Fritz Starke was already his own boss at the age of 23. Today, the 27-year-old manages four nahkauf stores. The reward for his drive: the "Stiftung Goldener Zuckerhut" (Golden Sugar Loaf Foundation) award for young talent from the Lebensmittelzeitung.
Fritz Starke knows what he wants. It became clear early on that food would play a major role in his professional future. "Even as a child, I sold cherries from the garden outside my parents' butcher's shop," says the Dresden native. His family has been running the Starke butcher's shop in the city since 1930, now in its fourth generation. Although the 27-year-old briefly wanted to become an engineer, a school job at REWE lured him into the retail sector at the age of 16. "I opted for the dual study programme, which was the best decision of my life."
First nahkauf box in the east
After a year as a store manager at REWE in Pirna, Fritz Starke set up his own business in 2018. His former mentor and current business partner is businessman Stefan Köckeritz. "Our partnership is based on honesty, trust and a clear agreement on who does what." Together, they operate four nahkauf stores in Chemnitz, Dresden and Elsterwerda. "We want to continue our expansion course," emphasises Starke. Their latest baby is the first automated nahkauf box in the east. It will be located in a district of Moritzburg, will operate without staff and will be open around the clock, even on Sundays.
Early riser with a penchant for fruit
Starke's job is the operational business. "I like to get up very early in the morning when the world is still asleep. Then I make myself a coffee and enjoy the peace and quiet on the way to work." The 27-year-old prefers to look after the store teams and the fresh produce department with fruit and vegetables. "It's important to be authentic and meet the team at eye level. I don't pretend, I'm open and relaxed with my employees." Starke attaches great importance to "honesty, sincerity and the courage to admit mistakes".
He has already experienced a lot during his eleven years in the food retail industry, says the 27-year-old. He has no illusions and prefers to approach challenges and projects with a clear head. "I've learnt that you can't please everyone. And also that you can't do everything on your own. That's why you should always choose the solution that you feel most comfortable with yourself and, in the best-case scenario, can inspire the majority of your fellow human beings."
The Dresden native prefers to spend his free time outdoors in nature and with friends. "They think it's cool that I run supermarkets." Whether hiking in Saxon Switzerland or canoeing on the Elbe - Starke seeks a balance to the often stressful day-to-day business in the fresh air.
"I prefer to spend my time with people who enjoy tackling things as much as I do." Fritz Starke is investing the prize money from the Sugar Loaf Award in his professional development: He plans to complete the Strategic Management programme at the University of St. Gallen.
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Congratulations, dear Fritz Starke! I already had the impression during your three joint campaigns with Stefan Köckeritz as part of and in the context of the nahkauf Heart Week 2022 and your commitment in Elsterwerda, what a STRONG TYPE, Fritz Starke. Good luck in Brandenburg, Saxony and the rest of the country . Here is the link to the World Children's Day in Elsterwerda: one.rewe-group.com/magazin/magazin-artikel/item/Article/showMag/bewegende-momente-fuer-klein-und-gross