Laurent Schonckert reveals the ingredients of the Cactus success recipe
Laurent Schonckert, what did you succeed really well recently?
I think primarily of the corona pandemic. As a company, she presented us with immense challenges. Than on March 14, 2020 The Lockdown was suddenly declared, everything stood still – the non -vital business had to close, shopping centers and restaurants too. Nobody knew what to do.
In this situation we had to react very quickly: How should customers deal with the new situation? How do we get masks at all? How does the staff react – all stay at home? Does anyone get sick? All of these questions required quick answers.
What we did really well during this time was the cohesion in the company – from the seller in the shop to the management. We mastered this crisis together. I was in the office every day, other managers. This has sent an important signal: we are there. Management draws.
We coordinated every day to solve the current problems. The staff did a great job and the customers were very disciplined – with a few exceptions. They understood what it is about and were patient.
The foundation of the Belle Etoile shopping center in 1974 was an important milestone for the Cactus group. Laurent Schonckert, who grew up near Mamer nearby, visited the opening at the time. Photo: Gerry Huberty
Another advantage was our independence. We have our own warehouses in Windhof and were therefore less affected by delivery bottlenecks than some competitors. While others had delivery bottlenecks at times, we were able to deliver continuously. That was a competitive advantage.
Of course there were uncertainties: how long would this Lockdown last? What's next? One reads from the disaster scenarios in Bergamo, of human fates … that was concerned with all of us. We were also suddenly dependent on the state as far as the rules of the game affected. This was unusual for a company that usually decides itself. But we made the best of it.
What is particularly satisfied with me: During this time we not only kept the operation going, but also achieved good results. The turnover was satisfactory. We have the advantage that we offer a wide range of products.
Our corporate culture has proven to be a strength. As a family business, we are anchored locally and have short decision -making channels. That pays off in times of crisis. We continue to carry the values that have already been lived by Paul Leesch, the Cactus founder-modesty, down-to-earthness, hard work.
What I am proud of is the expansion of our presence in recent years, especially in the « Shoppi » division. What I personally did well: I cannot personally take care of all the worries of the employees, but I have always tried to be responsive. My office was always open. But of course I'm not « de Mann vum Buttek ». I hope that the employees nevertheless perceived me as one of them – as someone who understands what it means to stand in the shop or to drag boxes in the warehouse, even if I do not do these tasks myself.
To person
Laurent Schonckert comes from Mamer and has been working for the Cactus group, the largest local food dealer for 41 years. In 2002 he took over the position of the CEO. Schonckert likes to play down his role – he is just a « simple employee, » he said modestly. In fact, there are not many employees in Luxembourg who are still active after 40 years of work.
Is age for the freshly baked 67-year-old only a number? « Yes and no. Of course you sometimes want you to be younger. Fortunately, I never had major health problems in my life, apart from two legs in football and skiing. I still enjoy the work, otherwise I wouldn't come to the office every day. ”
In the management and on the board of directors of the supermarket chain, the director works closely with the descendants of the Cactus founder Paul Leesch (1929 to 2021). The environment of a family business meets the down -to -earth Schonckert. His grandmother mother's side operated a hotel restaurant in Born in the east of the country. “When I was small, we drove there from Mamer every Saturday. The whole family helped in the company. This time shaped me. «
Sport also plays a major role in the life of the former national soccer player. He learned the ambition to achieve something, and « the knowledge that you don't make it alone », he learned on the soccer field. At the age of 34, he ended his career at Union Lëtzebuerg to miss a transfer to the replacement bank. Even as CEO, he wants to avoid thinking: « Now it's enough, he can't do it anymore. » There is therefore no date for his resignation as CEO: « It comes when it comes. »
