Trust is created where people really meet: personally, in person, with an open ear. For Jonas Hänggi, successful consulting begins with an honest interest in the other person. He focuses on closeness that connects.
As Managing Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Online Treuhand AG in Reinach BL, Jonas Hänggi is convinced that personal encounters are the key to lasting trust - with clients, within the team and in positioning the company as an employer. Particularly in the fiduciary sector, where the job description is often perceived as somewhat staid, the experienced managing director deliberately sets a different tone.
He has been with the company for 35 years, 25 of which he has shaped as a partner and entrepreneur. There is a simple reason why he has stayed so long: «Because I have been able to constantly develop here.» What began with a commercial apprenticeship became an entrepreneurial journey: from accountant to qualified fiduciary expert, from employee to Partner and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Jonas Hänggi has grown with his tasks - and with the people he supports.
Even today, he is not standing still: Further training to become a certified board member is on the agenda this year - as a deliberate next step to further strengthen his strategic expertise and set the course for the coming years. His focus is not on the degree, not even when it comes to recruitment. For new employees, one thing counts above all else in addition to professionalism: «Loyalty, team spirit, authenticity.» If you have that, you can achieve a lot.
Jonas Hänggi shows that fiduciary services can be thought of in a modern way, even where you wouldn't necessarily expect it: on LinkedIn. Last year, he began using his personal account to provide initial insights into the inner workings of the company. Not ironed out, but genuine, for example with a look back at the first 100 days of an apprentice daughter, impressions of company events, snapshots of everyday working life and more. And the reactions? Numerous and motivating. Visibility brings resonance - and helps with recruitment, especially in a competitive market.
«You don't have to be a perfect self-promoter to make an impact. Rather the opposite: authenticity counts.» Jonas Hänggi
He accompanies many of his clients for years, some for generations. He sees himself as a sparring partner, particularly in the key phases of entrepreneurial change - start-up, growth, succession. The relationships have grown personally, often on a friendly basis, including with the clients' employees. This closeness ensures trust, even in challenging situations, and is one of the reasons why Online Treuhand AG's client turnover is remarkably low.
Jonas Hänggi wants to continue to develop in the future - the team, the rooms, the digital tools. More space, more communication, more motivation. «We want people to enjoy coming to the office - not just to work, but also to exchange ideas, to celebrate, to grow.»
Get to know Jonas Hänggi even better as an entrepreneur and a person - in our short interview with five personal questions.
Mr. Hänggi, if you had taken a different path when you were younger, what would you have become?
«Either IT or fiduciary services. Fortunately, I opted for fiduciary services - it became my passion. But I never completely let go of IT. Even today, I am actively involved in thinking up digital solutions in the company: from new tools to the ongoing optimization of our internal processes.»
What is your favorite way to start your day?
«I like to be in the office early, often one of the first. Then I start the coffee machine, treat myself to my first coffee and read the SOGC in peace. With the second coffee, I devote myself to the crisp, exciting cases - in other words, exactly the tasks where I need peace and concentration. After that, the day usually becomes more dynamic and can only be planned to a limited extent.»
What does success mean to you personally?
«For me, success means when I see that my advice has brought real benefits to the customer. If something progresses, improves or stabilizes - and I was able to make a contribution to this - that makes me happy and satisfied.
Team spirit is just as important to me. When I feel that our employees feel comfortable with us and enjoy coming to work, then that is also a sign of success for me. As a managing partner, you haven't done everything wrong.»
What would you work for free for a week?
«On a farm. That's what I'm used to as a farmer's son. In the evening, you can see what you've created and achieved during the day - exhausted, but satisfied.
However, I could also see myself getting involved in social projects, such as providing transportation for elderly or disabled people. There would certainly be many more opportunities. If I cut back a bit in my current job at some point, such assignments would be a meaningful and fulfilling option for me.»
What was the best professional advice you ever received?
«It came from my boss at the time, Urs Flury. He advised me to do further training to become an accountant with a federal certificate - that's what it was called back then. I was just 21 years old. From that moment on, my professional development really took off. My passion for the fiduciary sector - and later also for entrepreneurship - was awakened. Today, I have been part of the same company for over 35 years, and this enthusiasm has not waned to this day - on the contrary.»
We would like to thank Mr. Hänggi for his contribution to this article.
Batterman Consulting Basel AG
Executive Search,
Byfangweg 1a, CH-4051 Basel
T +41 58 680 55 55
basel@batterman.ch
