HI ALEX. PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF.
I’m Alex, 31 years old, and I’m from Nürtingen.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS.
Inquisitive, unconventional, calm.
WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
I enjoy climbing, whether on the rocks or in the gym. I use my telescope to take astrophotographs—pictures of galaxies or planets, for example—and I like to do woodworking in my workshop. So I enjoy creating things with my hands, fixing things, or restoring small pieces of furniture.
WHAT WAS YOUR PATH BEFORE MARABU?
Right after middle school, I completed an apprenticeship as a media technologist in offset printing and was then hired as a journeyman. After that, I gained experience in various printing processes through label printing. After spending a year abroad in Canada, where I did all sorts of jobs, I came back, became a shift supervisor—and was eventually laid off due to the tough market, which, looking back, turned out to be a real stroke of luck. That’s how I enrolled in school and earned my technician’s degree. That’s also how I found Marabu, and I’ve been here ever since.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE MARABU?
Everything just felt right here. The other companies I applied to lacked that family-like atmosphere, and Marabu really stood out in that regard. Plus, I was once again worried about losing my job. Things didn’t look good—and still don’t—in the printing industry. That’s why I decided to move one step back in the value chain, to a supplier. It’s been a good decision so far.
WHAT MAKES MARABU SPECIAL?
The variety of challenges. Although we specialize in a small industry, this industry covers everything from drinking glasses to toothbrushes and car speedometers. It’s never boring; every area has its own challenges and hurdles to overcome.
WHAT IS YOUR DAY LIKE AT MARABU?
I spend a lot of time working on the computer these days. It’s a mix of customer inquiries, which I still handle. I research colors and guidelines and advise customers, sales partners, subsidiaries, or internal staff here on-site. But because our product range is so extensive and has such diverse applications, I can never really tell in the morning what’s in store for me. That’s actually really nice—at least there’s no “daily routine” where the same things happen over and over. On top of that, I’m responsible for managing my team.
HOW HAS YOUR JOB CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?
I started in the technical field service. If production comes to a halt, I have to solve the problem—today, my team handles that confidently for me. After just under two years, the position of Technical Project Manager for the “Packaging” segment became available, and I was asked to take it on. This added business-related responsibilities to my technical tasks: pricing, development management, creating documentation for new color systems, and managing key accounts. The best part was being the go-to expert in a specific area and being able to focus entirely on it. When our previous Head of Application Engineering left, I also took on personnel management responsibilities.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE TAKING ON YOUR NEW ROLE AS A MANAGER AT MARABU?
My predecessor’s position was expanded to include digital printing and the technical field service and split between two people. The new division of responsibilities was challenging for my colleague and me, but it allowed us to approach the newly created role with our own style. After some time, my responsibilities were expanded again; I now manage the technical hotline, the technical field service, colorimetry, and the complaints department. And I can rely on my team to have each other’s backs.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH POTENTIAL APPLICANTS?
Just do it—don’t sit on the sidelines. Just apply and give it a try; the printing industry is never boring. The creativity in this profession is definitely appealing, and who can say they work with well-known car manufacturers in the morning and help major toy companies launch a new line by noon? I can walk around the world, point to a product on every corner, and know that I had a hand in making it.
