We warmly congratulate Jürgen Heindl on his 70th birthday and thank him for his inspiring life journey, which has shaped us all.
Today, we celebrate a remarkably unique person: Our founder, Jürgen Heindl, turns 70! His story is that of a visionary who not only founded a company but also left a lasting impact on an entire industry. Yet, his life is about more than just entrepreneurial success – it is a story of freedom, a thirst for adventure, and courageous entrepreneurship.
Pioneering Spirit and Entrepreneurial Vision
In 1991, Jürgen Heindl founded Prowell GmbH, laying the foundation for what is now Progroup AG. With his revolutionary approach – producing corrugated board sheets for mid-sized packaging manufacturers without becoming their competitor – he set new industry standards. His greenfield strategy and the implementation of state-of-the-art, networked production facilities remain the cornerstone of long-term success.
Sustainability, trust, and partnership have always been the guiding principles of his entrepreneurial journey. He invested not only in technological innovations but also in people – through close collaborations with family-owned businesses and by building a strong team.
Freedom and Adventure as a Guiding Principle
His entrepreneurial courage is deeply rooted in his personal story. From a young age, Jürgen Heindl sought adventure. In 1973, at just 18 years old, he set off for the North Cape on his first motorcycle – a personal test of his limits. This was followed by journeys to India in an old VW bus and a challenging tour through Iran and Afghanistan.
His desire to explore the world left a lasting impact on him. A seven-month journey through South America sharpened his ability to tackle challenges and navigate uncertainty. For him, adventure was never just about personal experiences; it was about learning, growth, and discovering new perspectives.
The Connection Between Adventure and Entrepreneurship
The lessons he learned from his travels directly influenced his business approach. Even in his early years, he displayed an entrepreneurial mindset, restoring and selling Volkswagen T2 buses for a profit. Later, he combined innovation with his adventurous spirit – whether through developing specialized compact equipment for solo travelers or launching the legendary Next-Story Caravan along the Silk Road.
His experiences and encounters with diverse cultures shaped his business philosophy. Flexibility, innovation, and the courage to take new paths became the defining elements of his corporate strategy.
A Forward-Thinking Generational Transition
Today, on January 29, Jürgen Heindl not only celebrates his birthday but also his 45th work anniversary. Together with his family and longtime companions, he looks back on an extraordinary journey. By his side is his wife, Herta, who has supported him with heart and dedication in all his endeavors.
But Jürgen Heindl is not only looking back – he is also looking ahead. With JH-Holding GmbH, the holding company of Progroup AG, he has created a think tank for the non-integrated packaging market. Its mission is to strengthen mid-sized family businesses, share knowledge, and uphold core values. His sons, Maximilian and Vinzenz, have embraced the adventure of running a family business as the Next Gen, carrying forward his vision. They remain committed to the same values that define their father: a passion for innovation, courage, and the unwavering determination to break new ground.
Jürgen Heindl sums it up perfectly with the words of Janis Joplin:
“It’s hard to be free. But when it works, it’s worth it.”
For further insights into the life’s work of our founder, visit: Progroup | Consistently successful