Bathroom renovation made easy — under this premise, Mareike Wächter and her co-founder Michael Dreimann entered the bathroom renovation market in 2015. Since then, their company has been able to Banovo According to her own statements, she has established herself as Germany's leading bathroom renovator for private customers. We wanted to know what motivated her to start the company, whether she has any role models, and what's currently at the top of her desk.
Munich Startup: What motivated you to start the company?
Mareike Wächter: In general, I've always been excited about building my own business—starting my own company, being my own boss, making my own decisions, and taking responsibility. With my former colleague and friend Michael Dreimann, I had the perfect business idea. He had firsthand experience of how complicated bathroom renovations can be. The industry has a consumer-unfriendly sales model, and the various trades work separately during a bathroom renovation. So we thought: We can do better!
Fairer for the customer and more convenient. And because the market is so exciting and the product so complex, it was incredibly fun to delve deeper into it. Now we're Germany's largest bathroom renovator, which feels fantastic.
“Generally, I’m not the type of person who emulates a particular role model.”
Munich Startup: Did you have any role models when you started your business?
Mareike Wächter: At the time, I spoke with some founders I knew from my personal or private life, like Stefan from Westwing or Julia from Outfittery. I was impressed by what they had built. Generally, I'm not the type to emulate a particular role model. But I enjoy interacting with interesting and intelligent people. I'm happy to share in their experiences, learn from them, and be inspired.
Munich Startup: When and where do you get the best ideas?
Mareike Wächter: It depends. Sometimes under pressure, but often when I just have time and can reflect on my thoughts.
Munich Startup: Your greatest talent?
Mareike Wächter: Stay relaxed — with all the advantages and disadvantages.
Munich Startup: The biggest mistake you have ever made?
Mareike Wächter: That Donald Trump would never become president.
Munich Startup: Your secret weapon when networking?
Mareike Wächter: Not having any! I see the people and their personalities—not the contact that might help me later.
“It is important that the framework conditions are such that everyone has comparable opportunities.”
Munich Startup: Do you think it is important that more women start businesses in Germany?
Mareike Wächter: I think it's important that women can pursue what they want, both personally and professionally. This shouldn't just apply to women, by the way, but regardless of gender. It's important that the framework conditions are such that everyone has comparable opportunities. Whether that ultimately means starting a business, being employed, or caring for children at home—everyone should be able to decide for themselves.
Munich Startup: What’s on top of your desk right now?
Mareike Wächter: Our current sales figures, a presentation for a potential collaboration with a major retailer, materials for sales coaching, and a pair of pink glitter glasses for my two-year-old daughter (I'm also working from home due to the coronavirus pandemic).
Munich Startup: What makes you happy?
Mareike Wächter: I am a fundamentally happy person. Personally, when my loved ones and I are all healthy and we can live the life we want. Professionally, when we can convince many people of the benefits of bathroom renovations with Banovo and continue to build a sustainable company for our employees and customers.
