Marcus Fränkle
It is Monday again, November 1, and I am excited to welcome you to Monday Motivation – Felix asks, Season 6 Episode 4. In today's episode, I am taking you to my hometown Karlsruhe, more precisely to its largest district, Durlach, with a population of around 30.000.
Almost 20 years ago, I did my first internship in a hotel. It was a summer job for a total of 6 weeks. I was 14 years, and probably the slowest food-runner the world of hospitality had ever seen. However, after this short period at the beautiful Sonnenalp Resort, I went back home hooked. During my time at the Sonnenalp Resort, I met today's guest for the first time, who is a real inspiration when it comes to the leadership of employees. Please welcome Marcus Fränkle, Managing Director at the 4*-Superior Hotel “Der Blaue Reiter", and Founder of consultancy “Vorreiter-Consulting” that was founded only 3 months ago.
In 2013, Marcus implemented a new concept of personnel development, named “The 7 Pillars”. These Pillars intended to create added value for employees, and ever since, the fluctuation went down significantly. Marcus realized at an early stage that the best hotel is nothing but brick and mortar without its people. Because of that, he invested in the team that created the 7 Pillars.
The 7 Pillars are: Health, Security, Knowledge, Leisure, Social Needs, Finances, and Extras. All of which has an added value for employees. If you want to know more about the 7 Pillars, you can find a more detailed explanation here (German only).
All these efforts show results. The hotel has been awarded 1st place at Hospitality HR Award 2021, and already six times best conference hotel in Germany at “Grandprix der Tagungshotellerie”.
During the interview, Marcus and I talked about the start of his career, his definition of hospitality, mentorship & role models within the industry, and his advice to the young generation. Marcus also shared with us his favourite books, bars, and hotels.
I hope you enjoy the read as it is a prime example for me that you don’t have to be in London, Paris, or New York to live your passion. The world of hospitality is everywhere.
#sharepositivestories
Question 1: Can you take us through your career? Where did you start and what do you love most about your current role?
Marcus Fränkle (MF): “After my graduation, I spent one year at the Steigenberger Hotel Fachschule in Bad Reichenhall. I was also interested in doing a classic apprenticeship in the aftermath, which is why I decided to get to know the holiday hotel industry in one of the best wellness resorts in Germany, the Sonnenalp in Ofterschwang. After that, I got to know the city hotel industry at the then Grand Hotel Esplanade in Berlin. I gained experience in the chain hotel industry at Best Western Premier Park Consul in Esslingen. I gathered my experience in a private conference hotel at a high level in Nuremberg in Schindlerhof. In between, I had travelled through Spain for several months to get to know the hotel industry there and to expand my language skills.”
Question 2: What does hospitality mean to you?
MF: “Without hospitality, our industry will not work in the upscale sector. For this reason, I am not a friend of robots who serve the food or anonymous check into a check-in terminal. The beautiful thing about our industry is that we can meet our guests in person and offer them unique experiences. This distinguishes us from many industries, and we should not neglect this unique selling proposition.”
Question 3: Can you please share an anecdote you experienced that shows the variety and beauty of our industry?
MF: “There are many experiences I could share that is more than proof to me to be in the right industry. Every day is different, sometimes challenging, but also with beautiful experiences. Friends of mine who are not in the industry are always amazed how many experiences we have in no time. That makes our lives! I couldn't imagine a predictable 9 to 5 job for myself, and I wouldn't be happier in any other industry than in the hotel industry.”
Question 4: Have you had a mentor/role model/hero in your career? Who was it and did she/he give you a piece of advice you still follow?
MF: “I have been blessed with several brilliant mentors, who met me very warmly as a young hotel director and above all took me seriously. One man I can highlight, for example, is Klaus Schurr of Burg Staufeneck in Saalach with whom I have held some conversations about employee support/commitment, and these conversations inspired me to draft my successful 7 pillar strategy. Alexander Aisenbrey as a “maker” in the industry is certainly also a role model for me and many others who could witness his persistence and constant aim to improve the hotel industry.”
Question 5: What would you like to say to a hospitality/ tourism student/professional who recently started his/her career, at this right moment?
“The moment is exactly right.”
MF: “The moment is exactly right – work in the hotel industry is increasingly appreciated not only by society but also by the managing directors. Working conditions are improving and will improve even further, and wages are finally aligned with those of other industries. Besides, it is the most beautiful and exciting industry in the world – so the time to start a hotel career couldn‘t be better!”
Question 6: Do you have a book recommendation - this could be everything from a novel to an autobiography, etc.
MF: “I read lots of historical novels, specialized press, and I also like to read books by Father Anselm Grün.”
Question 7: What is your favourite place/bar/restaurant in Durlach/Karlsruhe?
MF: “That’s the bar “The Curtain” at the Hotel Der Blaue Reiter for sure. Culinarily speaking we are lucky that we have some great restaurants in Karlsruhe where I like to go for dinner.
My favourite restaurant in Germany is the Ösch Noir in Öschberghof in Donaueschingen.”
Question 8: What is your favourite hotel to stay?
MF: “There are several hotels, in particular Sonnenalp Resort, Öschberghof, Breidenbacher Hof, Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg, Lefay Resort at Lake Garda and many other great houses lead by great colleagues. And by the way, a visit to your house is long overdue …”
Marcus, I take your word for it and cannot wait to welcome you to Lake Tegernsee. Thank you for your time, and please do not forget to #sharepositivestories.
