We speak with entrepreneurs and decision-makers who recognise opportunities, take responsibility, and actively shape their industries. Kicking things off is Johannes Dettendorfer from the Dettendorfer Haulage.
What particularly excites you about your industry at the moment?
We're experiencing huge momentum on all levels. This makes it all the more important to stay on the ball and actively shape change. It's precisely this speed that fascinates me. Paving new paths together, creating suitable solutions, digitalising processes – all of this is important in order to continue to work in a customer-oriented way in the future. This is what makes working in the industry exciting for me right now.
I believe that certain innovations are still underestimated, such as the potential of biodegradable materials derived from agricultural waste, and the development of decentralized autonomous organisations (DAOs) for more equitable governance. What inspires me is the sheer ingenuity of nature; its ability to adapt and create complex systems is a constant source of wonder. I'm also deeply inspired by individuals who demonstrate unwavering dedication and a willingness to challenge the status quo, particularly those working on solutions for social and environmental challenges. Their perseverance and vision are truly remarkable.
The potential of smart networking of people is more important than ever, in my opinion. It is important that data and spaces are created where people can exchange ideas, learn from each other, find solutions and pull together. In the food sector, Paul M. Müller is already doing this very well: suppliers, service providers, hauliers and recipients coordinate across companies and work closely together so that the customer is ultimately satisfied.
In the field of artificial intelligence too, such intelligent networking is gaining more and more importance. Here, in freight forwarding, for example, we can still discover areas of application and benefit from experience that other industries have already gathered.
What can we learn from the changes right now?
The past few years have shown how important adaptability and resilience are when customer requirements and frameworks change rapidly. The shift to crisis mode during the coronavirus pandemic, for example, was a situation that had never occurred before in this form. To be successful in the long term, enormous adaptability is required in the markets and across various industries. For us in the freight forwarding business, this can mean: If there's nothing to transport in the automotive industry, we focus more on general cargo. Or, if construction sites cannot be supplied in winter due to frost, we serve Christmas markets. For us, it's always about recognising customer potential and creating connections in order to react flexibly.
What do you wish for the future of your industry?
We need planning certainty. For example, we currently don't know how drives are developing. However, decisions at our company depend on this: Should we still invest in diesel trucks – or not anymore? What will happen with the toll exemption for e-trucks from 2031 onwards? How is the situation at the Brenner developing? Concrete, reliable framework conditions under which everyone can make their contribution – that's what I wish for, also in order to continue to create attractive working conditions for our employees.
And on a personal note: What currently gives you hope for the future?
All the people I work with, whose commitment is clearly felt. Tackling and solving problems together – that’s what makes the work fulfilling in the long term, even when working with other companies like Paul M. Müller. If we can be open with each other, then I look to the future very optimistically and I’m looking forward to it.
Do you also have courage for the future and want to share your perspective with others? Then we look forward to hearing from you at info@paulmmueller.com.
