In our conversation with Patrick Fallmann, General Manager of Store Makers Middle East, he shares insights into his career journey and the ongoing efforts to guide Store Makers toward continued success.
As of January 1, 2022, Store Makers in the Middle East brings together JWP Technical Services, HDD Interiors, and umdasch, consolidating them as three formidable brands under a single roof. With this well-thought-out combination, Store Makers becomes a formidable force, confirming its position as one of the biggest and most prestigious Retail Interiors firms in the Middle East.
A complete journey about the company?
The notion of actively consolidating the market through partnerships and associations took root during this challenging duration. Although we didn’t anticipate an immediate return to pre-COVID demand levels in 2021, we seized the opportunity to solidify a partnership with JWP Technical Services and HDD Interiors. This strategic move involved incorporating their operations under one umbrella, giving rise to “Store Makers – Middle East.” As a result of this partnership, a retail interior powerhouse with a sizable client and service portfolio was created.
Our competencies cover a wide range of project conditions, from creating tiny window displays for custom extravagance boutiques of well-known brands to overseeing large-scale rollouts and specific airport projects. Rooted in a deep commitment to craftsmanship, we take pride in offering expert support to our customers. This includes manufacturing furniture, engineering fixtures and fittings, and providing design & build services for turnkey solutions in collaboration with our trusted partners.
In a region where longevity in a single company is rare, I proudly stand as one of the few professionals who have dedicated over 17 years to the same organization. This enduring commitment naturally propelled me to aspire for a role where I could actively contribute to shaping the future. As a Partner, I now have a significant stake in steering the course of that future.
I have hands-on experience working at the workbench and am formally trained as a carpenter, adhering to Austrian standards. I’ve personally crafted dove-tail joints on solid wood carcasses, an accomplishment I take pride in, having achieved it at least once. It brings me immense satisfaction to now represent, alongside my partners, a team of approximately 200 dedicated Store Makers in the Middle East who share a collective passion for craftsmanship.
The journey of the entrepreneur
It’s a source of pride that Store Makers – Middle East has solidified its position as a market leader in providing retail interiors for global brands, regional operators, and local concepts. As part of the Umdasch Group from Austria, our collective corporate history spans over 150 years. With over 35 years of project development experience in the Middle East and more than 15 years of manufacturing in Dubai, we stand as a testament to our enduring commitment and expertise in the industry.
Armed with an educational foundation in interior design and furniture engineering, my journey with the Umdasch group commenced over 17 years ago when I assumed the role of a Technical Engineer in Austria. Shortly thereafter, I was entrusted with the position of Project Manager at the UK subsidiary, tasked with overseeing international accounts and managing relationships with prestigious global brands.
Following a five-year tenure in the UK, I relocated to Dubai in 2011. My role encompassed restructuring the project management processes and devising a strategic roadmap for future growth. During this period, the company had already successfully managed substantial contracts for Dubai Duty-Free at Concourse A and Qatar Duty-Free at the new Hamad International Airport, solidifying a significant market presence.
Upon assuming the role of General Manager in 2016, I spearheaded the development and implementation of a comprehensive business plan, focusing on substantial investment for organic growth. In 2019, a pivotal move was made as we relocated our existing workshop to a new expansive facility spanning 70,000 sq. ft. This regional manufacturing hub, situated at Dubai Investments Park, enabled the establishment of a dedicated team specifically for operations in Saudi Arabia.
In 2020, amid the peak of the pandemic and the subsequent global market shutdown, we encountered significant challenges with frozen investments. Despite a decline in revenue during that period, we successfully retained all existing customers and, notably, gained market share by attracting new ones. Our stability and reliability as a partner during turbulent times proved instrumental in establishing trust and fostering new business relationships.
How does the company plan to achieve its goals?
Leveraging our outstanding resources and competencies, Store Makers – Middle East aspires to emerge as the region’s market leader for Premium Retail Projects. Retailers embarking on projects of varying scales, from small to large, can confidently rely on our company as a steadfast and sustainable partner. We are committed to managing all project requirements with the utmost professionalism.
Furthermore, we aim to establish ourselves as the foremost reference for innovative technologies and manufacturing skills in shaping the future landscape of regional retail environments.
Moreover, our commitment extends to cultivating one of the most appealing work environments in the region, serving as a knowledge platform for our employees and partners, and fostering continuous growth and inspiration.
As part of the umdasch group, an official signatory of the Fashion Pact, we are dedicated to significant environmental goals. These include achieving 25% low-impact materials sourcing and attaining 50% renewable energy by 2025, with a further target of 100% by 2030 in our operations. Through the implementation of Science-Based Targets, our ultimate aim is to achieve a net-zero carbon impact by 2050.
What motivates you to persevere through difficult times?
As a CEO or manager, it is imperative to assume the role of a leader within the company. This involves guiding the team, facilitating effective communication among members, and inspiring each individual to strive for their best. Acknowledging that navigating through challenges requires collective effort is fundamental to true leadership. The essence lies in fostering collaboration rather than attempting to face crises in isolation, as a leader’s strength is derived from the unified resilience of the team.
When the pandemic struck the company, we faced limited options – either unite to navigate through the crisis or succumb to its challenges. Together, my team and I successfully weathered the most challenging period. I encouraged them to generate innovative ideas, think creatively, and strive for perfection in handling the situation.
Being at the helm of the company during challenging times is inherently demanding, as the role of a leader involves steering the team through problematic situations with resilience and determination.
How do you incorporate creative ideas to differentiate yourself?
Although the Retail Interiors Industry exhibits fragmentation, a mere handful of companies emerge as major players. I hold a deep appreciation for and respect for our peers in the local market. However, as a company, it is imperative for us to distinguish ourselves by boasting the highest reliability records and delivering superior quality, whether it be on smaller projects, large-scale rollouts, or department stores.
Grounded in a rich tradition of craftsmanship, our approach is simultaneously innovative, embracing digital advancements, transparency, and sustainable processes. For us, Customer Service is not confined to a department; it permeates our corporate culture, and we remain committed to ongoing investments in this regard. Moreover, our affiliation with the umdasch group positions us as “glocal” – seamlessly connected on a global scale while maintaining a local presence across numerous countries and regions.
Your website and social media pages.
Website – https://storemakers-me.com/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/storemakers-me/?viewAsMember=true
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/storemakers_me/
Also Read: Luann Parker – Elevating Corporate Communication Through Wordy Affairs