Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Ehrenholz, Tremco CPG Germany GmbH has recently overcome many challenges. How have you adapted your business strategy during this time?

Friedhelm Ehrenholz: When the Ukraine crisis began, we faced one of the biggest challenges in the construction industry in decades. Interest rates rose, energy prices skyrocketed, and construction activity massively decreased. We consciously held on to our values and focused on long-term goals. For us, it was clear that pressure alone does not create sustainable solutions. Instead, we relied on transparency, coaching, and a strong sense of values to inspire our employees and lead them to take responsibility.

Wirtschaftsforum: You talk about values and personal responsibility. What does that look like in everyday corporate life?

Friedhelm Ehrenholz: We have developed a maturity model that helps employees reflect on their skills and realize their potential.

Through workshops and targeted questions such as 'When is someone the best field service representative?' or 'What do our customers expect?', we were able to develop profiles that our teams design independently. Our goal was to create a pull effect that enhances intrinsic motivation – a philosophy that is actively supported by our leaders.

Wirtschaftsforum: Innovation seems to be a central aspect of your strategy. Can you give us examples?

Friedhelm Ehrenholz: Even before the Ukraine crisis, we had focused on new business sectors like modular construction, which is now receiving great attention due to political initiatives such as serial construction. Additionally, we have sharpened our product strategy with Good-Better-Best categories to flexibly respond to customer needs. Our innovation strength and our focus on quality are key to maintaining our position in a declining market.

Wirtschaftsforum: How do you deal with setbacks, especially when internal challenges occur?

Friedhelm Ehrenholz: Setbacks are part of the process. When a recent production relocation caused unexpected problems, we were transparent and communicated the situation openly. This strengthens the trust of our employees, even in difficult times. Our regular Townhall meetings are a central tool to address challenges and find solutions together. It is important in such times to stand even closer together.

Wirtschaftsforum: What role do your employees play in the success of Tremco CPG?

Friedhelm Ehrenholz: Our employees are the core of our success. We support them through targeted programs, such as leadership workshops or individual coaching sessions, and rely on a corporate culture that strengthens cohesion and identification. For example, we organize cross-team projects and events, which not only promote cohesion but also make talents visible. This is directly reflected in our business results: Despite a challenging market environment, we have maintained and even expanded our position.

Wirtschaftsforum: How do you assess the current market situation in the construction industry and the position of Tremco CPG Germany?

Friedhelm Ehrenholz: The construction industry is currently in a deep crisis and has seen a decline of about 20%. Nevertheless, we have managed to nearly completely compensate for the market decline through targeted measures, innovative approaches, and the deployment of a highly motivated team not only stabilizing our results but even expanding them in some areas. Our success is based primarily on the fact that we have bet early on new business fields such as modular construction. These forward-looking strategies help us not only to survive the current difficult phase but to come out stronger and seize new market opportunities.

Wirtschaftsforum: Is there a specific vision for the future of the company?

Friedhelm Ehrenholz: Our vision is to create an environment in which employees can fully realize their potential. We strengthen our corporate culture by promoting values such as personal responsibility and collaboration. The goal is to lead more people to take responsibility for themselves so that they actively contribute to the development of our company. At the same time, we are expanding strategic business fields and relying on innovative solutions that provide customers with long-term value and competitiveness. In this way, we want to sustainably develop our company and our relationship with our markets.

Wirtschaftsforum: What personally drives you, Mr. Ehrenholz?

Friedhelm Ehrenholz: For me, a central motivation is to leave a mark – in a positive sense. I want my actions to make a difference and to have a lasting impact, whether it's through the results in our company, the development of our employees, or the culture we create together. It's not just about revenue or profit, but above all about inspiring people to unleash their potential and creating structures that have long-term sustainability. My goal is that what we build today will continue to have a positive influence in the future – on our teams, our customers, and the entire industry.