Drechselbedarf Schulte was founded in 1996, when Mr. Johannes “Hans” Schulte decided to sell the first useful woodworking products. The turning point was the design, manufacture and marketing of unique, top-of-the-line woodworking lathes for all enthusiasts of this interesting art.
At present, the KS brand is recognized everywhere, and the next generation (Jens Schulte as CEO and Giovanni Venditti as Operations Manager) took over the expansion of the company.
Interview with Giovanni Venditti, Operations Manager at Drechselbedarf Schulte.
What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Giovanni Venditti: Although, like almost every company in the world, the business is mainly developed online (with hundreds of packages and large batches leaving our two warehouses every day), the focal point for enthusiasts remains our shop based in Groß Hesepe in Germany.
Customer service in person is provided in store, where the customer is treated to the best: coffee, chat, explanations, the possibility to choose from over 3000 products in the catalogue and the option to try woodworking on one of our lathes.
Everything related to digital marketing is conceived and carefully spread via the staff working in the Dresden office.
What’s the news about new products/services?
G.V: Now, the ‘new’ products that are attracting the attention of everyone in Europe are those of Emma Cook (Tiny Turner) and a group of young people from the Ukraine who have created an excellent brand called Beavercraft.
The cornerstones, however, remain the products of Simon Hope (for which we have exclusive import rights) and Record Power, a very well-known brand based in Chesterfield, England.
The things attracting everyone’s interest, however, are the woodworking machines we design with the help of Taiwan’s ExMac.
The Google reviews speak for themselves.
Essentially, we are where everyone wants to be in the eyes of the customers.
What are the ranges of products/services?
G.V: Products: If a person is into woodworking on a hobby, amateur level (i.e. not on a large production level for large infrastructures or projects) we simply cover everything.
From the sale of different types of wood, oils, saws, knives for processing, spindle stocks, machines (…).
Services: Customer service in-store, by phone, via email, chat, video exchanges, phone consultations, personal consultations and demonstrations at various trade shows in Germany (the next one in Hamm in November), YouTube channels, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest. You name it.
What is the state of the market where you are currently active?
G.V: Evergrowing.
What can you tell us about market trends?
G.V: Like any company that has been operating in the market for several decades, we have a clear understanding of the evolving trends that develop year by year.
It can be said that customers have long been much more informed about products, names, and features, and are far more demanding when it comes to receiving competent service (whether in-store or over the phone).
In the field of woodworking, we have shifted from customers creating vases, bowls, and plates (…), to a clientele that is much more specialized in finer and more colorful creations (such as those by Emma Cook).
What are the most innovative products/services marketed?
G.V: Products: Our wonderful range of lathes.
Services: our employees.
Nothing can beat a good, up-to-date, motivated person that loves what he does.
No AI, no new-generation technical device.
What estimations do you have for 2024?
G.V: The goal remains to do better than last year, as usual, but what matters most to us is that the customers know they are dealing with a family-named company with a strong tradition.
Our staff is young and consists of talented individuals, providing a service that cannot be found elsewhere.
Try it to believe it.