Laumi has always been in Werksviertel-Mittel. Even back in the days when the Werksviertel didn’t even exist. “I actually started working here in Pfanni’s plant security department,” explains the 62-year-old, who doesn’t look his age. “I had actually trained as a hairdresser. But my soccer buddies persuaded me to come here back then.”
His story: That was more than 40 years ago. Laumi worked in plant security for twelve years until he finally moved to the reception desk at ECKhaus. Partly because he can switch from the 3-shift system to the 2-shift system there. However, the work there is quite monotonous. “That was the only time I seriously considered leaving here.” However, when the position of janitor became vacant at ECKhaus after some time, he jumped at the chance. This job suits him much better, after all, he also prefers to be out and about in his private life, repairing things or fixing things instead of sitting around somewhere. Tackling things suits him. There is another quality that makes Laumi the perfect house friend, as the property management staff are called at Werksviertel-Mitte: his willingness to help.
Someone needs a ladder – immediately, of course – and ten minutes later it’s in his office. A large delivery needs to go into the warehouse? Laumi and the other house friends get to work. When Laumi is faced with a problem, he doesn’t explain what can’t be done, he looks for solutions. And he does this without letting himself get caught up in the hectic pace or stress that office workers tend to fall into due to the sheer volume of tasks to be completed. And because he is the way he is – relaxed, calm and helpful – quite a lot of people at Werksviertel like Laumi, whose real name is Ernst Laumer, but very few people call him that. When Laumi was honored for his more than 40 years of service at the last New Year’s party, everyone in the room suddenly stood up within minutes and chanted his name to thunderous applause. “Laumi! Laumi! Laumi!” As if he had scored the decisive goal for Bayern in the Champions League final.
In a few months, sometime in 2024, Laumi will switch to partial retirement. He has opted for the block model. “I’ll still have eight months full-time. After that, I’ll be on leave for eight months.” And then retirement. He is already looking forward to finally having more time for his family and his own garden in Schechen near Rosenheim. After all, there’s always something to do there. “The apple harvest is coming up soon. The wood has to be cut…”. He will finally be able to stay longer in his vacation home in Friedrichstadt in the north. Maybe he’ll even get himself a few animals. And as happy as everyone in the neighborhood is for Laumi because of these beautiful prospects, they will miss him and his calmness, composure and helpfulness in a few months. Because many people have scored the decisive goal for Bayern in the Champions League final. But someone like Laumi only comes along once. And the Werksviertel must first show whether it works at all without the man who has always been there, even when the Werksviertel didn’t even exist.
What do you like about your city? To be honest, the city center. I like the life there. To see that something is moving.
What don’t you like about your city? That there are so few quiet places where you can retreat when you need to relax or rest.
A city always needs both: life and tranquillity.
Your favorite place? I like to have a coffee in the city center from time to time and watch the people.
When do you prefer to be out and about in the city? My day usually starts shortly after four.
