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In 2002, the two founded Costa Cocinas in Benidoleig - a step that required courage and vision. At the age of 50, they took the plunge into self-employment, far away from their home country of Germany. Today, over two decades later, Costa Cocinas stands for quality, reliability and outstanding service in the region. In a personal interview, they tell us how it all began, what challenges they had to overcome and why the Costa Blanca is not only a beautiful place to live, but also to work. They gave us an insight into a life between Mediterranean joie de vivre and German precision.
What motivated you at the time?, especially in Benidoleig and gain a foothold on the Costa Blanca? Was it a spontaneous decision or planned for a long time?
We bought our house in Benidoleig in 1998 and initially only came here on holiday. However, as we liked the area here so much, we started thinking about moving to Spain and working here. The fact that it was Benidoleig of all places was more of a coincidence, which we owe to a property agent friend of ours. And so we travelled to Spain in 2000. Hans initially worked as a kitchen salesman at CHG for two years until he decided to become self-employed. In addition, there was some commercial space available in the small village. Hans had already been working in the kitchen industry in Germany for several years. So it was clear that we would open a kitchen studio here with German kitchen furniture from Nolte, who gave us a lot of support when we opened in 2002.
Taking the plunge into self-employment at the age of 50 is courageous - especially in a foreign country. What challenges did you have to overcome?
The whole thing was a bit exciting. Who, like Hans, is still self-employed at the age of 50? But by joining forces, Hanne, Hans and, a little later, their daughter Julia and our employees managed everything well. It's not so easy to start from scratch and slowly build up a name for yourself and, above all, a satisfied and enthusiastic customer base. Above all, learning the Spanish language was the top priority at the beginning. That wasn't easy at all, as the school our daughter went to spoke only valenciano.
Costa Cocinas has in the region an excellent reputation. What makes your service and the Working method so special in comparison to other providers?Is there a secret to success?, that you would like to share?
- Working in partnership - We regard our customers as equal partners and deliberately avoid complex terms and conditions or small print. Our agreements are reduced to the essentials: „We deliver as agreed and you pay as agreed.“ This clarity creates trust and ensures smooth cooperation.
- Transparent pricing and openness - Honesty is central to us. We quote our lowest price from the outset and offer no discounts in order to maintain transparency. Regardless of whether you decide immediately or not, you will receive comprehensive planning documents and access to all important information, without pressure or obligations.
- Clear agreements and responsible behaviour - We ensure clear agreements right from the start and consistently honour them. This includes detailed schedules for the delivery and installation of your kitchen. However, should we make a mistake, we accept our responsibility and immediately endeavour to find a quick solution - without any ifs or buts.
Living and working in such a
beautiful place- How did you get to know the region and the people here?
What do you particularly like about living here?
Hans' greatest wish has always been to live where others go on holiday. For us, the Costa Blanca is an ideal place to work, but also to live. We have many Spanish friends and meet up with them regularly. We live in an urbanisation with mainly English residents, and our relationship with each other is also very good here. Of course, the climate also plays an important role. Especially because Hanne cared for her mother, who suffers from Alzheimer's, here for many years.
What are/were the biggest Differences in business life in Spain compared to Germany? Were there any cultural or business Special features that you particularly noticed?
Of course, there are some differences to Germany, especially in business life. In the beginning, it wasn't easy to integrate the Mediterranean way of living and working with our concept of a precise business life. But we now have excellent contact with our Spanish companies and colleagues, which is also reflected in the satisfaction of our customers. Spain, the Mediterranean way of life and culture is what we like and accept very much. We believe that if you want to live in a foreign country, you have to accept the way of life and the culture.
Many readers dream of being able to to set up his own business on the Costa Blanca. What would be the most important tip for someone who has a company here would like to found?
If you want to set up a company in Spain, you need to have the determination to do so and the right skilled labour. The latter is very important. But this is not only the case in Spain.
Besides Costa Cocinas: How do you spend Your free time? Are there any special places
or activities that you particularly are close to your heart?
In our free time, we go to the seaside or to the mountains. But if we're honest, that could be expanded even further. When the children are here from Barcelona, the amusement park in Benidorm is a good address. We also often go to a good restaurant at the weekend. Meeting friends, going hiking, playing tennis and line dancing are our hobbies.
You have been working for many years as
Couple together. How do you manage to separate your professional and private lives, or do the two flow seamlessly into one another?
When you have a successful company, it is sometimes difficult to separate your professional and private lives. The two flow seamlessly into one another. But that's not a bad thing. We've been living with it for over 20 years and are very happy. Everyone has the freedom to pursue their hobbies.
Have your professional visions and goals changed over the years?
What motivates you today as much as it did when you started Costa Cocinas? have founded?
Of course, there have also been moments in the last 20 years that were less than ideal. We are thinking of the time of crisis a few years ago. But as the saying goes, where there's wood, there are chips. With a strong will and sometimes imposed restrictions, we also survived these times and emerged stronger. Today, our company Costa Cocinas has a good reputation in the region and beyond. Of course, we have also made mistakes. But our basic principle of correcting these as quickly as possible has helped us to become even better known. Our kitchens can now be found in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Andalusia. This is a result that our team can be proud of. The boss Hanne, our salesman Daniel Paasch, our fitter Uli Thöny and now Hans in the background.
What does the Costa Blanca mean to us?
A dream region to live and work in.