Interview mein-dienstrad.de: "Switching from car to bike saves time and nerves!"

VM: As someone who knows both sides: What are the differences between the automotive and bicycle industries and what can both sides learn from each other?

RB: The automotive industry is larger and more developed—at least for now. For example, in customer loyalty. Car dealers have internalized the principle of keeping buyers loyal for a long time. Be it through service, bonuses, or small gestures. Generally, the automotive world wants to stand for seriousness, depending on the brand. In the bicycle business, on the other hand, things are more relaxed and personal, which I like very much.

The colleagues in the automotive industry could take a leaf out of this book. Wearing casual clothes and addressing people by their first names was an adjustment after 30 years of ties and formal address. Sometimes, I even think I forgot my tie. (laughs)

VM: With the Corporate Health Convention coming up in April, you’re facing your first big fair representing mein-dienstrad.de. Are you already excited?

RB: No, not really. I’m actually looking forward to it. I’ve been attending fairs since the start of my career, either as a visitor or an exhibitor. On the one hand, there’s the usual checklist with the booth, flyers, or giveaways. On the other hand, we have to prepare well for on-site consulting, which is always exciting. Although cycling has had a resurgence due to COVID-19, fairs were left behind. The personal interaction and live talks at the venue are simply irreplaceable. If COVID-19 doesn't throw a spanner in the works, I’m also responsible for two more personnel fairs with a colleague this year. I find the Corporate Health Convention right at the start very exciting.

VM: Why is that?

RB: I think employees are the most valuable asset of a company. Especially the younger generation has a completely different awareness and self-concept when it comes to health. That’s why Corporate Health Management is being increasingly promoted. People who exercise enough are fitter, less sick, and often far more relaxed. And the company bicycle can be an important part of that.

Those who ride a bicycle to work get exercise in the fresh air in the morning, can avoid rush hour traffic, and don't have to worry about the annoying search for a parking space. In the end, it saves time and nerves.

VM: Now back to you: How do you prefer to get around? Bicycle or car? Or something else?

RB: As I said, I'm a big fan of e-bikes and have been so long before my shift to mein-dienstrad.de. It's a fantastic thing—I do something for the environment, can exercise and keep fit without arriving completely sweaty, which is often the case with conventional bicycles. Once you’ve tried an e-bike, it’s hard to go back. A large part of the bikes financed by mein-dienstrad.de are e-bikes.

And somehow an e-bike fits me and my career perfectly; it bridges the gap between the bicycle and automotive industries through the common denominator of e-mobility.

VM: Speaking of the future. What are your plans?

RB: The e-bike has revolutionized the bicycle industry, and I’m curious to see what new innovations await us. The bicycle industry is currently diversifying and professionalizing very strongly and has enormous development potential. It’s exciting to be right in the middle of it. For mein-dienstrad.de, I hope we continue to grow. Additionally, we’re hiring new employees in the near future. We’re on a very good path that I want to continue. This is definitely the job I’ll hold until retirement. And I think there are still a few exciting years ahead of me.