At 16, I began an apprenticeship as a model maker in my father's state-owned company. I wouldn't have ended up there without my father. It was a model company in terms of party affiliation. For example, extended service in the army was desired. Until the fall of the Berlin Wall, I worked on a carpenter's bench for over 10 years. My ambitions were modest – even though I was repeatedly asked whether I wanted to continue my education. But that also involved other things, like joining the party. That was out of the question for me. By that time, I already had a family with three children. If the fall of the Berlin Wall hadn't happened, I would have stayed in that job and taken advantage of the niches the system offered. But then the major upheaval came. A spirit of optimism developed and there was a great deal of uncertainty. In the meantime, I had already thought about what my future would be. I contacted the Treuhand privately early on. In 1991, the Treuhand (Treuhand) sold the companies and sought interested parties. We applied for a management buyout with two other colleagues. However, our application was rejected. The company was advertised with the land, making it lucrative for investors. The land was to be sold separately from the rest of the company. A front man from Bavaria applied to the Treuhand (Treuhand) for the land. Two other people were supposed to buy the company. Both of them, however, backed out shortly before it was due to take place. This essentially ruined the plan. However, due to an error, the land was sold separately anyway. Thus, the land was sold, and the model-making company was still there. Then the Treuhand (Treuhand) remembered that we were interested. So they made us a good offer to buy the company. And we accepted. The staff was happy that someone was doing it and that the jobs would continue. Everyone contributed fully and contributed a lot. Without the staff's experience and knowledge, it wouldn't have worked at all. Back then, the times were confusing and complicated. Back then, you had a certain naiveté. Without it, you wouldn't have done or tackled some things at all. Before, I had relatively little confidence in myself in that regard. But I grew with the challenges. It was actually a good time—despite all the ups and downs. Every day was new and exciting!
