“Above All, the Professors Taught Us Human Values”

FORUM: Manfred Fuchs, Stefan Fuchs, you both studied business administration here at the University of Mannheim. What are your memories of your time as students?

Manfred Fuchs: I studied at the Schloss from 1958 to 1962. Back then, we still had the Diplom degree programs. Given the early death of my father, Rudolf Fuchs, who founded the company, I became CEO as early as 1963. And yet I returned to the university once more to earn my doctorate alongside my work. I learned so many things that I could apply right away in my role as entrepreneur. I also have special memories of the many professors I had the privilege to learn from, such as August Marx or Hans Raffée. They were experts in their fields, but above all, they taught us human values.

Stefan Fuchs: I completed my Diplom degree in business administration with Prof. Christoph Spengel in 1994. My time at the University of Mannheim had a great effect on me because I learned many valuable things. But I also have fond memories of the Schneckenhof parties. And it’s great to see how the university has evolved over the years, for instance in terms of internationalization. I still get first-hand information about what’s going on: One of my daughters did her business degree here, the other is currently working on it.

FORUM: Are these positive experiences the reason why your family continues to support research and teaching at the University of Mannheim – both materially and immaterially?

Stefan Fuchs: The University of Mannheim is one of the leading universities in Germany when it comes to business administration and the social sciences. We have strong ties with it and want to give something back. Not just because of our own experiences: Aside from myself, two more of the five members of the FUCHS SE executive board are Mannheim alumni. That’s an excellent ratio.

FORUM: Susanne Fuchs, you did not study in Mannheim and yet you serve on the board of the University of Mannheim Foundation. How did that come about?

Susanne Fuchs: My most recent position is that of a family entrepreneur. In that role, which I appreciate and enjoy, it is natural for me to give something back to the place where our company is headquartered and to get involved on a voluntary basis. What’s more, I had the privilege of going to university twice in my life, and I am a great believer in “lifelong learning.” That’s why I’m delighted to be able to support the university.

FORUM: Did you both always know you wanted to follow in your father’s footsteps?

Stefan Fuchs: Originally, I didn’t want to. But after graduating from university, I did a three-month internship in or company’s sales department in the US. That’s where I recognized the diversity of the business and saw great opportunities for growth – and learned to love our company. I first worked for an auditor for another two years, but in 1996 I decided to join the family business.

Susanne Fuchs: For me, it took a few turns to get there. After many years working as a veterinarian, my father convinced me to take a business administration course to better understand my inheritance. This turned into an MBA at the Open University in England. However, I didn’t realize at the time that I would serve on our company’s supervisory board only a few months later. When I got the call, I hesitated at first, not least because I have a great relationship with my brother and the supervisory board monitors the activities of the management. But I know now that a family member must be represented on it, although in our business, the supervisory board is always chaired by a non-family member.

FORUM: Manfred Fuchs, as a father, you must be quite happy that both children show such strong interest in the family business.

Manfred Fuchs: Yes, of course. Every family entrepreneur wants to see their work continued by the next generation. We have done so successfully, and that makes me happy. What’s more, we don’t have any disputes about it – that’s the worst thing for a family business. We are fortunate to have a united family. Having this strong relationship is important to my children as well. And that, in turn, helps ensure that the next generation also feels connected to the company.

FORUM: Does all the time you spend working together leave enough room for family life?

Susanne Fuchs: When we get together as a family, we usually avoid talking about work.

Manfred Fuchs: Once a year, we organize a family weekend, where around 40 Fuchs family members come together. At these events, my son and other board members report on the company, and we hold our shareholder meetings. But apart from that, those weekends are there to foster family ties in all generations. The same goes for the annual family newspaper.