INTERVIEW WITH
HI CARSTEN. PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF.
My name is Carsten Schneck, and I’ve been with Marabu since 1999. I’m 55 years old, live in Kirchberg an der Murr, but I was born in Ludwigsburg.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS.
(Used to be) Athletic, helpful, sociable.
WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?
I love mountain biking—it’s my big passion. I also have a dog, a Magyar Vizsla, and I enjoy taking him out for walks.
WHAT WAS YOUR PATH LIKE BEFORE JOINING MARABU?
I had completed an apprenticeship as an industrial glassmaker. After that, I actually wanted to pursue a technical degree, but my life got a little off track, so I dropped out. Then I came to work for you.
HOW DID YOU FIRST HEAR ABOUT MARABU?
I was already familiar with Marabu. I was unhappy with my job at the time; it just wasn’t a good fit anymore. So I called Marabu on a whim—got an interview right away, and was hired immediately afterward. It all happened very quickly, within a week.
WHAT MAKES MARABU SPECIAL?
I absolutely love working here—I just really enjoy my job. What makes it special to me is that people at Marabu are very supportive of one another. Back when I was going through some tough times, everyone here was very understanding. I still really appreciate that to this day. And they’re still just as supportive of their employees: You can take time off, leave early, or even say that you’re not feeling well—without it becoming a big deal. Of course, you shouldn’t take advantage of that; it’s just a matter of give and take. But that’s exactly what makes the team spirit so great for me.
WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY LIKE FOR YOU AT MARABU?
I now work in waste management; I started out in the grinding hall. My workday is quite flexible—I have a time slot from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during which I complete my tasks. I’m usually there around 6:30 or 7:00 a.m. Then I turn on my tablet, check what messages I’ve received and what’s on the agenda, and organize it all in my head. Then I slowly get started with the physical work. I also handle transport from the raw materials warehouse to production and help out a lot, for example in shipping.
WHAT DOES YOUR WORKSPACE LOOK LIKE? WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU THERE?
When I took over the department two or three years ago, I restructured some processes according to my own ideas. Now the workspace is organized in a way that fits my work style perfectly, and I really like that. Of course, things can get a bit busier during stressful periods, but overall I make a point of keeping things tidy—that’s just how I work most productively.
IS THERE A SPECIFIC EVENT YOU'D LIKE TO TALK ABOUT?
The move from the cleaning room to waste disposal was a big change for me, but also a highlight. I’m working on my own now, and that’s really great for me. Another highlight was back when I wasn’t feeling well and Marabu helped me out—I’ll never forget that.
And when I had just started, I think in my second year, there was a Christmas party at the Musikhalle in Ludwigsburg. The atmosphere was really nice.
In general, I enjoy coming to work; the camaraderie with my colleagues is just great, and honestly, every day is a highlight for me.
(HOW) HAS YOUR JOB CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?
In the beginning, everything was a bit more laid-back; there were fewer projects. Today, there’s a greater focus on revenue—but I think that’s the case everywhere. At the same time, the structures have modernized, for example through flatter hierarchies. But the positive overall atmosphere has remained the same for me, which I particularly appreciate.
IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT QUALITIES FOR DOING YOUR JOB?
Neat, team-oriented, reliable.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR JOB IN THREE WORDS?
Exhausting, challenging, fulfilling.
IS THERE ANYTHING AT THE TOP OF YOUR ‘BUCKET LIST’?
Professionally, everything is fine. Personally, there are a few things I’d still like to do. I used to race mountain bikes and would love to race again—as an “old man.”
IF YOU WERE A COLOR, WHICH (MARABU) COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
I’d like to be a Green 960/962; my favorite color is green.
