With Andrea Aland, the roofing company Aland is the first woman to take the helm in its 125-year history. In a few years, the master craftsman and business economist will manage the business alone. (Photo: © Kathrin Dictus)
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Women in Crafts - Special Features
July 2020
They are innovative, successful, and future-oriented: As entrepreneurs and managers, women in the skilled trades are making progress, even outside of traditional female occupations. Some of them share their stories here.
The opportunities for women in skilled trades are excellent . Around 200.000 businesses are due for a change of ownership within the next ten years. Currently, the proportion of women taking over businesses in skilled trades ranges from 13 to 23 percent, depending on the region . This is expected to increase significantly in the future – and not just in traditionally female-dominated fields like hair salons or beauty studios.
"Even and especially outside of traditional patterns, there are excellent prospects for women." This was emphasized by ZDH Secretary General Holger Schwannecke on the occasion of the nationwide action day "Succession is female" at the end of June.
"We want to encourage women and show them that they can be successful in any trade ," says Schwannecke. After all, the skilled trades offer 130 different professions. This diversity provides numerous opportunities for advancement. Digitalization is helping women to also take on management positions in the construction and finishing trades.
The physical demands are significantly lower in some areas today. And where that's not the case, the manager can share the tasks with a technical operations manager.
The Chambers of Skilled Crafts in Germany - HWK Trier
The Chambers of Skilled Crafts in Germany - HWK Koblenz
The Chambers of Skilled Crafts in Germany - HWK Koblenz
Advice: Numerous advisory services for female founders and successors are available from chambers of skilled crafts and trade associations . These organizations can also connect you with mentoring programs. Networks such as the Association of Women Entrepreneurs in Skilled Crafts (UFH) offer contacts with like-minded individuals. Information is also available on the portal e xistenzgründerinnen.de, run by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.
But even in 2020, clichés still exist when it comes to career choices, and there are still senior bosses who believe only their sons can follow in their footsteps. And there are employees who struggle with having a female boss. In some cases, a traditional understanding of roles still exists in the skilled trades.
Schwannecke emphasized the need to promote young female talent early on and convey the professional image of entrepreneurship. She stressed the importance of specialized programs that empower women in their career advancement and prepare them specifically for leadership roles or entrepreneurship, thereby attracting highly qualified women to the skilled trades. A career as an entrepreneur is worthwhile, she asserted, because "the future of skilled trades is digital, sustainable, and offers equal opportunities."
Melanie Franke is one of the few female master metalworkers in Germany. Together with her father, Gunter Franke, she is the managing partner of F & T GmbH – Bauelemente & Metallbau Franke (Franke Building Elements & Metal Construction) in Schwalbach. When she began her vocational training after completing her technical college entrance qualification, she never dreamed she would one day be the boss of a company still considered a traditionally male-dominated field. Metal construction is definitely a trade where you have to be hands-on.
Melanie Franke initially completed an apprenticeship as a goldsmith and silversmith . Afterwards, she worked as a journeyman and then completed her training as a master goldsmith and silversmith.
Her father founded the business in 1995. "I asked myself early on what would happen to our family business once I stepped down," says Gunter Franke. "Then Melanie and I had a conversation." "After that, I decided to join the business in 2008," says Melanie Franke.
"After my 65th birthday, we swapped desks. Melanie became managing director and makes the operational decisions," reports Gunter Franke.
"Creating beautiful pieces of jewelry from gold and silver challenged my creativity." Regarding the switch from gold and silver to stainless and other steels, she says: "Same materials, just larger dimensions." Creativity in customer solutions remains essential. However, it quickly became clear to her that managing her father's metal construction business required further qualifications . Consequently, she began a part-time training program to become a master metalworker at the Saarland Chamber of Skilled Crafts, graduating at the top of her class in 2016.
In between, she also trained to become a "welding specialist." Since this job title doesn't actually exist, her business card reads "welding specialist." "Women can succeed in so-called male professions," she's convinced. "My master craftsman qualification helps me with that. As a master craftswoman, I enjoy a certain level of acceptance on construction sites ."
Continuing education is very important to her. Her resume speaks for itself. And because continuing education is crucial for the next generation of craftspeople, she is involved with the Craftsmen's Forum and the Chamber of Skilled Crafts, assisting with master craftsman examinations and Girls' Day , where young women are introduced to skilled trades.
Marilena Bergers followed in her parents' footsteps by training as a carpenter , works in her father's business , and plans to take it over. So far, so normal – and yet, things are quite different for the 29-year-old. This exceptionally talented young woman already holds a master's degree, which she earned in Australia . And she has a wealth of ideas on how to "make living conditions more bearable for people in this world."
That she not only talks about it but also acts on it is demonstrated by her involvement in projects such as building a school in Nepal . Even though she is taking over the carpentry business, she wants to set aside some time each year for social projects.
Her father approves of her commitment: Norbert Bergers himself, even at the age of 60, was still climbing around on construction sites "on the roof of the world" in the Himalayas. Even during his apprenticeship, he often worked on equal terms, and the collaboration was a mutual learning experience.
