As a family business, the Zacharzewski company is well positioned. (Photo: © Peter Horn)
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July 1, 2024
Even as an employee at the Zacharzewski stone carving studio, Marilyn Lindner distinguished herself through her competence, determination, and a keen sense for her customers' needs. Today, she heads the long-established Gelsenkirchen-based company.
She received support from the NRW Guarantee Bank during the takeover of the company. Even during a two-week student internship, she realized she wanted to train as a stonemason . After completing her apprenticeship, it quickly became clear that she had made the right choice. Her then-boss was also convinced of this and first offered her the opportunity to take over the business in 2017. Marilyn Lindner subsequently completed her master craftsman training and meticulously prepared for the takeover.
Marilyn Lindner found support from her local bank and the NRW Guarantee Bank , which funded the project with an 80 percent guarantee. Oliver Kelzenberg, a consultant at the NRW Guarantee Bank, was in close contact with the young entrepreneur. This involved determining the financial requirements for the company's value , inventory , operating resources , as well as start-up and advertising costs , and securing a solid financing foundation. Kelzenberg was quickly convinced of the young stonemason's suitability, as she demonstrated excellent preparation and also possessed the necessary assertiveness to manage the business.
Since the business was well-established in Gelsenkirchen , it made sense to retain the company name. The newly minted entrepreneur also took over the six employees . She added two more employees in the following years. The company, founded in 1959, specializes in gravestone design , long-term grave maintenance using natural stone , garden design , and construction work . Restoration and monument preservation services are also part of their portfolio. For example, Marilyn Lindner recently received a commission from the city of Gelsenkirchen to restore the Soviet war memorials, and the restoration of a larger war memorial in Marl is already planned for 2025.
Customers appreciate the young entrepreneur's sensitivity, her empathy during consultations, and her expertise in craftsmanship . When a gravestone is sought, she spends several hours talking with the bereaved about the deceased to make the stone as personal as possible. For example, a favorite tree in the garden can be partially carved into the stone. "Often, this is a process. In the initial consultation, most customers are reserved, which is completely understandable given the sensitive nature of the subject. It's all the more rewarding to see them open up in each subsequent conversation," explains Marilyn Lindner.
Operations management
Operations management
Operations management
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Among the special features of the stone sculpture workshop are a public exhibition , which gives customers the opportunity to look around in peace and quiet even on Sundays, as well as an art stone garden with handcrafted natural stone objects in the middle of a green area.
The takeover was completed smoothly in 2021. In April 2023, Marilyn Lindner became a mother. The takeover has transformed into a family business: her husband has since joined the company. Marilyn Lindner is pleased: "I am very grateful for the support I received from both Mr. Zacharzewski and the bank that provided the guarantee."
✔️ 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.
✔️ Applications are usually processed through your bank. However, guarantees can also be applied for directly with the guarantee bank. This is quick and easy via the financing portal ermoeglicher.de.
✔️ The maximum guarantee amount is 2 million euros.
✔️ 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 for aid under EU competition rules.
✔️ If additional equity capital is required, the guarantee bank recommends the involvement of KBG NRW.
Further information on the products of the guarantee bank can be found at: nrw.ermoeglicher.de
Financing: Before the project is founded, the financial requirements must be determined.
Advice: The guarantee bank provides advice on loan requests and assumes security vis-à-vis the bank.
Preparation: Thorough preparation increases the chances of obtaining a guarantee.
Business plan: A business plan is used by the founder to demonstrate the profitability of the company.
Risk minimization: The guarantee minimizes the borrower's personal risk.
Improved conditions: Involving the guarantee bank is often associated with improved loan conditions.
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