Vote: Who will be the Entrepreneur of the Year in Metnitztal?

Vote: Who will be the Entrepreneur of the Year in Metnitztal?

The search for the “Heads of the Year” has begun, and there are exciting personalities to choose from in five categories. The “Entrepreneurship” category, in which outstanding achievements are recognized, is particularly in demand. Each of these candidates brings a unique story and highlights the region in their own way.

An outstanding figure is Florian Knapp, who, together with his father Ernst, runs the traditional Knapp shoe manufacturer from the Metnitztal. The history of this company goes back to 1894. Under the motto “Shoes with heart and soul,” the Knapps produce handmade shoes that are considered true works of art. It takes up to 60 hours of work to make a single pair of shoes, giving customers a waiting time of around a year. However, this patience is rewarded with exceptional quality.

A touch of the Caribbean in Feldkirchen

Let's come to Veronika Dörfler, who originally returned to Carinthia from the Cayman Islands. She realized her dream of having her own bakery and opened the “Hefehaus” in Feldkirchen. Veronika, the career changer, completed her bakery training in Graz and only uses regional ingredients. In addition to baked goods, she now also offers home-brewed beers, which makes her shop a special attraction.

Another innovative entrepreneur in the region is Lorenz Oberdorfer. With his drinks trolley he brought the concept of the “wandering host” to life. This is particularly evident in his summer activities, where he serves his guests directly at various stops in and around Strasbourg. Lorenz emphasizes the importance of community and wants to contribute to strengthening social interaction. He also uses his craftsmanship in a small construction business.

Victoria Rauter has found an interesting niche in the field of animal care. She is a certified orthopedic hoof technician and has set up her own business to offer barefoot trimming for horses. Their approach means that the animals are kept without traditional fittings. This method is comparable to walking barefoot in humans and ensures the horses' well-being.

But Renate Nudelbacher is also making an impact in tourism with her Landidyll Hotel Nudelbacher. She is the second generation to run the family business in Bösenlacken, together with her daughter Caroline Rainer. The hotel is known for its charming atmosphere and personal treatment of guests. A highlight is the infinity pool, one of the first in Carinthia, which offers visitors an unforgettable experience.

The entrepreneurs mentioned contribute to the positive development of the region with their ideas and passion. The competition for the title of “Head of the Year” shows how diverse and dynamic entrepreneurship is in this area. Choosing a winner in the Entrepreneurship category promises to be exciting. You can find more information about this here.