Hannah Thormann, 32, Managing Partner at Rollo Solar Melichar GmbH in Munich, has been connected to the pool and sauna industry her entire life. “Actually, from birth. I grew up in the family business and experienced the industry from an early age,” she explains. For Hannah, a defining moment came when she realized the impact their products have on people’s quality of life. “The moment I understood how much quality of life our products can give people. From then on, it was clear: it’s not just about technology but about responsibility for safety, health, and the trust of our end customers.”
Leadership Rooted in Responsibility
Hannah’s approach to management combines long-term thinking with decisiveness. “My strength lies in thinking long-term and sustainably. At the same time, I challenge myself to make bold decisions quickly in everyday life so that we do not miss opportunities and can continue advancing the industry.” Routine and proximity to her team are central. “Daily exchanges with my team and tours of the production facilities are integral parts of my day. Proximity, transparency, and an open ear are important. This creates trust and cohesion and shows that we all share responsibility.”
My strength lies in thinking long-term and sustainably. At the same time, I challenge myself to make bold decisions quickly in everyday life so that we do not miss opportunities and can continue advancing the industry.
When it comes to investments, Hannah prioritizes clearly. “At the moment, clearly sales and brand – we want to be close to our customers and make our values visible. Personnel comes right after, since a strong brand needs people to bring it to life. We have invested heavily in technology over the last 15 years, and we are now in an excellent position in this area.”
Meeting Customer Demands and Embracing Technology
Hannah keeps a close eye on trends while maintaining discretion about target groups. “We prefer to keep that to ourselves. But one thing is clear: we need to identify trends early on so that we can offer our customers solutions that will continue to be relevant in the future.” Private customers in the premium segment are the most demanding. “Those who expect the highest quality look very closely. This can sometimes be challenging, but above all it is an incentive to show that quality, reliability, and responsibility pay off.”
Balancing advanced technology with ease of use is key. “Technology should not be complicated. Our products should run efficiently in the background but remain simple, safe, and convenient for customers.” Hannah also sees artificial intelligence as transformative. “For me, AI is a real revolution. It affects all industries. We are already seeing concrete benefits, for example through an AI assistant on our website that supports our end customers. This is practical and shows how family businesses can use modern technology to stay close to their customers.”
Sustainability at the Core
Sustainability is central to the company’s strategy. “More and more serious, but there is still room for improvement. For us, sustainability is not a trend but the core of our strategy: durable products, efficient processes, and regional responsibility. We all have a role to play here.” Hannah also addresses criticism of pools as luxury items. “We take it seriously. Pools may seem like a luxury good, but they provide safety, save energy, and promote health and relaxation. That makes our contribution much more valuable than it seems at first glance.”
Looking ahead to 2035, she envisions a smarter, more sustainable, and more connected industry. “I see an industry that will be significantly smarter, more sustainable, and more connected by 2035. Pools and saunas will no longer be luxury goods but an integral part of a holistic health and energy concept. Efficient covers, intelligent controls, and reliable service chains will ensure both comfort and sustainability.”
Trust, Growth, and the Next Generation
Trust is the foundation of the business model. “It is the foundation. Our customers invest a lot, and they need to be sure that we deliver what we promise. Trust can only be built through quality, service, and reliability.” Conflicts are handled openly and respectfully. “Openly, directly, and in a solution-oriented manner. Conflicts are part of life. The key is to remain respectful and take responsibility for one another.”
Continuous education is vital to foster innovation and career opportunities for young people. “Only through continuous training can we remain innovative and competitive and give young people prospects in our industry.” Hannah believes the industry is more attractive to young talent than often assumed. “More attractive than many people think. It combines craftsmanship, technology, design, and sustainability. We just need to highlight this more, and then young people will see how much potential our industry has for the future.”
She also emphasizes the need for stronger support from politicians and associations. “Yes, especially from politicians. The bureaucratic hurdles are often far too high for family businesses, and the processes are too slow and not digital enough. We urgently need simpler procedures, less paperwork, and modern, digital processes that make it easier for companies to invest, train, and secure jobs in Germany. If we want to remain strong as a business location, politicians must take responsibility here and finally pick up the pace.”
