Although his resume isn't exactly straightforward, this only reflects Richard's diverse interests. At Grenzebach, a complex CV like his is not seen as something negative. He may only be in his early 30s, but he has already had quite a career. After studying physics with a focus on renewable energies, he worked as a research assistant at the Technical University of Munich, where he carried out basic research. His research in the field of non-linear dynamics involved investigating the behavior of an oxidizing silicon surface in an acid bath and he was able to identify spontaneous oscillations and pattern formation. When asked why he studied physics, Richard says, "I wanted to understand the world.“
“I would much rather be working on something practical - something with concrete benefits.”
Relationship, job, home - a new start in many areas
Following a brief career at the wind power company and another at a gas turbine company, Richard finally joined Grenzebach. This was due to personal circumstances: a break-up, moving away and a new start in many areas - including his job. He was fascinated by programming and applied for an advertised position as a software developer.
Today, he works with the software for the production plant for float glass, the so-called "cold end". This is where the glass is cut to size and transported to the appropriate stackers. His probation period has just ended and he really likes the job. "Many different areas come together here: physics, programming and practical application with concrete results," says Richard. "It's great to experience that your own efforts or what you've worked on yourself produces good results." The goals of his work, as part of a team of course, include improving cutting optimization. By automatically recalibrating certain parameters, the completion of different orders can be better coordinated with regard to time. The advantages for the customer are a much more intuitive prioritization of the various cuts and a reduction in scrap.
Furthermore, a switch to a new system is due in the near future, in which he will play a key role. In a nutshell, he feels at home in his job. The tasks are diverse, the atmosphere in the team is great, the working hours are flexible, remote working is also possible on a regular basis - could you ask for more?
Sport as a central theme in his life
On his first day at work, his running training helped him. The train didn't come and he couldn't take his bike with him on the bus. So without hesitation, he ran the last few kilometers to the office. And thanks to his excellent physical condition, he arrived on time, although a bit out of breath. Richard has a wide range of sporting activities. He hikes, runs, cycles and recently started paragliding. At the company run, in which a Grenzebach team also took part, Richard impressed with a great time. He had built up the best foundations for this while he was still at school. Not only did he attend a sports-focused high school, he also went cross-country running three times a week and took part in Bavarian and German championships. In 2009, he even became Bavarian champion in the 3000 meter cross-country race in the male youth B category. He also trained in athletics, played volleyball for a while and danced.
His latest interest in paragliding started when he was cycling through a valley. This gave him the idea that he would find it even more exciting to fly over the valley. Because Richard has a can-do attitude, he didn't just stick with the idea, he put it into practice and took a course. He may still be at the beginning, but he is already dreaming big. For example, combining running and flying to get across the Alps. He has a strong competitive spirit. The X-Alps, for example, an international competition for paragliders, is something that tempts himor the GR54 hiking trail in France,or climbing Mont Blanc. We can only wish him all the luck in the world and hope that he always returns safely from such tours.
