Company founder Ulf Peschke with his dog Hugo and his daughter and successor Leandra Rau with Lupin. The photo was taken at the 30th anniversary celebration of UP Elektro- und Datentechnik GmbH & Co. KG in Haan. (Photo: © private)
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women in crafts - Theme specials
February 2026
When her father suddenly fell into a coma, Leandra Rau, in her mid-twenties, took over the management of the family business – much earlier than planned. Today, three years later, her father is well again and gives her free rein in all decisions.
For Leandra Rau Her day begins in her bright corner office with computer work: checking emails, clarifying personnel matters, and signing contracts. By her side is her dog Lupin, a Vizsla, who accompanies her to the office every day. The 28-year-old has been the sole managing director of the company since the beginning of the year. UP Elektro- und Datentechnik GmbH & Co.KG in Haan (North Rhine-Westphalia) – named after her father and company founder Ulf PeschkeThe family-run company, with around 50 employees – including four project managers – specializes in electrical and data technology, as well as communication and security technology. Its clients include government agencies, schools, larger companies, and hospitals in the Cologne and Düsseldorf area.
Even with this takeover, she still belongs to a minority: In the entire skilled trades sector, only about one in four businesses is (co-)managed by a woman. In technical trades, the percentage is significantly lower, according to the [source/source]. Central Association of German Crafts (ZDH)The association aims to encourage more young women to pursue apprenticeships or take over existing businesses in the skilled trades and is involved in initiatives such as Girls' Day and "Stereotype-Free." They believe that career prospects and opportunities for women in the skilled trades are excellent. Leandra Rau can confirm this.
Her father, a trained electrician, founded his company 31 years ago – initially specializing in data technology and fiber optics – and gradually expanded it. At the family dinner table with their three children, the topic of succession played no role for a long time. "After graduating from high school, I studied International Business in Venlo. It was only during that time that the idea of perhaps joining the company later on occurred to me," Rau explains.
This "later," however, was a long way off. Her father thought the idea was great. "We can certainly consider it," was his reaction. First, his daughter was to gain professional experience. So Leandra Rau worked at an auditing firm in Düsseldorf, at a start-up in Munich, and at a data center construction company in Offenbach. "There, as a project assistant, I helped manage a large project—right on the construction site. That's when I realized that I simply didn't understand enough about the technical aspects."
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In her mid-twenties – during the pandemic – she returned to her hometown and began studying electrical engineering in Düsseldorf. Around that time, her father purchased an adjacent industrial building. "I was already involved in the renovations during my studies." Taking over the business was planned for "sometime in the future." "First, I wanted to gain more practical experience in other companies."
But then everything changed. "In the summer of 2023, I was supposed to submit my bachelor's thesis. Before that, I flew to Argentina with a friend for two weeks. And then I got a call. They said, 'Your father is in a coma. You have to come back as quickly as possible.'"
Leandra Rau immediately took charge. The support from the staff during this exceptional situation was tremendous. "I had truly fantastic support. Everyone helped," she says. First, she had to get the computer up and running, get an overview of the folders and documents, and prioritize tasks: "I simply did everything the way I thought was right to keep the business running. I couldn't ask any questions," Leandra Rau explains. Alongside her onboarding and hospital visits, she also completed her bachelor's thesis.
Today her father is doing well again, and yet he gives his daughter free rein. "Perhaps letting go was easier for him because of his illness; he had no other choice," says Rau. Her father occasionally comes by for coffee or breakfast. "We talk regularly, and I can consult him on important decisions."
For the formal handover, an external succession consultant was brought in. The process took about two years. Many details had to be clarified – also with regard to the siblings and the long-term security of the company founder. "This support from the consultant was extremely important," Rau emphasizes.
"I did have to prove myself at first," she admits. "Many of the employees have daughters my age, some have known me since birth. It was a balancing act, but it worked out and we're a great team."
The young entrepreneur is committed to a pleasant working atmosphere. The company offices are bright and welcoming. Three separate kitchenettes serve as meeting points. There are company parties, the grill is fired up in the summer when the fitters return from construction sites, and a regular visit to the local fair is a fixed date on the calendar. "We're one big family, and we live it that way."
To ensure this continues, Leandra Rau is working on employee benefits. Health is particularly important to her. For example, a massage therapist now visits the office weekly, and private supplemental insurance has been taken out for all employees. Everyone should feel comfortable. Therefore, she is also investing in digitalization – from laptops for working from home to modernized inventory management.
Her courage in taking on responsibility under difficult circumstances was rewarded with the loyalty of her employees. Her biggest challenge for the future? Finding a successor for those on the team who are approaching retirement. But Leandra Rau is convinced that this, too, will be sorted out.
Chambers of Skilled Crafts offer female craftspeople further training and professional development opportunities and advise them on all aspects of starting a business, succession planning, initial and continuing education, and business management. "Women who have dropped out of university, career changers, and university graduates are also welcome in the skilled trades," emphasizes the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH). "In addition to advanced training to become a master craftswoman or a business administrator, dual study programs are also offered regionally in many skilled trades to develop future leaders."
Furthermore, there are campaigns and initiatives such as the one by the Dortmund Chamber of Skilled Crafts entitled "Strong Women. Strong Crafts.", which aims to make more female role models in the skilled trades visible.
The UFH is a nationwide network with regional state associations and working groups that advocates for female entrepreneurs, co-owners, master craftswomen and successors in the skilled trades.
The bga For over 20 years, this organization has been committed to the interests of female founders, female start-ups, entrepreneurs, and female business successors. It offers numerous events and networking opportunities.
The company program "Family as a success factor"The platform, in which the ZDH (Central Association of German Skilled Crafts) also participates, is the federal government's initiative on the topic of reconciling family and career. For example, it offers employers free support in implementing a family-friendly personnel policy.
➡️At the local and regional level, there are many more initiatives, networks, advisory and support services for women who want to start a business or run a company.
DHB now also digital!Simply click here and register for the digital German Crafts Journal (DHB)!
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