About Community Manager Bianca Schrader
Career: Bianca Schrader is a qualified hotel manager and has been with the company for over 20 years. She started as customer secretary in 2001 and has been working as site manager in Düsseldorf since July 2007, having previously worked as the deputy in that role.
Work motto: The site manager enjoys the variety of her work, especially her interaction with the tenants: “Every day is like an exciting new drama, characterised by great teamwork, unpredictability and challenges. Responding to this in a way that focuses on solutions and with spontaneity and flexibility motivates me every day in my job.”
Personal philosophy: “I like challenges and firmly believe that there are no problems, only solutions. I always keep to the motto that my grandfather instilled in me: You never stop learning – no matter how old you are.”
The core tasks of site manager Bianca Schrader are varied and demanding. In addition to looking after members and tenants, she is responsible for ensuring smooth operation of the location, from dealing with incoming mail to personnel planning. In addition, there are always special challenges – such as the relocation of Office Club in Düsseldorf at the end of June. The site manager explains: “In the past, we have faced the challenge of managing renovations within a building or moving to another floor – but moving across the Kö was a bigger task with a lot more to think about and organise.”
The logistical planning behind such a move should not be underestimated. The relocation of the site was finalised in April 2023 and took place at the end of June. Bianca Schrader gives some insights: “For example, the inventory – we had to decide what was coming with us, what was being sold and what had to be disposed of. That was a task that was not without its challenges.” Together with her team on site, Bianca Schrader was confronted with the challenge of clearing the fully equipped offices and categorising the inventory: “We then distributed the items to different rooms accordingly – removal, sale, disposal – so that processing and removal could be completed quickly.” This was particularly important for the day of the move, as Bianca Schrader explains, “because the former location was in the Kö-Galerie, a shopping centre. Of course, we had to move out with as little impact as possible on day-to-day business.”
All in all, stresses Bianca Schrader, the response to the move was positive from tenants and members alike, despite all the challenges. She explains this in particular in terms of the long-standing relationship of trust that she has built up with the tenants at her locations: “When the tenants heard about the move, many of them immediately wanted to know if I was coming with them, because they knew then that they wouldn’t have to worry.” Bianca Schrader says: “Of course, this makes me incredibly proud and happy and I see it as the best possible compliment for my work.” The relationship of trust works both ways, as the site manager explains: “The tenants showed a really great willingness to cooperate during the relocation phase. For example, many people chose to take their holidays during the relocation period so that we could plan more freely. We did not really expect them to do that and it shows the great teamwork here at the site.”
What the new location has to offer
In total, the new location on Königsallee comprises 19 fully equipped offices, three conference rooms and flexible coworking workspaces. The conference rooms feature unbeatable views of the Kö-Graben, which creates a great atmosphere for meetings and brainstorming sessions. “Another highlight of the location is that many offices have direct access to the terrace – an option that makes working even more agreeable, especially in summer,” says Bianca Schrader. She also emphasises the added convenience and energy efficiency of the new location: “The modern building with almost complete building automation is a real step forward in terms of energy efficiency. Lights are no longer left on accidentally for hours when a tenant has already finished work – all the offices are now equipped with motion detectors and air conditioning.” Click here for the member portrait of Alexander Greß, who feels very much at home at the new location in Düsseldorf.
In addition, the area surrounding the new site offers numerous amenities: “Here you have all the everyday necessities right on your doorstep,” says Bianca Schrader. “Carlsplatz, for example, is just a short walk around the corner and has the oldest market in the city, while the restaurants around it make it a popular place for lunch.”
And what is the feedback from tenants like after the first few months at the new location? Bianca Schrader is delighted: “They knew exactly what to expect from the preliminary visits and meetings. They are very happy – as am I, by the way.”