Riccardo Seiler took over the Agip/Eni service station in Fürth in 2018. After a personal stroke of fate, he decided to make a fresh start at one of the smallest stations in the network - and has not regretted the move since.

Mr Seiler, you took over the station in Fürth three years ago. How did that come about?
Actually, I never dreamed that I would take over a petrol station one day. I was a professional soldier when I was supposed to be released into early retirement because of injuries I had sustained in a serious car accident. But I really wanted to go back to work and supported my father-in-law, who has been running the Agip service station in Herpersdorf for more than 20 years. He encouraged me to apply for the station in Fürth.

And you dared ...
Yes, I saw a long-term perspective and received a lot of encouragement both from my family and from Eni. All of this was confirmed: The interaction with the area manager and the contact persons in general is very familiar and you can talk about everything. Those who are committed to their work are also very well supported.

What is the best thing about your work?
I enjoy being able to organise my own time and structure things myself. The petrol station is also the perfect workplace for me. I like dealing with the customers and, as a trained automotive mechatronics technician, I can often help if there are problems with the car. I'm also happy about the positive feedback for my work: the station is one of the smallest in the network, but I've often been told how positively it has developed with the takeover.

What tips do you have for other new partners?
I don't have any tips in this sense, everyone has to find their own rhythm. It is very important to realise that you are responsible for what you do. In my case, I had to learn to lead my staff. That was a challenge at the beginning, but I have grown with it. I'm not the classic boss type, but I've learned that I can't be too chummy while I'm working either.

Are you also interested in managing a service station?
Contact your area manager. He will also support you in questions of financing.