In the “Jungmeisterkreis” young craftspeople support one another — and along the way they make tremendous progress. HINNO asked board member Carola Grote-Sticka about it.
About the person:
Carola Grote-Sticka has been a self-employed master decorator for 22 years, based in Salzgitter-Bad. She is married and mother of two teenage children.
Since 2015, as one of three board members, she has played a key role in shaping the club life of the Jungmeisterkreis.
What is the main purpose of the “Jungmeisterkreis”?
The “Jungmeisterkreis Raumausstatter” is a network for masters and journeymen (and women) who live the craft of interior decoration wholeheartedly. The association is a platform for exchanging experiences, for vocational further training, and for mutual helping, networking and meeting up.
What concrete services do you offer?
We have a rather lively group chat for mutual exchange about materials and ideas. Through this, vacant positions or staff are shared, seminars, trade fairs etc. are announced, help is requested for jobs — e.g. swapping personnel — and clients are referred.
So you help one another advance?
Yes, that’s a very important aspect. If someone has a problem, one can ask in the group chat. Usually within five minutes the first answer arrives. Thus the personal research is reduced to a minimum. In the group — currently nearly 70 members — there is always someone who has an idea right away, has the right little roller at hand, is nearby, or can give a helpful contact. Such direct communication on this scale is spectacular in our industry.
What are the highlights in the “network life”?
The absolute highlight is the Jungmeistertagung together with the Jungmeisterkreis of saddlers, which takes place every two years. Around 120-140 young masters attend such a meeting, along with sponsors, association and industry representatives. Over two days, there is always a varied program with specialist lectures (craftsmanship, business management, social media, AI, health topics, etc.) as well as hands-on workshops by colleagues for colleagues. Our sponsors also showcase themselves at the conference and engage with participants. Of course, two evening events are not missing — because after the conference days we also like to celebrate together!
When is the next major conference?
From April 17 to 19, 2026 in Erfurt. We are currently busy with the planning. It will be exciting, that much I can promise. From November the preliminary program will be ready and the booking portal for registration will be opened.
What about aside from the conferences?
In the years between the major conferences we meet up for smaller “specials”. Usually we visit a supplier company. We look inside the production, exchange views about materials and their products, and attend expert lectures by specialists. Also, once a month we have a virtual evening talk. During this meeting there is always a speaker who gives a short talk (about half an hour) on different, current topics. Afterwards we discuss together and share our experiences on that topic.
Gathering know-how, sharing experiences and enjoying a “good time” together: the members of the “Jungmeisterkreis” at joint events. Third photo: the board members Katharina Berndt, Carola Grote-Sticka, Susan Jäger (from left to right). Photos: Jungmeisterkreis
What motivates you particularly in your engagement for the Jungmeister?
Over the years I have been motivated by the solidarity of the group and the coming together of the Jungmeisterkreise of interior decorators and saddlers. At the start of my self-employment I had no connections to other businesses. For example, I did not know—like from my training company, the companies from vocational school, etc.—that collaboration with other colleagues in the same trade was possible.
Only after attending my first Jungmeistertagung did I realise that there are excellent businesses and young business owners who are concerned with the same issues as me. So it was no question for me to get involved in the circle and in 2015 to take over the board of the association together with two wonderful colleagues. From then on I was no longer “going it alone,” and over the years I have met many wonderful people in the craft and in the industry. By now many colleagues have become friends, with whom one always finds a sympathetic ear. Simply a great group!
Is there a country restriction, e.g. only Germany?
We have no country restriction. On the contrary: we are very happy about cross-border members. Everyone is warmly welcome here!
Final queastion:
What are your next goals?
Like everywhere, we are also looking for young newcomers and would like to hand over our board positions at the next conference to a young team. After ten years it is time again for a “fresh” wind to blow through the Jungmeisterkreis and for the legendary name “Jungmeisterkreis – die Jungen Wilden …” [“the Young & Wild”] to continue to fit!
If you would like to join the “Jungmeisterkreis” or just check it out, simply send an email with your contact details — name, address, and mobile number — to:
The Jungmeister look forward to hearing from you!
For more information please go to: jungmeister.eu
