Security that Grows – Fire Protection with Experience, Vision & Responsibility
Interview with André Schulze Forsthövel, Managing Partner of Brandschutz-Center Münster Brinck GmbH
Fire protection is more than just technology - it is safety, responsibility, and trust. That is exactly what Brandschutz-Center Münster Brinck GmbH stands for, which has been a reliable partner in the region and beyond for decades. The company combines experience with innovative solutions and personal customer care that goes far beyond the usual. Managing partner André Schulze Forsthövel discusses how he successfully develops the traditional company, opens up new business fields, and focuses on the people.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Schulze Forsthövel, how did your path to becoming an entrepreneur unfold, and how has the company developed since you took over?
André Schulze Forsthövel: In 2017, I took over the Fire Protection Center Münster – it was founded in 1966 by the Brinck family. I myself am from mechanical engineering, started as an electrician, then became a technician, later studied and completed an MBA. At the age of 25, I joined the IHK Succession Club, where entrepreneurs and potential successors were anonymously brought together. At that time, it was too early, but years later, the same advisor facilitated the transfer of my current company to me. Since then, we have tripled our turnover and increased our staff from 24 to 40.
Wirtschaftsforum: What business areas form the basis of your success?
André Schulze Forsthövel: We operate in two main areas: preventive and defensive fire protection. The former includes service and maintenance of fire extinguishers, smoke extractors, fire doors, and firewater technology. Defensive means providing equipment for fire brigades and disaster response – from protective gear to fire trucks. About half of our staff are in the Volunteer Fire Brigade, which facilitates exchange. In addition, we provide consulting in the defensive area, while we still lack engineering capacity for complete concepts in the preventive area – this is something we are looking to build on.
Wirtschaftsforum: Who are your customers, and how diverse is your portfolio?
André Schulze Forsthövel: We serve almost everyone: from waste incineration plants to nursing homes and supermarkets to small businesses. Everyone needs fire extinguishers and must comply with regulations. In the defensive area, especially municipalities are responsible for equipping fire departments. We closely monitor political uncertainties such as US tariffs or tight budgets. Nevertheless, fire protection remains a crisis-proof business where investments cannot be postponed indefinitely.
Wirtschaftsforum: You are currently investing in a new building. What are the objectives you are pursuing with this?
André Schulze Forsthövel: In Münster, a new headquarters is being developed in the Hansa Business Park, featuring office spaces, storage, a service workshop, showroom, and seminar area. We are tripling our capacity and investing several million EUR. A helicopter landing pad is also planned, to be prepared for disaster management scenarios in the long term. The new building gives us room for new business fields such as engineering services. For this, we have established a second management level with two authorized officers, allowing me to focus more on strategic issues.
Wirtschaftsforum: How do you as an entrepreneur shape the corporate culture?
André Schulze Forsthövel: Authenticity is crucial. We maintain a familiar culture, celebrate summer parties with the families, and rely on an open cooperation.
I mostly make decisions based on gut feeling, supplemented by numbers - successfully so far. I conduct personnel talks myself as long as it is possible. I am aware that behind each employee there are families. I take this responsibility seriously, because at the end of the month, 40 people rely on us.
Wirtschaftsforum: The shortage of skilled workers is a perennial issue. What experiences do you have?
André Schulze Forsthövel: Applications are rare, headhunters are not an option. We rely on recommendations and direct outreach. Although we advertise positions, the quality of the applications is often inadequate. I am convinced that the market will change through the insolvency of larger companies and technological developments like AI. We have already experimentally created work certificates using AI - it saves time, illustrates the change, and opens up new perspectives.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are your expectations from the government to support companies like yours?
André Schulze Forsthövel: Above all, we need a reduction in bureaucracy. Entrepreneurs take risks, secure jobs, and pay wages, but are burdened with ever new regulations. During the Family Business Days in Berlin, it became clear: the problems are known, but little has been implemented. Fewer regulations and more scope for action would allow us to focus on the essentials.
Wirtschaftsforum: What personally drives you?
André Schulze Forsthövel: I wanted to be an entrepreneur from an early stage, and this drive continues to this day. For me, it's not just about money, but about developing people and businesses. My former boss gave me the freedom to study – just as I want to open up opportunities for my staff today. The new building is a milestone and an expression of this motivation. As long as I sleep well, I know: We are on course.