The fourth generation and the spirit of LW.
Göppingen and Crailsheim, some time in the 1970s. Carla and Alexander, the two children of Ulrich Weiss, are highly concentrated as they steer a giant wheel loader across the yard – under the supervision of an employee, of course, who keeps an eye on the hard-working "junior staff". The children of Werner Schmidt-Weiss, Susanne and Stefan, would prefer the building site to any playroom in the world. They sit at the petrol station and clean the windows of the lorries, run around the warehouse or bombard the employees with questions Fritz Schmidt's children are also gripped by construction fever – of course. Ralf is allowed to accompany his father to the construction sites as a toddler, and Sabine will later start as a trainee in road construction.
The fourth generation, the great-grandchildren of the founder, Leonhard Weiß, grow up with and as part of the family business. They experience at first hand how a small, medium-sized company becomes a diversified, international enterprise – with many industries, product groups and a growing number of employees. But they also see that, despite its success, LEONHARD WEISS remains down-to-earth and that the family cherishes traditional values.
In 1992, the construction site children officially became shareholders. Gradually they grew into their responsibilities and took on different roles in the company. Ralf Schmidt becomes site manager for engineering and turnkey construction. Stefan Schmidt-Weiss completes an apprenticeship as a road builder and then attends the vocational school for construction technology. Alexander Weiss becomes a site manager in civil engineering. The women in the family all took different paths: Carla Staiber-Weiss works as a pharmacist in a chemists shop in Heiningen. Dr. Sabine Schmidt opens a practice for chiropractic and osteopathy in Munich. Susanne Hammer becomes a physiotherapist and naturopath with her own practice in Crailsheim. However, they remain Weissianers at heart and, as shareholders and members of the Advisory Board, are actively involved in LEONHARD WEISS projects, for example in the area of "Compatibility of Family and Career". In addition, all partners are involved in important decisions and the development of strategies – such as "Vision.2030".
In 2014, a major generational change will begin at LEONHARD WEISS – a process that will take several years. The company's growth will make it necessary to adjust and reallocate the entire organisation and create new business areas. At the same time, the transition to the next, fourth generation will begin.
Since January 2014, Ralf Schmidt has been responsible for the Technology Division, which covers all machine technology, including maintenance and repair, and construction logistics. He is also responsible for research and development and the management of the family company's real estate. Stefan Schmidt-Weiss is responsible for resources and investments, ensuring the timely supply of key construction materials such as gravel, asphalt and concrete. He also develops future scenarios in the construction sector in which the family business can become active. Alexander Weiss is in charge of the Human Resources and Communication department, which is responsible for retaining and attracting new employees, personnel and organisational development, as well as marketing, which is responsible for internal and external communication and everything related to advertising and image building.
The great-grandchildren of the company's founder do not only share fond childhood memories between construction vehicles and gravel. They have been leaving their own mark on the history of LEONHARD WEISS for many years. They all agree that the spirit of LW will continue to guide them in the future.
For me, it was almost magical how well our ideas for LEONHARD WEISS came together in a single vision. On the basis of shared values.
For me, an open approach to each other and a meeting at eye level are the basis for successful cooperation.
LEONHARD WEISS is a place of self-fulfilment, where visions are born. A place where we build our future together, but also pay attention to the past, recognise opportunities and seize them.
In my childhood everything was more contemplative. We have grown and become more professional - we have different structures and yet we have remained a family business.