Consequently, Bergers also has a clear opinion on the topic of equal rights. "Every woman should be able to hammer a nail into a wall. So we can get away from these gender stereotypes!" For her, working as a woman in a technical profession is nothing special. But she is clear: a lot still needs to change before this perception becomes generally accepted.
"It's incredibly fortunate that our daughter is already raring to go," says Karina Vigelahn. The businesswoman has been managing the Vigelahn construction team in Königs Wusterhausen since 2008. That year saw the official notarization of the transfer from father to daughter. Dieter Vigelahn founded the company in June 1991. Karina Vigelahn joined the business somewhat unexpectedly in 1995 when her father became seriously ill.
"I quit my job in the furniture industry and jumped into the gap," says the entrepreneur. "To this day I am amazed at my courage." Fortunately, the father recovered and the two continued to run the craft business, which specializes in earthwork, concrete work, and masonry, hand in hand.
For five years, Karina Vigelahn prepared for the takeover, visited Workshops at the Chamber of Crafts Cottbus, led Discussions with your bank and tax advisor.
An experienced lawyer advised the industrial engineer against pursuing a second degree. "You don't have to do everything alone; you can also hire a technical operations manager." That's what Karina Vigelahn did back then, and she hasn't regretted the decision.
Although she herself is only 51 years old, she is already preparing her company for the third generation : her daughter Josephine Schineis wants to join the family business soon.
"I'm fortunate that my mother is familiar with many of the pitfalls of taking over a company and is clearing obstacles out of my way," says the 29-year-old, who also came to the construction company via a roundabout route, namely the hotel industry. Currently, the mother of a ten-month-old daughter is working on her bachelor's thesis in civil engineering, which she plans to write at her parents' company.
The employees, most of whom have been with the company for many years and have known Josephine Schineis since childhood, learned at the Christmas party that the young woman would be taking over the business within the next three to five years. It was quite an exciting situation, Schineis recounts. The real news broke when a long-time employee said, "I'm glad I can work here at the company until I retire."
For Mareike Wendt, one thing was clear from the beginning: "If I complete my training as an interior decorator after graduating from high school , I will also take over my father's master craftsman business ." Mareike Wendt was, so to speak, born into the business.
"My parents founded, built up, and successfully ran the company 40 years ago. Now they wanted to retire, and it was pretty clear to me that I would take over the business," says the interior decorator.
"My parents had made a name for themselves, the interior design company M. Schwarz was well-known in Bochum-Linden, and the numbers were good. So the takeover was a logical step."
Today it feels very good to continue the family business. "The path to get here was rocky and steep, but the hurdles have been overcome. I am convinced that there will always be, and must be, skilled tradespeople . That's why women are also well-suited to the trades and can find their place ."
The company manufactures window decorations , sells and installs custom-made sun protection, privacy screens, and insect screens , and performs upholstery and flooring work . "After my apprenticeship, I did a lot of hands-on work as a journeyman; now, as a self-employed person, my focus is more on consulting, preparing quotes, and the business side of things."
Master interior decorator Stephanie Ernst (46) is a member of the general assembly of the East Westphalia- Lippe Chamber of Skilled Crafts . The self-employed businesswoman actively shapes developments in the skilled trades sector in East Westphalia. Her focus is on vocational training . The apprenticeship supervisor for the Bielefeld-Lippe interior decorators' guild teaches at the Brackwede vocational training center.
This dedicated volunteer found her calling through an internship. She originally wanted to become an interior designer. However, the internship inspired her, and she ultimately completed her apprenticeship at the company where she did her internship.
With great success: First, she won the title of Chamber Champion in the Practical Skills Competition and then even became State Champion . With this excellent result, she applied to the Chamber of Skilled Crafts for a scholarship for gifted students , which she easily received.
Stephanie Ernst financed her master craftsman training with the scholarship . Afterwards, she worked at the Ewert interior design company in western Bielefeld.
She took over the business twelve years ago. As an entrepreneur, she focuses on consulting, service, and craftsmanship . She has removed decorative items from her product range. "Others do that better," says Ernst. High quality and sustainability are important to her. "That's the strength of traditional interior decorators," the master craftswoman emphasizes.
In 2018, Melanie Temmes took over the butcher shop with its attached catering service and eight employees from her parents. The master butcher and certified business administrator places great value on regional products, good cooperation with her local farmers, and a highly trained team that approaches their work with enthusiasm and motivation. "In the year I took over, I renovated my shop area and transformed it into a living room for my customers and employees," says Melanie Temmes. Here, there's always time for a friendly chat with customers.
The Gries butcher shop also has its own online store . Melanie Temmes has grown up in the business, which has been run by Gerhard and Mathilde Gries since 1980, since childhood. Her husband has a similar story.
Ralf Temmes, a master farmer in the Saarburg district, took over his parents' dairy farm in 2006 after the sudden death of his father. The parents of two children now manage their family and two farms across a distance of 110 kilometers.
Participation in the project of the Chamber of Skilled Crafts of the Palatinate , " Succession is female ", in 2012 and the advice of the Chamber of Skilled Crafts during the takeover planning have strengthened and advanced the entrepreneur.
