Marc Schulz began working for Lägler Germany in 2011, and currently is vice president of Lägler North America and Palo Duro Hardwoods. He developed Lägler’s Premium Sanding Technology (PST®) “train the trainer” program in the United States, and also has been involved in the company’s Fly and Sand trips to Germany, industry trade shows, events, technical trainings, and growing the Lägler footprint in North America. Additionally, Schulz participates in some NWFA schools as a manufacturer instructor.
Schulz was recently featured on the NWFA Wood Talk podcast, so Hardwood Floors magazine caught up with him to ask a few more questions.
Tell us something interesting about yourself.
I have gone over 186 mph on race bikes and cars legally. I started building a 1986 café racer before the lockdown. Unfortunately, it is currently sitting boxed up in Germany.
How did you get started in the industry?
I always liked to help out on construction sites as a kid. I officially started working in the industry when I was 17 years old, doing a three-year apprenticeship within a branch of one of the biggest construction companies in Germany. After finishing my second business degree, I was looking for a smaller, more personal company and got a job with Lägler Germany.
Who has influenced your career the most and why?
My biggest influence is definitely my parents. They are both in completely different industries, but they taught me so much and gave me all the tools I needed to become successful. My dad was very influential when it came to business relationships, teaching me the value of having a good network and good business partnerships. My mom definitely passed on her work ethic, such as being on task and putting in the effort to get the job done no matter what.
What is your favorite wood floor project that you’ve participated in?
I helped out and trained some of my customers in Germany on a 43,000 sq. ft. museum where the entire floor was done in oak end grain. We also currently are working on the showroom at Palo Duro Hardwoods, where I’m able to get creative with different species, widths, inlays, textures, and finish techniques.
What energizes you to stay in the wood flooring industry?
The people I work with, including my team, customers, business partners, and the friends I’ve made along the way. Together, we have faced a variety of challenges every single day.
What are you listening to right now?
I’m trying to improve my golf game, so lots of golf-related videos. Also (surprise!), German rock, heavy metal, and electronic music.
Do you have a morning routine that sets you up for success?
I am very passionate about what I do, so I just get up in the morning and go full speed.
Thank you for the informational post, its great to learn a bit about the people who really make all this happen (Marc Schulz). I really feel inspiration when I read articles like this, and actually get to see what the final products look like. I was fortunate enough to manage a stop in at Palo Duro Hardwoods showroom on my trip. Some great new collections and products which I was very impressed by the custom glow in the dark in lays I guess called Calasmoke. wow Cool I would love to see my floor glowing. Thanks guys keep up the good work!