Retirement garland
May 5, 2025

Looking back on eventful times

Thanks for 35 years of dedication

After more than three decades, we are saying goodbye to our valued colleague Thomas Stermann, who is starting his well-deserved retirement. From his early days as a lone player to building up a skilled team, his retirement is an opportunity to look back on an eventful career.

A start in agitated times

Thomas Stermann joined the IT department of our system provider VEKA in 1990, a year that was not only politically but also professionally uncharted territory. German reunification had a major impact on the demand for plastic windows in the construction industry - and thus also on IT-supported processes and services.

"My countless trips to the former GDR at that time were more impressive than any trip to an exotic vacation destination", Thomas recalls. "Experiencing these historical and political changes firsthand is definitely one of the highlights of my professional career."

New markets, new challenges

In the years that followed, the focus shifted increasingly to international markets, particularly the countries of the former Eastern Bloc, extending as far as Russia. His countless business trips have left their mark not only on his professional life: "Thanks to the large number of business trips, I got to know the whole of Germany. I also saw many countries, but not from a tourist's perspective, but in areas of everyday life", Thomas summarizes his experiences.

What began as a one-man service developed into a high-performance unit over the following years. He found it particularly fulfilling to build a team that continues to successfully implement projects for and with customers with authenticity, competence and enthusiasm to this day. Every job is important - it's not individual flagship projects that count, but continuous development and cooperation.

Another key issue in recent years has been the change in how IT is perceived: whereas IT used to be seen purely as a cost factor, it is now recognized as an integral part of value creation. This is a clear competitive advantage, thanks in part to the continuously improved master data services provided by DBS, whose quality can be seen as a key factor in success.

Close cooperation with other departments, especially sales, was also particularly important to Thomas. The high level of customer and employee satisfaction over the years shows that "we are simply a great team", sums up Thomas Stermann.

Advice for the next generation

His appeal to the next generation is as simple as it is effective: respect. Respect for customers and colleagues, regardless of their IT skills or background. "You should always treat people as equals and focus on the benefits for the customer", Thomas urges.

With his dedication, expertise and attitude, he has played a decisive role in shaping our company. We would like to express our sincere thanks for his many years of inspiring collaboration and wish Thomas all the best, good health and many enriching experiences in this new chapter of his life.

Thomas hands over a present to his successor Marius

During the official farewell, Thomas couldn't resist wishing his successor, Marius Keweloh, all the best and handing over some helpful items.

Impressions

Thomas Stermann at his farewell
Breakfast during the farewell party
Thomas joins the IT Retiree Club of VEKA