The management of Baumer of America Inc.

We asked the native Austrian, who also has US citizenship, a few questions to find out more about the man and his plans for the future. He also talks about why he switched to Baumer and where he gets the strength for his tasks.

Tell us something about your personal background: where did you grow up, what education did you complete and how long have you been living in the USA?

I was born and raised in Carinthia, Austria, where I studied mechanical engineering and industrial management. From an early age, I was fascinated by different countries and cultures. For instance, I spent a year abroad in Spain during my studies. 

In 2007, I had the chance to intern in the USA, specifically in Florida. I seized this opportunity and have since made South Florida my home. The USA always intrigued me; I wanted to immerse myself in the culture, perfect my English, and understand the American business landscape.

Throughout my career, I have gained extensive experience across various industries, including capital goods, energy, and process industries. Starting as an intern, I advanced through roles such as project manager, production manager, and business unit manager. In my most recent positions, I served as Senior Vice President for Global Operations and Managing Director.

Please describe your character. Who is Christoph Magnet?

My character traits include high energy, open-mindedness, motivation, and determination. I always maintain a positive outlook and am committed to achieving my goals. With my approachable manner, I aim to create an atmosphere of trust. Employees are central to a company's long-term success, especially in a service-oriented environment like America. It is crucial to support and develop employees to ensure first-class service and drive business growth. I strive to motivate, encourage, and develop my team to achieve success together.

What motivated you to choose Baumer?

Customer Focus: Baumer's dedication to understanding and meeting customer needs is highly important to me. A company that prioritizes its customers and consistently strives to exceed their expectations is an attractive employer. I firmly believe that a company's success largely depends on its customer-centric approach.

Market Leader: I am also impressed by Baumer's position as a market leader in its field. This status indicates a strong track record of innovation, quality, and reliability, making it an ideal environment for professional growth and contribution.

Can you tell us about your vision for the future of BoA?

Increase Local Production and Expand Application Technology: We aim to increase local production and service offerings to shorten delivery times and enhance flexibility. Additionally, we will expand our application technology to help customers maximize their production potential. Our growth strategy includes expanding offerings for upgrades, rebuilds, refurbished machines, and local spare parts stock, ensuring we meet diverse customer needs effectively.

Build Successful Customer Relationships: Customer relationships are paramount. We will work closely with customers to gain their trust and build long-term partnerships, ensuring fast response times, high availability, and a strong service mindset.

Aim for Excellence Together: My objective is to ensure that BoA not only remains the leading company in the Americas (USA, Canada, Mexico) but also continues to improve and set new standards of excellence. We will strive to not only satisfy our customers but inspire them to become fans of our company. Additionally, it is crucial to provide my local team with opportunities for professional and personal development, enabling us to realize our full potential and achieve success together."

How would you describe your leadership style?

I would describe my leadership style as transformative. It is important to me to empower my team members with the freedom to make their own decisions, as I believe in their abilities and encourage them to take responsibility. At the same time, I am always available to offer support and share my expertise when needed.

An open communication culture is key for me. My door is always open to my team members, and I encourage them to express their ideas, concerns, and suggestions freely. I firmly believe that every colleague is needed and valued, and that the commitment and diversity of our teams are the keys to our success.

The development of my team is particularly important to me. I challenge them to push their boundaries and reach their full potential, while supporting their growth both personally and professionally.

What do you personally expect from the future? 

Personally, I expect us to build on past successes and become an even stronger partner for our customers in the future. Our goal is for Bäumer to not only remain the market leader in the foam industry in North America but also to strengthen our position further. It is important to me that we practice responsible and sustainable corporate governance that benefits our customers, employees, and their families.

What are your wishes for the future?

I have three main wishes for the future:

Firstly, I want to build a strong partnership with our customers and continue providing them with first-class support. Customer focus is of central importance to me.

Secondly, it is essential to maintain the family atmosphere within the company. I firmly believe that a supportive and trusting working environment is crucial to unlocking the full potential of our team members and ensuring long-term success.

Thirdly, alongside hard work, there should be no shortage of fun. I want all my colleagues to look forward to coming to work and for us to celebrate successes and share wonderful moments together. After all, we can only give our best and drive the company forward successfully if we are happy and enthusiastic about what we do.

Where do you draw the strength for your work? 

I draw the strength for my tasks from various sources.

Personal Motivation: I draw my strength from a deep sense of personal motivation and a passion for what I do. This inner drive keeps me focused and committed to achieving our goals.

Family Support: My family is a significant source of strength for me. Their support and encouragement help me stay grounded and balanced, allowing me to give my best at work.

Team: The dedication and hard work of my team and colleagues are a constant source of inspiration. Their commitment and enthusiasm energize me and reinforce my belief in our collective potential.

Vision and Purpose: Having a clear vision and sense of purpose for the company fuels my determination. Knowing that we are making a positive impact motivates me to keep pushing forward.