A look behind the scenes of a Managing Director
What is your most personal drive – what really gets you out of bed in the morning when no one is watching?
At first, nothing at all – but after a while the motivation kicks in. Then my sense of duty takes over, but above all the desire to make a difference and generate strong sales figures. On weekends I can stay in bed – then it’s more the gardening or a hike that motivates me. People say doing business with friends is risky.
You and Dr. Kai Rinklake have been friends for years and are leading SKYLOTEC together – how has your friendship endured all this time?
The friendship hasn’t broken because while we talk about business in our free time and about free time in business, we are able to clearly separate the two. At the end of the day, you have to accept when a shareholder makes a decision and then implement it. And vice versa, it was the same. What was always crucial was open exchange and the fact that our mindsets are largely aligned.
If you were to lose everything – which talent or principle would bring you back to the top?
Even if I lost everything, I would still keep one talent: recognizing customer needs and approaching people. My love for people motivates me to engage with them, inspire them, and understand them. That’s what drives me to achieve success together, celebrate it, and create genuine satisfaction – even if it sometimes means stepping back myself.
When was the last time you celebrated a deal that truly surprised you?
Not too long ago – about four weeks ago – we received an inquiry from South America for Gordon devices. Completely unexpected, out of the blue. We were able to realize the project in no time and celebrated the success accordingly. I was also surprised by a deal in the power line construction sector, where we managed to establish ourselves faster than expected with good products and services.
Innovation is a word often used – but what truly sets SKYLOTEC apart?
I don’t know if there’s just one difference. What makes SKYLOTEC unique are the people behind the products – with the drive to always create the best solutions for customers and to inspire them. The combination of people, products, and our mindset to achieve the very best for the customer – not as a slogan but out of genuine conviction – that’s what makes us special. Made in Europe, made by us SKYLOTEC manufactures as Europe’s largest hardware producer without detours or intermediaries.
Why is this “Made in Europe, made by us” so crucial for you – and how do customers feel that difference?
It’s a clear commitment to our location and creates resilience in supply chains – especially in times of global uncertainty. Building our own supply chains that integrate our technology, expertise, and ideas makes us independent and quick to act for customers. Of course, there are manufacturing specialists everywhere. But the combination of production expertise, development, and the direct implementation of our ideas – that’s what makes the difference.
For months your team works toward the A+A – what does it mean to you when all this preparation comes alive in just four trade fair days?
For me, the A+A is pure emotion. Meeting so many customers in such a short time, experiencing feedback, friendship, but also criticism – that only happens there. Every two years comes the moment when I thank the team for their commitment and collaboration – often with tears in my eyes because I’m so proud. Four days when months of preparation truly pay off. Closeness you can feel. SKYLOTEC is known for genuine customer contact.
Why is the A+A the perfect place for you to make this closeness tangible?
The A+A offers the chance to present ourselves directly alongside competitors while being in close exchange with customers. The conversations are often short but intense. That’s why the trade fair is not just a get-together, but the place where partnership and friendship become visible and tangible.
You wish contact by telephone?
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