Unfortunately, anyone who needs a tradesman often needs a strong nerve. The Munich-based startup Crafty has made it its mission to save those nerves and offer customers the most pleasant service possible when searching for tradespeople.
The principle is as follows: the customer calls a free hotline (0800/42 42 42 7) or reports his concern by emailA technical coordinator will then conduct a personal on-site consultation and attempt to develop the best and most sustainable solution for rehabilitation, renovation, or improvement. They will then prepare a maintenance plan and cost estimate, and once approved, organize the implementation of the project.
Crafty aims to provide first-hand, competent support
The Crafty employee then monitors the ongoing work and ensures the promised quality. At the end, the final inspection takes place together with the customer. The technical coordinator remains the customer's contact person should any further needs arise. They also request an evaluation from the customer, which should serve as a basis for continuous improvement of their own work and as a guide for other interested parties. In short: Crafty would like to offer competent, first-hand support.
Crafts, sustainability and DIY
Behind the Munich-based startup are two experienced founders: Christiane Wolff, as she says, developed expertise in how startups can successfully enter or conquer a market during her time at Serviceplan as Chief Corporate Communications Officer and member of the management team. She is now trying to apply this knowledge to her new project, Crafty. Her goals are defined. Christiane Wolff clearly:
"As a dedicated and persuasive networker, my goal is to build Crafty not only into the best craft service in Europe, but also as a community for crafts, sustainability, and DIY. For me, the company combines all the values that are important to me: networking, quality, and sustainability."
The idea for Crafty was co-founder Jens ZabelHe himself is a multiple-time master craftsman in the electrical, air conditioning, heating and ventilation, and cleaning trades. This, he says, is where his enthusiasm for craftsmanship and its versatility initially stemmed. He sees enormous potential in Crafty:
"For me, it's the business model of the future to offer and procure contemporary tradesman services. This definitely includes training and regular continuing education for employees."
Achieving your goals with experience and know-how
The two founders don't see any competition in this segment. Their formula for success is diversity, experience, and energy! The company is still very new to the market, but they say it can already look forward to its first, happy customers. Looking ahead, Jens Zabel and Christiane Wolff are already optimistic, thanks in part to their experience and expertise:
"We want to make our customers and our employees happy! And we're confident we'll succeed—partly thanks to our expertise: Jens started his own business as a facility manager in 1988, initially with small clients in his neighborhood. Less than ten years after the company was founded, his clientele already included well-known companies such as Karstadt, Ikea, and Mercedes. Between 2005 and 2007, the Zabel Group expanded through acquisitions and the founding and integration of startups, and has been operating nationwide ever since. We clearly see a similarly successful path for Crafty."
The two see the Bavarian capital as both a benchmark and a springboard:
"We love Munich and want to use this wonderful place as a blueprint for the Crafty idea. If you make it here — you make it everywhere! And of course, our network is largest here — and so is the need to find a good craftsman!"
