🎤 Interview: 30 years of Syskan – in conversation with founder Erwin Witzenberger
Introduction:
On September 1, 1995, Erwin Witzenberger registered his business – thus laying the foundation for Syskan. Today, 30 years later, the company is celebrating not only its anniversary but also the relaunch of the modern Syskan shop. We spoke with the founder about the beginnings, challenges, and the future of the industry.
Question 1: Mr. Witzenberger, how did it all begin in 1995?
Answer:
1995 was an exciting year. I founded my business with the clear vision of providing accessories for drain cleaning, rehabilitation, and maintenance that truly met the needs of professionals. In the beginning, the business was small—a lot of personal contact, direct interaction with customers, and I was on the road a lot to present products. My commitment also stems from this time: quality and practicality must always come first.
Question 2: What has changed most in the industry over the last 30 years?
Answer:
A lot! Technology has become much more modern – from the first high-pressure nozzles to highly specialized camera systems. Customer requirements have also changed: Today, municipalities, companies, and tradespeople expect not only robust products, but also digital ordering channels, fast delivery times, and comprehensive advice. Digitalization and environmental aspects have had a significant impact on the industry.
Question 3: Which milestones are you particularly proud of?
Answer:
Firstly, of course, the fact that we have been successfully operating in the same industry for 30 years. Many of our customers have been with us for decades. I am very grateful for this. I am particularly proud of our continuous development – we have kept up with the times, constantly expanded our product range, and made our processes increasingly efficient. The fact that we can launch a modern online shop today is a very special milestone for me.
Question 4: What challenges did you have to overcome along the way?
Answer:
As with every company, there have been ups and downs. Economic fluctuations, increasing demands in standards and regulations, and even digitalization have challenged us. It has always been important to remain flexible, find solutions, and focus on the needs of our customers.
Question 5: What does the new shop mean for Syskan and your customers?
Answer:
For me, the new shop symbolizes the connection between tradition and the future. We bring 30 years of experience to the table – and are now translating it into a digital shopping experience that's simpler, faster, and more customer-friendly. For our customers, this means less hassle when ordering, a better overview of our accessories, and a platform that's constantly being developed further.
Question 6: What motivates you personally to continue working in this industry after 30 years?
Answer:
It's the blend of technology, practical relevance, and customer focus. I love it when we can offer solutions that truly help in everyday life. Many of our customers are professionals who need to work quickly and reliably – and we supply the right accessories for precisely that. Feeling this trust and building it over decades is a constant motivation for me.
Question 7: Where do you see Syskan in the future?
Answer:
We want to continue to be equal partners – for municipalities, construction companies, and tradespeople, as well as for private building owners. Digitalization will accompany us in this process, but the core remains: products that work reliably, combined with service and experience. The new shop is an important step toward this future.
On the occasion of our 30th anniversary, I would also like to thank my entire team. Without their unwavering support, this journey would not have been possible. Their dedication and professionalism make SysKan what it is today.
Closing words:
30 years of Syskan – that stands for experience, reliability, and a future-oriented approach. With the new online shop, founder Erwin Witzenberger is further demonstrating that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand.