Funding means Leaving Footprints – The Bröckers

The roots of the Bröcker family and their love of working with wood in their own furniture and carpentry workshop go back to 1864. With a spirit of innovation and a wealth of ideas, the family business developed into a market leader in the office furniture sector by 1998. The early death of Renate Bröcker was the impetus for establishing the Karl Bröcker Foundation – the beginning of a story that would positively impact many lives. Today, social responsibility, continuous commitment to employees and a big heart for promoting young talent are firmly anchored values in the foundation. They not only characterise the life of the foundation, but are also reflected in the attitude of Sedus Stoll AG towards its employees and society.

Karl Bröcker was a man with a vision. During a visit to an office trade exhibition in Düsseldorf in 1964, he spontaneously decided that the single-colour melamine resin panels produced in the family business would be just as suitable for office furniture as they would be for kitchen furniture. Just one year later, he presented the self-designed “Rigo-Norm” and “Rigo-Acta” office furniture series to the public.

The beginning was challenging, but Karl Bröcker remained persistent. Pioneering developments such as a high-density tabletop resistant to cigarette burns, a stepless height-adjustable typewriter desk and the introduction of the first versatile room partitioning system meant that within just ten years, the family business grew to become one of the “Top 10” companies in the German office furniture industry – and successfully held its own against European competitors.

But Karl Bröcker not only knew how to lead a company to success – he also understood that true success depends on strong collaboration within the company. With his great human and social understanding, his sharp sense of humour and his inner calm, he created an atmosphere where every employee – regardless of their role – felt part of the family. A talent that the man from the Sauerland region, in his characteristic modesty, would never have taken for granted.

Renate Bröcker was a person who liked to think ahead. Even at a young age, she stipulated in her will that her assets should flow into a foundation after her death – including the “Gesika Büromöbelwerk” company, which she had taken over from her father in 1987.

Renate Bröcker died at the age of 33 as a result of a serious road accident. At the time, she was the sole Managing Director of the family business in Geseke. She was particularly committed to fostering young talent and training. Shortly before her death, the business administration graduate had initiated a model project to promote the independence and teamwork skills of trainees. In order to give as many school leavers as possible a chance, she increased the number of apprenticeships in the company to 20.

Renate Bröcker was known for her friendly and reserved manner. She did not want to be the centre of attention. This is why she stipulated in her will that the foundation, which was established in 1999, should bear her father’s name. Renate Bröcker’s personality continues to characterise the work of the Karl Bröcker Foundation to this day.