Huge glass offices, constantly travelling on motorways, spending many nights in hotels: Frank Montua was a senior manager at a health insurance scheme for two decades, with all the financial security that the job provided. But then the resident of Jössnitz wanted to try out something new. He heard about a small company’s search for a successor with a great deal of expertise and plunged into a completely new project.

Health and safety at work and occupational health services are the special field for the “arum” company based in Theuma and its workforce numbering almost 20 people. Occupational physicians, medical-technical assistants, but also safety engineers or electrical inspectors make an important contribution to protecting employees at many companies in the Vogtland region with their expertise. Frank Montua has been the managing director of the firm since July 2018 and wants to particularly maintain the company’s family atmosphere.

“I’m very happy about the size of the firm. It’s important for me that the members of staff feel at home. We don’t have any machines – people are the central focus here.”

Frank Montua is therefore very reluctant to reveal his future plans or visions for the company.

“I want everything to continue as it’s done in the past,” he says. The firm’s partners are based in the Vogtland region, eastern Thuringia and Upper Franconia – and that makes it easy for the employees to reach them. “This saves inconvenient and expensive overnight stays in hotels and also has a positive effect on how we can calculate our prices, of course,” the 47-year-old adds.

He is therefore following the direction adopted by the company’s founder, Horst Heinze, who was desperately looking for a successor because of his age. The two men met at the CCI Regional Chamber in Plauen. The takeover ensured that the company and the jobs it provides have remained in safe hands. However, Frank Montua took a big risk.

“Hardly anyone realised at the time that I’d given up a very well-paid job and all the security that went with it after 23 years. However, I’ve not regretted it to this day. Many people can only see what they’ve given up – not what they’ve gained.”

And he has gained a great deal, in his opinion. He talks about slowing down the pace of his life, satisfaction and happiness. The native of Bernau has been living in the Vogtland area since the 1980s and he can particularly see the benefits that the region offers.

“We have everything we need here. Companies have amazing location costs. Transport links are great. Hardly anyone ends up in a traffic jam. If you want to, you can enjoy real peace and quiet or be active. The Vogtland region is fantastic. Most of the people who view the Vogtland area critically are the Vogtland people themselves – that needs to improve.”

VITA:

Frank Montua was born in Bernau near Berlin in 1972, but has lived in the Vogtland region since the 1980s. He completed his training to become a steel constructor, including his school-leaving exams, at Stahlbau Plauen, worked for a health insurance scheme for 23 years, 20 of them as the head of various sites and completed his training as a business administrator (CCI) as a sideline. He supports companies handling a family takeover as an honorary adviser at the CCI Plauen Regional Chamber. He is also a member of the Rotary Club and likes listening to music. The father of two children lives in Jössnitz.

"arum":

• The company was founded by Horst Heinze on 1 July 1991
• Frank Montua has been the new owner since 1 July 2018
• Almost 20 people currently work for “arum” in Theuma
• They offer about 1,000 contract partners located in the Vogtland region, eastern Thuringia and Upper Franconia solutions in the field of occupational medicine and health & safety at work that are tailored to their needs