About the boss

MR. NOLTE, HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL INDUSTRY?
I worked for 5 years as a member of the management team at a large company in the industry.
 

WHAT IS THE EXCITING THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? 
Initially, large railroad construction sites with high deadline pressure, our "munitions management" project in Miesau and trips to some of the world's crisis areas. We now also work for well-known companies in the defense technology industry and the German Armed Forces. New ideas emerge, new companies have been and are being founded – day-to-day work in a group of companies is always exciting because it is varied and diverse.
 

WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ENSURE YOU DON'T FALL BEHIND THE COMPETITION?
We keep up to date with the latest developments in all areas (manufacturers/symposia/trade fairs). We have an innovation circle in which we are always thinking about how we can act smarter and more efficiently.
 

HOW HIGH IS YOUR WILLINGNESS TO TAKE RISKS?
In the almost 10 years since the company was founded, we have acquired 12 additional companies. This has allowed us to diversify our portfolio. The portfolio of services of our companies build on each other; they complement each other. This makes us a reliable service provider that can offer services "from a single source" in almost all business areas. I continue to see the need to broaden our base so that we can be active as a service provider not only in explosive ordnance disposal, but also in other business areas. Our subsidiaries, Essing Sprengtechnik GmbH, Nolte Services International GmbH, Nolte Geoservices GmbH and other areas are constantly growing. But I wouldn't call that a willingness to take risks. Let's say "courage and willingness to do the right thing".
 

WHO IS PART OF YOUR CUSTOMER BASE?
We work a lot for infrastructure service providers, including in the rail sector, but also with the military and many construction companies and engineering service providers.
 

WHAT ARE YOUR PLUS POINTS AS AN EMPLOYER?
Above-average pay, vehicles for private use, a company pension scheme, a private health insurance allowance (after a certain amount of time with the company), contract doctors, bike leasing – there are many ways to express appreciation. Ultimately, however, I would like to emphasize that motivation and commitment are particularly valued in our group of companies and rewarded in different ways. Individually and appropriately.
 

HOW DO YOU RECRUIT YOUNG TALENT FOR YOUR COMPANY?
We get a lot of recommendations via "Family and Friends". I see this as confirmation that we are doing everything right. We train and develop our employees. For example, one of my employees came to us as a career changer from the catering industry and initially worked as a cleaner. He has since qualified and is now working here as a two-way excavator operator. Anything is possible - it depends on the individual attitude of each person. In my opinion, it is important to get the staff enthusiastic about the job. Then success will come naturally.
 

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR MANAGEMENT STYLE?
Constructively creative. I give people the goal, they have to go their own way with the tools provided. We support and monitor them in an ongoing process. The employees' own drive is important.
 

WHAT DO YOU DO TO MAKE YOUR EMPLOYEES FEEL GOOD?
Almost everything. The working atmosphere is very important to me. We have someone in the team who has agreed to attend every game of his favorite club. Of course, that's not always possible, but he is responsible for dealing with his own issues. I'm less interested in when he does this. Over the next few years, we plan to expand our portfolio of company apartments and possibly set up our own daycare center or a childminder network.
 

DO YOU HAVE A QUIRK AS A BOSS?
Despite all the freedom the employees have, I do like to see how they tackle problems and am sometimes out and about on construction sites at night.