Commitment and Passion - An Interview with Frank Fleschenberg

Frank Fleschenberg studied business administration and law before deciding to pursue a professional soccer career. After a few years, he transitioned to the sidelines as the youngest manager in league history. The current sales director of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Grundbesitz AG has renovated over 12,000 apartments and specializes in "Non Performing Loans" (NPL). In the finanzwelt interview, the focus is not only on business matters but also on the many good things accomplished by the President of the EAGLES Charity Golf Club e. V. finanzwelt: The topic of Brexit and its economic implications are on everyone's lips. How is the real estate market affected by this? Fleschenberg » I don't believe that the real estate market in Germany is affected by the Brexit issue. It could rather lead to fluctuating property prices in England. Specifically in London, it could cause the highly inflated prices to fall. finanzwelt: Where do you currently see good opportunities in the German real estate market? Fleschenberg » Not only top real estate locations like Frankfurt, Hamburg, Stuttgart, and Munich continue to show an upward trend, but also many other major cities benefit from the high international demand for real estate. The city of Berlin, which stagnated for 15 years, has greatly benefited from this. One of the big winners in recent years is certainly the city of Leipzig. finanzwelt: How can investors benefit from or participate in this? Fleschenberg » The keyword is "Buy." If investors don't buy, they logically can't participate in it. finanzwelt: Speaking of "Non Performing Loans": Is this something only for professionals? Fleschenberg » Especially since many foreign companies are trying to establish themselves in the German market - for example, hedge funds in the past 2 to 3 years - the market is certainly only for professionals. And due to the fact that much more money needs to be invested in a portfolio than 3 to 4 years ago, I think it's a good thing. finanzwelt: What can the buyers of these loans do better than banks and why? Fleschenberg » The purchasers of NPLs are much more flexible and resourceful than banks. This is because the buyers have to generate returns on their invested money. Banks, on the other hand, involve employees who do not have to fight for their own money. finanzwelt: Professional soccer player, youngest Bundesliga manager, then successful entrepreneur. What advice do you give to young people when it comes to being successful? Fleschenberg » That time is far behind me. Anyone can understand that I am proud of this past. Achieving promotion to the 1st Bundesliga with 2 clubs is certainly a great thing. Unfortunately, Uli Hoeneß later replaced me as the youngest manager. I would first advise young people not to overestimate themselves, to believe in their goals, and to pursue them with a lot of dedication and passion. Our own attitude towards ourselves not only defines how we feel, but above all determines how other people perceive us. Without the willingness to do something with full conviction, one will never be able to meet their expectations. finanzwelt: You are not only an entrepreneur but also the President of the EAGLES Charity Golf Club e. V. since its founding almost 24 years ago, which has raised over 27 million euros since 1993 for innocent people in need. Why do you do this? Fleschenberg » I firmly believe that many more people who have achieved a lot in life and certainly had the necessary bit of luck should get involved in charitable causes. Unfortunately, as I look around, I often find that a large part of people are solely focused on what they lack, instead of being happy about what they have. Many things are taken for granted, and many people consider themselves too important. Over the years at EAGLES, I have had the privilege of meeting very wealthy and world-famous personalities. With most of them, I have noticed that they tend to be humble and not put themselves in the foreground. I would like to highlight Dietmar Hopp and Franz Beckenbauer in particular! I am proud to be on a first-name basis with these two personalities. finanzwelt: And what is the money used for? Fleschenberg » The donated funds primarily go to needy children. We support, among others, the Children's Rheumatism Foundation, ChildFund, and the Tabaluga Children's Foundation, which provides abused and neglected children with a home, appropriate psychological care, and a perspective. We also consider children's hospices and cancer wards. We have supported the construction of 2 schools in Senegal, financed therapy for a terminally ill boy, and provided sick children with holiday stays. I could list numerous other organizations. Detailed information can be found on our website www.eagles-charity.de and in our annual reports. There are so many children in need, and children are essential for our future! finanzwelt: What was the most personally touching cause for you? Fleschenberg » There have been so many touching moments in my life that I cannot forget any of them. There is not enough space here to list them all explicitly. I have met so many people who had tears in their eyes because of our support. It touches you incredibly every time. Helping brings a lot of joy. The fact that I receive many invitations, such as to various award ceremonies or an audience with the Pope, is solely due to being the President of EAGLES. I am always aware of this, and I am deeply grateful for these experiences, which remain in my memory. (lvs)