Energized, yet relaxed. Caffeine? Only in cans – preferably from cans. Stagnation? Never heard of it. Thomas Wurth has been with Böker since 2016 and, as Head of Marketing and authorized signatory, is also responsible for the knife shop, customer service, and warehouse logistics, making him one of the driving forces behind the scenes. True to the motto, " Where there's a will, there's a Wurth! ", he spearheads numerous projects within the company and, as an avid angler, provides his team with the necessary motivation for peak performance. The following interview reveals what Böker fans can look forward to in the future and how this father of three best unwinds.
Why Böker?
I came across the job posting rather by chance, quite traditionally, on a career portal. As a passionate angler, I immediately found the product portfolio exciting and didn't hesitate to apply. I received initial contact from Böker the very next evening.
What did you do before?
Previously, I worked for 10 years in the paint and coatings industry, holding various positions from IT specialist apprenticeship to authorized signatory. Even then, my focus was on sales and strategic marketing.
What range of tasks does your work encompass and how can you apply your previous professional experience to the daily challenges at Böker?
The range of tasks is broad and has grown steadily over the past eight years. In marketing, B2C activities across all marketplaces constitute a significant part of my work. New this year are our YouTube activities, where we practice in front of the camera and produce and publish new videos weekly. Furthermore, I am deeply involved in product development and continuously work on expanding and optimizing our product portfolio, always keeping an eye on trends, new materials, and our customers' needs. Although these are different industries and customer groups, I have been able to apply much of my previous professional experience at Böker.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Even after all these years, it's still something very special to be able to realize your own product ideas. From the initial concept to prototype development and finally to the finished product, it's always an exciting process. And when the product is subsequently received exceptionally well by the market, it's incredibly rewarding. Projects like our Böker Advent Calendars or the Böker Bronco are particular highlights of my time at Böker.
What is important to you when dealing with your team?
Within our team, we operate on an equal footing and with mutual respect. We benefit enormously from the diverse skills that each member brings to the team. Especially in our marketing department, every employee is a specialist in their field, meaning that our success has many contributors.
Do you carry knives privately, and do you have a favorite knife?
You'll almost never find me without a knife. My passion – especially for EDC folders – has grown steadily over the last few years. My favorite knife has been one of the first prototypes of the Böker Plus Canoe by Joe Mangiafico for some time now. However, due to the strong competition from Solingen's new releases like the Böker BRLW or the Böker Mini Redention, it will probably have to stay home a bit more often in the future than it has in the past.
Are there any hobbies where you use knives?
Sure. I live in a very rural area and spent a lot of time playing in the woods and by the stream as a child – so a knife was naturally part of my standard equipment. My greatest passion, however, is definitely fishing, more specifically predator fishing, especially for pike, but also for zander and perch from a boat. Weather permitting, I'm out on the water every week, sometimes several times a week. Either on the local reservoirs or with a motorboat in the Netherlands. Fixed-gear knives like the Böker Bronco are always a must-have in my tackle box.
You've already landed some big fish while fishing. What about having well-known personalities as cooperation partners for Böker?
We're always on the lookout for exciting partnerships – whether with content creators, i.e., influencers, or with other companies. We're currently working intensively with Naturensöhne on exciting follow-up projects. Two more outdoor knife projects are also in the pipeline: This fall, the DBK Bushfriend 2000, manufactured in Solingen, will be launched, as well as a UG Tools special edition of the Böker Bronco. And let's not forget: New high-quality chef's knives from Steffen Henssler are also being manufactured by us in Solingen.
Do you have any other hobbies?
Hobby is the wrong word. My family is definitely my top priority. My three children, in particular, keep me on my toes and take up most of my time besides work. Due to my age, I've largely given up my years of extreme sports (skateboarding, wakeboarding, and snowboarding). Nevertheless, sport still plays a significant role in my life. When injuries aren't holding me back, I enjoy playing soccer and staying fit by running or cycling.
Forward drive is your middle name. Where do you get your energy from, and what's the best way for you to downshift from 6th to 5th gear?
I've always been a very active person and have always been enthusiastic about many things. Nevertheless, it wouldn't be possible without my wife, who completely supports me and has my back. In my opinion, maintaining good performance in the long term requires a balance between body and mind. I achieve this through sports and, of course, time spent on the water fishing.
What does your perfect vacation look like? All-inclusive, adrenaline-fueled, or aspirin-fueled?
Definitely an active holiday – whether at Lake Maggiore in Italy, in Scandinavia (Sweden and Finland), or the Netherlands. There's plenty to discover everywhere with kids. A fishing rod (in reality, probably at least 10 rods) should never be missing from your luggage, regardless of the holiday destination.
Thomas, thank you so much for giving us these interesting insights.