In his book Why the Germans Do It Better: Notes from a Grown-Up Country, journalist John Kampfner explores how Germany’s approach to politics, economics, and society has led to a level of stability and success that other nations struggle to match. The book highlights Germany’s commitment to long-term planning, education, and a skilled workforce—key ingredients that resonate deeply with us at Spengler Industries. While Kampfner’s book looks at Germany’s broader successes, its message applies directly to our work in the trade industry, where education, mastery, and craftsmanship are essential not only for individual success but also for the future of sustainable building practices.
The German Model: Craftsmanship and Mastery
Germany’s education system is often lauded as one of the best in the world, particularly its dual-track vocational system that emphasizes skilled trades alongside academics. In fact, the trades are so highly regarded that craftsmen who earn the Meisterbrief, a Master Craftsman certification, are seen as on par with university graduate degrees. This dedication to the trades fosters a culture of excellence, where expertise and quality are prized above all else.
At Spengler Industries, we are proud to be part of this tradition. Our founder holds the Meisterbrief in roofing and metal cladding, a certification that speaks to decades of hands-on experience, rigorous testing, and a deep knowledge of materials and techniques. In the U.S., where trade education often takes a back seat to more academic pursuits, we believe that reviving this focus on craftsmanship is vital. Our mission is to not only deliver superior products but also to educate others, sharing the knowledge that Germany has perfected over centuries.
A Sustainable Future Built on Skilled Trades
One of the key themes in Kampfner’s book is Germany’s long-term approach to problem-solving. Whether it’s environmental sustainability, economic policy, or social issues, Germany is known for making decisions that prioritize the future. This approach is evident in the country’s commitment to green energy and sustainable building practices. In Germany, sustainability isn’t a buzzword; it’s a core principle guiding industries, including construction.
Spengler Industries embodies this philosophy by offering permanent, maintenance-free solutions for buildings, whether it’s in the form of our high-quality metal roofing systems or cladding for walls. Just as Germany has committed to renewable energy and reducing its carbon footprint, we are dedicated to creating building solutions that last for generations. The durability of our products ensures that clients won’t need constant repairs or replacements, reducing waste and contributing to long-term environmental sustainability. This is a lesson the U.S. market can learn from—embracing quality over quantity and investing in products that stand the test of time.
Education: The Bedrock of Innovation
One of the most striking elements of Why the Germans Do It Better is the emphasis on education, not just in academic fields but also in technical skills. In Germany, becoming a master craftsman means more than just learning how to complete a task—it means understanding the theory behind it, the materials involved, and the engineering principles that ensure success. Germany’s dual-education system supports this, allowing students to split their time between school and apprenticeships, ensuring that they graduate with both practical skills and a deep understanding of their trade.
At Spengler Industries, we believe that education is the foundation of innovation. Our team regularly works with architects, builders, and clients to provide training and consulting services. This goes beyond simple installation techniques. We train our partners to understand the full range of materials available, the engineering behind every design, and the best practices for creating long-lasting, beautiful, and functional building envelopes. In a world where fast solutions often replace thoughtful, well-engineered ones, we stand for the opposite—meticulously planned, permanent solutions backed by education and expertise.
Rejecting the Status Quo: Elevating U.S. Building Practices
Kampfner’s book is not only about Germany’s successes but also about the challenges other nations face, particularly the U.S. In many ways, the American approach to building is reactive, rather than proactive. Regulations are driven by legal precedent rather than expertise, and the absence of a robust vocational training system has created a gap in skilled trades. This has led to inefficient, unsustainable, and often unattractive building practices. As Kampfner argues, it’s time for countries like the U.S. to move beyond the status quo, to learn from the German model of long-term thinking and craftsmanship.
This is where Spengler Industries comes in. We are committed to elevating U.S. building practices by offering superior materials, permanent solutions, and the kind of expert guidance that has been honed through centuries of German trade excellence. We’re not just creating roofs and walls; we’re creating lasting masterpieces that embody the principles Germany holds dear—sustainability, quality, and a deep respect for the craft.
By bringing the best of German expertise to the U.S. market, we aim to fill the void left by the absence of skilled trades education and to guide builders and architects toward a better way of doing things. This is not just about products—it’s about shifting an entire industry toward a future that values craftsmanship, education, and sustainability.
The Future: A Path Forward with Spengler Industries
As Kampfner argues in his book, the world has much to learn from Germany’s approach to trade, education, and long-term problem-solving. At Spengler Industries, we see ourselves as part of this global conversation, leading by example and offering solutions that reflect our commitment to excellence. By combining German expertise with the needs of the U.S. market, we are setting a new standard for building practices, one that prioritizes quality over convenience and education over shortcuts.
In a world that too often settles for the status quo, we’re here to offer something better—a future where building projects are lasting, sustainable, and beautiful.
Want to partner with us in promoting skilled trades? Would you like to work with a metal roofing and cladding company with this kind of skill and work ethic?
Contact us here and call today! 801-462-5264