Vienna, Austria – Melanie Hacker-Halmetschlager, 34, is steering one of Austria’s largest property maintenance companies, Stutzig & Hacker Unternehmensgruppe, through a period of sustained growth and evolving market demands. The company, distinguished by its family-run structure, provides a comprehensive suite of services ranging from traditional house cleaning and winter maintenance to specialized offerings like pest control and pool care.
Hacker-Halmetschlager’s leadership is focused on bolstering customer satisfaction and continuously improving quality, underpinned by streamlined processes, a localized approach, and a commitment to employee appreciation. The company currently employs nearly 300 people across Austria, a figure that reflects both demand for its services and the challenges of recruitment in the sector.
“We have been lucky in Vienna, where It’s easier than in other Austrian states,” Hacker-Halmetschlager noted in a recent interview. “Especially in Lower Austria, Upper Austria, and Styria, it is more difficult, partly because the population density is much more dispersed.” The company is actively expanding its recruitment efforts through online job postings and a growing presence on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Stutzig & Hacker’s origins lie in house cleaning, beginning in 2012 with a small team of three to five cleaners. The business expanded following Hacker-Halmetschlager’s master craftsman certification in 2014, adding comprehensive building maintenance cleaning and, subsequently, pest control as a separate business line. The company’s growth trajectory highlights a strategic diversification of services to meet a broader range of client needs.
While the company doesn’t maintain a dedicated sales team – with her father and cousin Dominic handling sales alongside a colleague – its success is largely driven by word-of-mouth referrals. This reliance on organic growth speaks to the quality of service and customer relationships cultivated by Stutzig & Hacker.
The winter maintenance division, a significant component of the company’s portfolio, is facing increasing challenges due to climate change. Historically, snowfall was more evenly distributed throughout the season, but this pattern is becoming increasingly unpredictable. This shift necessitates greater flexibility and adaptability in service delivery.
Beyond the operational aspects of the business, Hacker-Halmetschlager is dedicated to elevating the societal recognition of the cleaning industry. She believes that the importance of this often-underappreciated work deserves greater visibility and respect. This commitment reflects a broader focus on ethical business practices and social responsibility.
The company’s structure, as a family-run enterprise, presents both opportunities and challenges. Hacker-Halmetschlager acknowledges the difficulty of separating professional and personal life, stating, “Clear boundaries don’t exist, but it’s important to us to see ourselves not only as business partners but also as a family. We achieve great things together in every area.” This integrated approach fosters a strong sense of shared purpose and commitment.
Hacker-Halmetschlager’s professional focus centers on continuous service quality development, fostering employee satisfaction, and expanding the market position of the family business. Her leadership emphasizes the critical role of employee well-being, recognizing that a motivated and valued workforce is essential for delivering exceptional customer service.
Stutzig & Hacker’s success is not solely attributable to its service offerings but also to its ability to adapt to changing market conditions and prioritize its core values. The company’s commitment to customer satisfaction, employee appreciation, and social responsibility positions it for continued growth and success in the competitive Austrian property maintenance market.
The company’s website, www.stutzig-hacker.at, provides further information on its services and locations.
