Paul Atzwanger turns 90

90 years old – and still active: Paul Atzwanger celebrated this significant birthday as both a personal milestone and an opportunity to reflect on his eventful entrepreneurial life, which has been characterised by a sense of responsibility, an innovative spirit, courage, and friendships.

The beginnings

When he joined the family business founded by his father Luis in 1957, ATZWANGER was a small craft business specialising in heating and sanitary systems. Even as a student, he helped out alongside his brother Peter: ‘We collected and transported materials using nothing more than a ladder trolley. And when our father installed a bathroom in the Pustertal/Val Pusteria after the war, he wasn't paid in money, but in potatoes and sauerkraut,’ recalls Paul Atzwanger with a smile.

Together with his brother, he developed the business step by step. ‘We were always among the pioneers,’ he says, looking back, ‘for example, with the first central heating systems or hot water systems, and later also with underfloor heating.’  A milestone in the 1960s was the first modern pool water treatment plant for the Lido Bozen/Bolzano – a risky venture. This courage led to new business areas and new skills from individual projects. True to the motto: ‘Always stay technically ahead and be innovative, without taking incalculable risks.’

A balanced life

Despite his entrepreneurial commitment, Paul Atzwanger always found time for family, friends and personal interests. ‘The moment I left the company, I was able to switch off,’ he explains. With his wife Rita, whom he married in 1965, he now looks proudly upon their four children. His sons Thomas and Christoph and daughter Birgit are currently working in the company as well.

Sporting activities, ranging from cycling and climbing to tennis and skiing, were an integral part of his life. His life was also shaped by numerous trips and a great passion for opera and orchestral concerts.

Community engagement

Paul Atzwanger was also involved in various committees for many years. His commitment to “Franziskanergymnasium” was particularly influential: he helped set important future courses, such as establishing a robust financing model and opening the traditional school to girls. He was also active in the “Unternehmerverband/Confindustria” for over 60 years and was one of the founders of the ‘Jungindustriellen/ Giovani Industriali’ association.

A special birthday

The celebration took place where his life's work had developed: at the company headquarters in Bozen/Bolzano. Around 200 guests attended, including family, long-standing friends and companions, guests of honour and employees.

Together with his wife and four grandchildren, Paul Atzwanger entered the festively decorated hall – a touching moment spanning three generations. In his welcome speech, he looked back on eventful decades with humour and gratitude.

Markus Frings skilfully guided the evening with verve and charm. Between the courses of the celebratory menu, special interludes provided cheerful and emotional moments. The four children reminisced with snapshots of family holidays in Bibione and their father's sporting passions. Lawyer Gerhard Brandstätter reflected on Paul’s life, from his not-so-easy childhood, through the years of development, to his success professional success. Stefan Konder, Deputy Mayor of Bozen/Bolzano, also paid tribute to the honouree and drew a playful parallel to his fondness for BMWs – as a symbol of perseverance (Beharrlichkeit), courage (Mut) and knowledge (Wissen).

Employees at all ATZWANGER Group offices surprised the past president with a very personal gift: a portrait made by the artist Margit Köhl. Another highlight of the evening was the private concert organised by his friends, who are opera enthusiasts. The concert featured soprano Martina Bortolotti von Haderburg, violinist Günther Sanin, and pianist Paolo Prevedello. This performance made the evening an unforgettable event from a musical point of view as well.

Even at the age of 90, Paul Atzwanger can still be found in the office with the best view, working regularly. “I'm still interested in numbers and orders,” he says, smiling.