Family tradition and success: Matthias Aumayr and his kitchen studio in Linz

Family tradition and success: Matthias Aumayr and his kitchen studio in Linz

In 2006, the olina kitchen studio in Linz-Leonding experienced considerable success when the founders Christian Aumayr and his partner Thomas Krejan were able to sell over 100 kitchens after just 20 months. This flourishing business not only inspired the two entrepreneurs, but also influenced Christian Aumayr's son Matthias, who was working as a sporting goods salesman at the time. Matthias has had many successes in his career as an outstanding runner and duathlete, which has certainly benefited him in his job.

Today, almost ten years later, Matthias Aumayr is the managing director of his own kitchen studio in Linz and reflects his family's legacy. “I probably have a hereditary bias,” said Aumayr, who is following in his father’s footsteps and running his own kitchen studio. His professional training included an apprenticeship as a carpenter and industrial clerk, followed by a course in interior design.

The creation of your own kitchen studio

The transition from employed work to having your own studio began in 2012, when Matthias was responsible for sales and planning in his father's kitchen studio. “I basically got the finishing touches here in just under three years,” he explains. This ultimately led to the decision to open his own studio, which was officially opened in Linz on May 28, 2015. According to information from www.wko.at The concept offers tailor-made kitchens for sophisticated demands and is enjoying growing popularity among customers.

The olina franchise system, founded in 1997 by Wolfgang Allgäuer, has grown significantly since then and now has 22 franchisees in Austria and South Tyrol. Aumayr adds: “A new furniture store with an olina kitchen studio was opened in Horn in May.” Further locations are being planned, although high selection criteria apply.

Advantages of the franchise system

Matthias Aumayr reports on the advantages of the olina franchise system: “We offer comprehensive business advice and benefit from a strong joint marketing presence.” His experiences show that being part of a community of franchisees is important in the industry. “This allows us to offer individual planning and implementation options in an excellent price-performance package,” he explains proudly.

The exact costs for starting a franchise vary from company to company, although Aumayr does not provide any details on this. However, for those interested, a license fee of four percent of the monthly turnover and an entry fee of 15,000 euros are stated on the franchise exchange of the business chambers' start-up service.

Aumayr also points out the importance of the location. “Choosing a suitable location with good visibility, transport connections and parking spaces is extremely important.” In addition, olina offers support through coaching, training and territorial and competition protection for aspiring franchisees.

For Aumayr, the positive experience with the Chamber of Commerce's advisory services is obvious. “I was given very good advice and provided with information material.” This helped him to keep the bureaucratic effort to a minimum and to go through all the necessary official channels quickly.

Aumayr offers valuable tips for others who want to enter the world of franchising. His message is clear: “The franchise model gives young entrepreneurs in particular an optimal start.” The support and associated security give new entrepreneurs the confidence to be successful quickly.

Anyone interested can contact Matthias Aumayr at the contact details for olina Küchen in Linz: Freistädter Straße 400, A-4040 Linz, Tel.: 0732 280444, or via email at matthias.aumayr@olina.com. Further information can be found on the websites www.olina-franchise.com and www.olina.com.