Half a year in self-employment

Stefan, why did you decide to take this bold step to become the owner of Winkler Livecom?

On the one hand, we believe in Winkler Livecom and in the potential for the future that lies in our company and our employees. On the other hand, independence is another personal challenge for Christian and me, which we are happy to tackle together with our employees. So we didn't have to think twice when the MCH Group approached us with their inquiry.

Stefan mentioned that the MCH Group made you this offer. Christian, from your point of view, were there any criteria that had to be met in order to accept this offer?

Of course, there were several points that were central for us in the negotiations. For example, it was very important for us to be able to continue the good relationship with the MCH Group. Last but not least, one of the most important and decisive points was, of course, the affordability of the entire construct for us as the new owners. Above all these points, there was always the question of how our employees, but also our customers and suppliers, would react to this change.

Such a detachment entails a number of tasks. What was your highest priority, Christian?

The highest priority was given to creating internal and external acceptance of the new path. We therefore focused very strongly on communication.

We have always agreed that it is very important to spend a lot of time and energy talking to our employees about the new future in order to get them excited about the new starting position and the challenges ahead.

Another focus was on our external partners on the customer and supplier side. It is of course of great importance in this process that they also believe in the new future and in the visions and ideas of the new owners.

From an organizational point of view, there were no significant changes to be made, as Stefan and I have been working in a leading position at Winkler Livecom for a long time and we were therefore able to set the right course in the past.

Stefan, how did you experience your first six months as owner?

Extremely positive. After more than ten years at Winkler, this change represents an exciting challenge for me. Furthermore, the many positive feedbacks have strengthened my conviction that I have chosen the right path with Winkler. It is also exciting to see how this change has brought a positive dynamic into our company. I am very motivated by this dynamic.

What do you mean by dynamic?

There is simply a positive mood in the company. I think the employees feel that they can now have more influence on decisions and are also closer to these decisions. This is definitely a motivating factor to give everything for a successful future. Many of the challenges are still the same as last year, but the decision-making paths are much shorter when we are independent. This allows us to react quickly to changes.

What do you think, Christian?

I can only agree with Stefan's statements. I would also like to add that cooperation within the management team has become even more intensive and harmonious since the buyout, which I believe also has an impact on the entire organization.

How do you look to the future now?

Christian: The fact that the market in the livecom industry is highly competitive is nothing new for us. Nevertheless, we are optimistic about the future. We have also been able to win some great projects for ourselves in recent months and are looking forward to demonstrating our skills.

Stefan: Winkler Livecom still has a lot of potential, which we would like to develop. Together with our employees, we will certainly achieve a lot more.

Thank you very much for the interview, Christian and Stefan.