The Aland roofing company celebrated its 125th anniversary this year. Andrea Aland, the fifth generation to lead the long-standing family tradition, is the first woman to join the business . After a brief foray into finance, the Arnsberg native was drawn back to the roof: she successfully completed her apprenticeship as a bank clerk , undertook a three-month internship at her parents' company, and made the decision that led her to become the junior manager: further training, master craftsman's examination, and a business administration degree (Chamber of Skilled Crafts).
A demanding schedule in a traditionally male-dominated profession. The 27-year-old has a healthy respect for the "challenging" physical demands . She knows what she expects from her 31 employees. And precisely because she learned the trade from the ground up and knows what she's talking about, she is "fully accepted" by the team.
The master roofer has shifted her professional focus primarily to the office: planning, consulting, customer contact – these are her passions. They are rare, but there are still customers who don't expect a female master roofer. Andrea Aland takes it in stride; she is happy and fully committed to taking over sole management of the family business in a few years.
A temporary shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic shortly after taking over the business – and in their anniversary year no less: For Sandra Voigt and Susanne Iff, the start of their self-employment could have been more pleasant. But the two hairdressers knew from the beginning what they were getting into.
And now the two are launching their salon in Bad Sobernheim – supported by four colleagues. Taking over the 25-year-old business was also the continuation of a life's work.
The former owner, Andreas Paufler, passed away in June 2019. His close-knit team decided to continue together. Master hairdresser Sandra Voigt and Susanne Iff, a journeyman with a trainer's certificate, took over the responsibility . "We've known each other for a very long time," says Susanne Iff, who has worked at Salon Paufler for 19 years.
Sandra Voigt joined the team eleven years ago. The Koblenz Chamber of Skilled Crafts ' business consulting service helped with the takeover – "together we made a good start," the bosses praise.
"The civil engineering and construction industry is certainly dominated by companies run by men. However, I don't see that they lack respect for companies run by women . In any case, I've never had any problems in meetings or contract negotiations. My father introduced me to the tasks in a targeted and careful manner," reports Angelika Huth (59), industrial engineer and managing director of HuT Oderbau GmbH in Müncheberg (Märkisch-Oderland district).
"For example, he initially entrusted me with the controlling department of one of his companies. Later, I took on a management position in another company he had founded. This allowed all the employees to get to know me. I was able to earn the necessary respect even before the company was handed over . I think this careful approach to the role of managing director contributed significantly to the smooth and seamless transition of the company succession ."
I really appreciate being able to rely on my father's advice, even later on. I don't remember a single stupid comment from the men in our company."
Judith Pink (36), master stonemason and stone sculptor from Eppelborn, is a founding ambassador of the Saarland Offensive for Founders (SOG) , a network of local start-up promoters and supporters that has grown over the years.
Judith Pink is currently the female voice of Saarland's skilled trades , representing the Saarland Chamber of Skilled Crafts (HWK ). She encourages young women to become self-employed and offers them advice. In the summer of 2018, she took over the family business from her father, Helmut, becoming the third generation owner and managing director of the sculpture and art workshop Steinkunst Pink, which employs ten people.
"Before, I was employed in my father's company, and then I became the boss; it wasn't that easy at first. The first few years were quite tough in a male-dominated world ," she describes her role change. She earned her master craftsman's certificate in 2005/2006 . Although she now primarily handles management tasks, she still enjoys occasionally picking up a "knife," a special hammer for soft stone.
Her advice: " Get your master craftsman's certificate, then you can become self-employed in a trade ." This provides a solid foundation – from practical experience to business management. And in the event of a business transfer – as in a family business – she strongly recommends involving the Chamber of Skilled Crafts, because there are always obstacles to overcome.
She also doesn't hide the fact that she's sometimes quite exhausted in the evenings: "You have to have a lot of patience; as a boss, you sometimes take problems to bed with you or wake up in the night. Ultimately, as an entrepreneur, you can never switch off."
And: "Take advantage of the free services available in Saarland, such as those offered by the Chamber of Skilled Crafts, the state government, or economic development agencies . Build networks to exchange ideas with other women. This makes many things easier!" she advises. Learning from the experiences, including mistakes, of others can help you avoid making many wrong decisions.
She herself uses social media such as Instagram and Facebook to post photos and texts about her company and the use of natural stone: "We have to use many channels to draw attention to ourselves." And she admits with a twinkle in her eye: "I am a sculptor by passion. Natural stone is my drug."
"Taking over a small car dealership as a woman is certainly unusual, but my father built and ran our dealership with so much passion for over 30 years that I can't imagine handing it over to someone else," reports Daniela Steinbrede.
Therefore, the automotive economist will continue to run the family business, the Steinbrede car dealership in Münster, in the second generation and, as she says: "In the next 30 and many more years, show everyone that women and cars go very well together ."
Texts: Kathrin Dictus, Ulrike Wittenbrink, Reinhard Kallenbach, Kathrin Tomkötter, Kirsten Freund, Frauke Kerkmann, Sarah Materna, Sarah Hanke, Michael Thieme, Udo Rau
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