Upholding Family Values for Sustainable Workplace Success
As a Swiss family business, fairness, quality, innovation and sustainability are the cornerstones of our actions. These values permeate all areas of our business — from the careful selection of sustainable materials for our products to the transparency of our sales processes. They are also reflected in our commitment as an employer and an active part of society.
The company is 100% owned by Wim Ouboter and his family.
Who does what in the company?
Wim: My boys, Oliver and Merlin, manage the Microlino project and the Micro marketing team. My wife Janine is the head of finance and looks after the figures. As the founder, I'm mainly involved in the strategic side of Micro and Microlino, but I also like to get involved in product development.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the whole family working in the same company?
Janine: For us, the boundaries between work and private life are fluid. Business topics are often discussed during dinner. Depending on the situation, this can sometimes get louder with our two hotheads Wim and Merlin. I often mediate between the two so that we can end the evening peacefully on the sofa.
Oliver and Merlin, how long have you been involved in the company?
Oliver: Ever since we were children, we were the first guinea pigs for all new Micro products. We learned a lot about the company at a young age and our parents always took our opinions seriously. At school, when the freestyle scene came up, we started selling trick scooters from our workshop. With the Microlino we want to take Micro one step further — from two to four-wheeled mobility products.
What have you learned from your parents — and what have they learned from you?
Merlin: I think we learned a lot about entrepreneurship and management from our parents. They always met us as equals despite the age difference. For me, this is the secret ingredient for a successful family business. On the other hand, they learn from us how the younger generation sometimes solves problems in a different way. The Microlino team is a relatively young team, but at the end of the day it needs the same leadership qualities as it did 25 years ago.
«For us, the borders between work and private life are fluid.» — Janine Ouboter«They always took us seriously, regardless of our age.» — Merlin Ouboter
«They always took us seriously, regardless of our age.» — Merlin Ouboter
Built on trust — our global distribution partners
Micro's success is built not only on family values within our own walls, but also on the long-standing relationships we maintain with our distribution partners across the globe. These partners have been a crucial part of Micro's growth over the years. We recognize that long-lasting partnerships are built on mutual respect, trust, and shared goals — and we are committed to nurturing these relationships for years to come.
Today, Micro products are available in over 10,000 locations in more than 80 countries worldwide.
