When I started in the company in 1991, he said to me: "Do and decide what you want, and if you have a question, come to me."

To be honest, it wasn't until years later that I realized the implications of that statement. On the one hand the freedom to develop my creativity, on the other hand the total backing and support. What father says that to his daughter on the first day she joins his company? And not BECAUSE he knew me, but EVEN THOUGH he knew me ;-)

Then, five years later, he put the management of the company and 51% of the company in my hands. At that time it was probably much too obvious for me - today a reason to want to express my gratitude.

Dear Dad, I want to thank you for everything you taught me. For the freedom you gave me. For your comforting words when I ran "against a tree" with enormous energy.
I want to thank you for your creativity and dedication that laid the foundation for this company. For not giving up, even though the obstacles were often huge, also because you were always ahead of your time.

For this reason I would like to give you a place here, as company founder, a 3rd generation master carpenter and loving father, who gave me something very important:

The heart of a craftsman.

Yours, Ruth

Photos from www.karinmertens.com