Stonemason and sculptor Marilyn Lindner has been working in the industry for 19 years. (Photo: © Bürgschaftsbank NRW)
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August 1, 2022
Marilyn Lindner worked at the Zacharzewski stonemasonry and sculpture workshop for 13 years. Last year, she took over the business from her former boss and started her own business with the help of the NRW Guarantee Bank.
It was clear to Marilyn Lindner from an early age that she would pursue a career in a craft . After a two-week student internship , she knew for sure: she wanted to train as a stonemason and sculptor . Now, this dedicated young woman from Gelsenkirchen has been working in the industry for 19 years.
"In 2017, my boss first approached me about a potential takeover ," recalls Marilyn Lindner. "At that time, I had no plans to become self-employed." From then on, the idea took root in her mind; she completed her master craftsman's qualification and meticulously prepared for the takeover . Rainer Zacharzewski , the previous owner of the stonemasonry and sculpture business , was also firmly convinced of his potential successor's suitability . After all, he knew her well from her many years with the company. The fact that he ultimately handed over the business to his employee five years earlier than planned impressively demonstrates his trust in her.
Before the acquisition could be finalized, several questions needed to be answered. The financial requirements for the company's value , inventory , operating resources , as well as start-up and advertising costs had to be determined. And finally, the financing had to be secured on a sound footing . Here, the founder sought support from the NRW Guarantee Bank . As part of the project, the bank ultimately provided an 80% guarantee against default on a small six-figure loan.
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Marilyn Lindner was determined to keep her business in Gelsenkirchen . After 13 years with the company, her customers knew the stonemason well and appreciated her expertise and personal approach. Marilyn Lindner takes her time with her clients . When a gravestone is requested, she sometimes talks with them for several hours about the deceased, in order to design the stone as personally as possible . "Often it's a process. Most clients are reserved in the initial consultation, but they open up in subsequent conversations, which is perfectly natural given the sensitive nature of the subject," explains the young entrepreneur.
Customer satisfaction is her top priority . If there are supply bottlenecks , such as the current material shortage , she discusses them openly with her customers. "Of course, we also had to contend with difficulties due to the pandemic," Marilyn Lindner summarizes. "For example, resource procurement has become more difficult because deliveries are made in containers via sea."
The company, founded in 1959, focuses on gravestone design , long-term grave maintenance using natural stone , garden design , and construction work . Services related to restoration and historic preservation are planned for the future. To this end, after completing her master craftsman training, she undertook two years of further education as a restorer , enabling her to work in the field of historic preservation for cemeteries and buildings.
Quote: "Ms. Lindner demonstrated industry experience, competence, and excellent preparation for self-employment. Furthermore, it showed remarkable assertiveness for a woman to establish a foothold in this predominantly male-dominated sector." Oliver Kelzenberg, Corporate Client Advisor at the NRW Guarantee Bank. Several unique features distinguish this traditional stonemasonry business: The company offers a public exhibition , allowing customers to browse at their leisure, even on Sundays. Additionally, the company premises feature an " art stone garden" with handcrafted natural stone objects nestled within a green space.
Thanks to well-planned preparation, the takeover in 2021 went smoothly . The master stonemason was thus able to retain six employees. Marilyn Lindner is pleased: "I am very grateful for the support I received from both Mr. Zacharzewski and the bank providing the guarantee."
Further information on the products of the guarantee bank can be found at: www.bb-nrw.de
This is how a guarantee works and what applicants should know:
✓ Any founder, entrepreneur, or freelancer can apply for a default guarantee. It must be a small or medium-sized business.
✓ You need appropriate personal, commercial and professional qualifications for your field of activity.
✓ A business plan with an economic forecast is required, which proves that the business operations can generate capital service and a reasonable living.
✓ The applications are usually processed through the house bank, but guarantees can also be applied for directly at the guarantee bank (BoB = guarantee without bank). Applications can be made at www.bb-nrw.de or via the new financing portal ermoeglicher.de
✓ The maximum guarantee amount is 1,25 million euros.
✓ Costs: Upon approval, a one-time processing fee (usually 1,5% of the guaranteed loan amount, with a minimum of €400) and an annual guarantee commission are charged. Furthermore, involving the guarantee bank usually results in better loan terms.
✓ Guarantees are available for almost any project and venture, provided the prospects are right. Excluded are restructuring measures, debt restructuring, and measures that are not "eligible" under EU competition rules.
✓ If additional equity capital is required, the Guarantee Bank recommends the involvement of KBG NRW (www.kbg-nrw.de).
The guarantee bank always prioritizes the potential economic opportunities of a company and relieves credit institutions, especially in start-up and succession projects, while the entrepreneur remains personally liable.
DHB is now also available digitally! Simply click here and register for the digital DHB!
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