Dirk Rossmann is the first-generation founder of the Rossmann drug store chain. In 1972, he founded Germany’s first self-service drug store in Hanover. Rossmann found his entrepreneurial spirit at the age of 12. He would bike around his neighbourhood, selling 10-cent discounts on market-price items, which apparently resulted in an average of 1,000 Marks per month. He would find many ‘firsts’ early in his life, buying his first apartment at the age of 17 and opening his first store at 25.
However, Rossmann was not always successful. In the 1990s, his constant speculation of the exchange market put his company in jeopardy of bankruptcy. He even expanded training centres and paid for employee bonding trips to Disneyland, an investment that cost over 800,000 Marks. While it seemed ill-advised at the time, Rossmann stands by the decision, claiming that it was part of the business’ current success, as his employees stood by him even during dire times.
Rossmann is also well known for his emphasis on environmentalism and his social contributions, investing his money in social programs in Germany and internationally. He is also a strong advocate of increased taxes on the rich. A major proponent of Ludwig Erhard’s social market economy, Rossmann believes the rich must not only pay more taxes but should contribute more to balance the socio-economic factors in Germany.
