transitioned to Norway and now live in the countryside outside Oslo with horses in my backyard. So, it’s quite a change from my time as a vet in France but I truly enjoy it and find my work challenging and rewarding.

Reflecting on your journey, what accomplishments make you most proud?

I find the greatest satisfaction in knowing that VetFamily serves as a true partner and support for our members. Our mission is to empower veterinarians by providing expert guidance and valuable resources. When we succeed in enabling practitioners to excel in their craft, I feel most satisfied and connected to the veterinary community where my career began. I am aligned with VetFamily’s vision of enhancing veterinary practices globally, contributing to a network dedicated to continuous improvement.