Dear Ute Schilling, dear Gaby Schilling, how was the first year of your sole management?
We can look back on a successful first year. We recorded good sales figures and continued to run the company without any major upheavals. We were already familiar with the processes as we had already worked in our family business for several years. During a four-year transition phase, we were already members of the Executive Board. We grew into our roles step by step and were able to take on responsibility early on.
How did the time you spent with your father in management shape you?
Working with our father, we learned how important it is to create clear structures and processes. This was always very important to him. We have adopted this as a clear priority in our company management.
What was the most important thing you learned from your father?
Making decisions quickly and promptly. This is not always easy, but it is important that a clear path is recognizable, this is the only way to move forward together.
Another, perhaps even more important thing that our father passed on to us is the appreciation of and responsibility for our employees. Employees are a company’s most important asset.
Are there any special moments or events that you remember fondly from when you worked with your father?
We fondly remember our regular monthly meeting, for which the three of us always made time. Each of us reported on the current status from our own perspective, we set priorities together and worked out solutions. Those were always very constructive and enriching hours.
Looking back, how do you see the successful handover of the company?
From today’s perspective, we are especially grateful for the trust that our father placed in us. He saw and encouraged our abilities, which enabled him to let go and gradually hand over the management tasks completely.
We are also grateful to our employees for never giving us the feeling that we were just “the boss’s children”. It was only this recognition of our achievements and skills that paved the way for fundamental changes, such as the digitalization of our processes. We know that employees are a company’s most important asset. We are always aware of our responsibility and the necessary appreciation towards our employees. For this reason, our doors are open to everyone and with every concern.
What successes have you been able to celebrate since taking over the management?
We are particularly proud of the successful implementation of an employee committee, with which a regular exchange of employee concerns takes place. The elected representatives also gain a deeper insight into the company and complex interrelationships.
How do you find a balance to your work?
We enjoy cooking at home with our family – including fine dining. Music is also a good balance for us, for example we are active in the choir and as organists in church services.
