#schongenial: Mr Allerstorfer, could you briefly tell us about your career? Where did you grow up and how did your life develop?
Daniel Allerstorfer: I was born on 6 June 1980 in Linz and grew up in a farming family in Feldkirchen an der Donau. There were five of us: my parents, my older sister and my twin brother Hannes. I was interested in technology from an early age, but I also did a lot of sport, especially football, tennis and skiing. Today I live with my wife Doris and our three children, Lukas, Niklas and Jonas, in my parents' farmhouse.
#schongenial: Why did you decide to become an electrician?
Daniel Allerstorfer: I have always been fascinated by technology, especially because of its constant development. I wanted a profession that tapped into this interest. So I was able to turn my passion into a profession. At just over 18, I was the youngest master electrician in Upper Austria, which of course opened many doors for me.
#schongenial: Have there been any formative experiences on your career path?
Daniel Allerstorfer: Definitely. The practical experience in particular shaped me. I had a strict, authoritarian mentor who taught me a lot, especially that honesty and teamwork are crucial in life. These values still characterise me today - you are only really strong as a team. This realisation was very valuable both in sport and in my professional career.
#schongenial: What does appreciation mean to you and how do you put it into practice in your everyday life and in your company?
Daniel Allerstorfer: For me, appreciation is the foundation of every successful collaboration, whether in my private life or in my professional life. Without it, a lot of positive energy is lost. I firmly believe that respectful behaviour at all levels leads to harmonious and productive cooperation. In my company, I try to set an example of appreciation in every respect. This starts with little things such as fruit, sweets and drinks, which are available to all employees free of charge, and extends to a pleasant and functional working environment.
The location of our new company headquarters in Eferding was chosen so that it is easily accessible for most employees. It was important to me that nobody has a long journey to get here. We have also created special meeting zones in the building so that employees can socialise not only on special occasions, but also in everyday life. I believe that such measures help to promote a culture of appreciation.
#schongenial: How do you deal with setbacks?
Daniel Allerstorfer: Setbacks are part of the process. It's important to learn from them and only make mistakes once. A serious motorbike accident and a skiing accident gave me the opportunity to give up and say goodbye to my goals and life dreams, or to come back stronger than before through consistent work and positive energy. I see challenges as opportunities to grow. The WIDEG principle ("What is this an opportunity for?") helps me to look ahead in difficult situations.
#schongenial: What are your goals for the next few years?
Daniel Allerstorfer: My goal is to grow the company in a healthy and sustainable way without losing the team spirit. Quality and team spirit are more important to me than rapid growth. We want to continue to offer our customers excellent service and, as our motto says, turn them into fans. At the same time, I see it as my responsibility to ensure the well-being of my employees. That is why I have set myself a limit: At 80-90 employees, we will stop growing in order to preserve the family atmosphere and team spirit.
#schongenial: What made you decide to become a #schongenial partner?
Daniel Allerstorfer: That's easy to answer. I always think positively in my life, so I immediately decided to join this already brilliant organisation. We will only overcome the challenges that lie ahead of us together. It will require a good dose of confidence, creativity and relationship skills. And #schongenial inspires these qualities in an impressive way.
#schongenial: Thank you very much for the interview, Mr Allerstorfer!
