The Maurer family
Sight and hearing – the two senses that connect people. Everyone should be able to see and hear as well as possible – neither sight nor hearing problems should get in the way of this. The Maurer family is deeply grateful to be able to play their part in helping people enjoy a better quality of life. There is also a sense of pride – especially when they reflect on the challenges and milestones of their company’s history, which now spans over 30 years.
Hans Peter trained as an optician and went on to pass his master’s examination. He hadn’t actually planned to set up his own business. “My father-in-law gave me the nudge,” he explains. “My wife and I wanted to build a life for ourselves here in the region, so I eventually decided to take the plunge into self-employment.” In October 1985, he opened his own shop on the premises of what is now the Ensmann bakery. “I had a whole 20 m² at my disposal,” he grins. “Right where you’re now enjoying your coffee, that’s where I was able to let my creativity run wild in the field of optics.” His wife Inge helped out wherever she could. She took charge of the bookkeeping and began to take an increasing interest in the subject. Eight years later, the master optician moved his business a few metres further along and across the road. The location by the Salzach Bridge remained the same – in 1998, they expanded their range to include hearing aids.
“We have Inge to thank for that… after training as an optician, she discovered a passion for hearing acoustics. Now she’s the expert in this field.” A passion for all things to do with sight and hearing was practically instilled in their two sons, Matthias and Daniel, from the cradle. Matthias works for an ophthalmologist
, whilst Daniel is currently training to become a master optician. What fascinates him so much about this profession? The variety and the combination of craftsmanship and interacting with people. “For us, every day starts like reaching into a box of chocolates: you never know what the day has in store. The work of an optician is incredibly varied – that’s just my sort of thing.” The young people see it that way too. Hans Peter and Inge have now trained 13 apprentices at their business, which is certified according to the ‘Economy for the Common Good’ principle. The great thing about this is that it allows them to rely on their own skilled staff.
