A successful working relationship that goes beyond day-to-day business rarely happens by chance. The classic “We’ll be in touch”, followed by the formal exchange of business cards, is a start, but not a good one. If you really want to make an impression at the first meeting and be remembered positively, you need not only to get away from your desk, but also to stand out from the crowd. As we all know, this works best in relaxed conversations on an equal footing, without the usual platitudes. And that brings us to the protagonists of this article.
Having met at the launch event for the BVB Business Network in 2022, a relationship developed between Autowelt Schmidt and the Stölting Service Group that went far beyond a traditional service provider arrangement. To put it simply: on that day, two companies weren’t looking for each other – but they found one another.
During the event, Patrick Engel, managing director of Stölting GmbH Reinigung und Service from Dortmund, met Max Elsässer, managing director of Autowelt Schmidt. It was a meeting characterised by the typical spirit of the Ruhr region: no long-winded chit-chat, just GETTING ON WITH IT. The ice was quickly broken, as both are not only self-confessed fans of BVB 09, but also entrepreneurs who know how things work. True to the motto: ‘Rechts is“ Gas’ (”Right is full throttle”), a partnership between service providers, a friendship between businessmen and a collaboration were forged that day – one that has been growing steadily ever since. And not just any old collaboration, but one characterised by absolute trust and complete satisfaction.
From now on: Together rather than alone
Stölting cleans the car showrooms and looks after the building services, whilst Schmidt supplies top-quality vehicles and takes care of everything related to them. It would be a lie to say that price doesn’t play a role in this arrangement. But it’s also clear that neither the cheapest nor the most expensive service provider is necessarily the best. It was probably a bit like “love at first sight” – so in the end, it wasn’t the financial aspect that was decisive, but a shared understanding of requirements, sustainability and solidarity. Here, two parties have joined forces who can still work together even when things get complicated.
The Two – Who are they, actually?
Take Max Elsässer, for example, who not only supplies vehicles but, together with his team, provides a comprehensive service – from fleet management (including software solutions) through to leasing, organisation and electric mobility. In short: Autowelt Schmidt covers everything to keep Stölting on the road. Modifications and repairs are carried out quickly and reliably, replacement vehicles are available at all times, and vehicle deliveries are made flexibly as far as Austria. A particular highlight: at the Dortmund site, a commercial vehicle service centre has been set up specifically for Stölting, making the collaboration even easier.
Stölting makes the request, Schmidt delivers. And he does so in style. The framework agreement covers just under 300 vehicles a year. By May 2026, 165 of these vehicles had already been delivered. That is growth in full swing.
Depending on their role or business division, Stölting employees have a range of models to choose from. Whether it’s security, cleaning, technical services, Rail & Train, events or catering – there are various models to choose from in every division. However, the electric version is always the preferred option, where practicable. There are currently 30 different electric models on the roads in Germany and Austria. The trend? On the rise, of course.
The challenge? At Stölting, nothing is off-the-shelf. For each service area, for example, specialised vans or Crafters are required for the use of cleaning drones, or vehicles fitted with high-quality specialist equipment.
High standards? There’s a good reason for that
Lots of vehicles, large contracts. To deliver quality, fair prices and maximum efficiency, Stölting needs the right equipment – essentially, vehicles that can be tailored to the requirements of this multi-service provider’s customers. Innovative cleaning methods, comprehensive solutions in building services and staff who don’t just carry out tasks but think proactively – this simply isn’t possible with conventional standard equipment.
Why have lots of different service providers when, with Stölting, he has a single point of contact for all building services? That’s exactly what Max Elsässer thought after his conversation with Patrick Engel. Together, they don’t do things by halves.
Over the past four years, Patrick Engel and his team from Dortmund have taken on all services relating to the maintenance and security of the Autowelt Schmidt buildings, whilst continuing to develop their capabilities. From glass and façade cleaning using drones – which, incidentally, are flown by in-house pilots – through to innovative washroom hygiene and hybrid security technology. At Schmidt, Stölting ensures that the sites are not only clean, but also safe and presentable.
A win-win situation! Both companies benefit from comprehensive and, what’s more, sustainable support across a range of areas. Whilst Autowelt Schmidt benefits from innovative and sustainable mobility concepts and sites that are as clean as they are safe, Stölting impresses with an environmentally friendly fleet that is equipped to meet specific requirements and of course arrives safely at their destination.
Well now, that’s modern service-oriented thinking straight from the Ruhr!
Figures that show how sustainability works
As with any text, claims must be backed up by evidence. We can say a lot, but what matters is that it is true. To round off the article, let’s do the maths:
On average, a Crafter/Transporter emits 140 g of CO₂ per kilometre. At Stölting, a total of 30 combustion-engine vehicles had been replaced by electric vehicles by May 2026. Each vehicle covers around 35,000 km a year. To cut a long story short: by using these 30 electric vehicles, Stölting saves an incredible 147,000,000 g of CO² every year.
And despite this huge sum, nobody is resting on their laurels. Both service providers are aiming for a fully electric fleet. That makes sense, because clean air is good for your health.
Two strong companies that work together to get things done.
Through this collaboration, Schmidt and Stölting are not only reducing emissions, but are also actively positioning themselves as companies committed to a clean and sustainable future.
Max Elsässer and his team provide smart mobility solutions, sustainable fleet management concepts, the highest quality to meet the most demanding requirements, and a genuine service that works seamlessly even for companies with more than 15,000 employees.
Patrick Engel and his team in Dortmund have established themselves as a one-stop solution for the maintenance and security of car showrooms, with a focus on sustainability, efficiency and cost optimisation. Max Elsässer now feels almost at home there.
Perhaps this collaboration is so unique precisely because Schmidt and Stölting bring together several traditions. Both companies are family-run and have been in business for several generations; both hail from the Ruhr – but the Ruhr is not part of their identity – and both are not only partners but also supporters of BVB 09. These circumstances are tailor-made for a partnership that has blossomed into a friendship beyond the confines of the office.
That’s how it’s done!
Any entrepreneur looking to get ahead today needs neither 12 service providers nor suppliers who offer nothing more than the standard service. What is needed are partners who grow alongside their clients’ requirements, think proactively, roll up their sleeves and, in doing so, make the future possible. Stölting and Schmidt demonstrate how growth can be achieved sustainably through quality, sustainability and genuine partnership.
Contact person for enquiries:
Stölting Service Group GmbH | Johannes-Rau-Allee 15–19 | 45889 Gelsenkirchen
Tel.: +49 209 70279-0 | Email: info@stoelting-gruppe.de
