Financial Advisory with Success

All-round view with a view to success.

Whoever has visited Art on Ice back in the days when there were still beautiful events to enjoy together, may have already noticed the smzh ag brand. Those who have visited events in the wonderful Arosa with open eyes and enthusiasm might have noticed it, too. smzh ag is a brand that is becoming more and more present and noticeable. But what does it stand for? Who stands behind it? SPORT&BUSINESS met the owners for a round table and gained exciting insights.

The question of "who" or "what" is a constant concern for the makers of SPORT&BUSINESS.If the curiosity, the interest in what is happening in the world of sport and business disappears, then the magazine has lost its raison d'être. Sport in itself is (once again) to be understood as a driver: It ultimately led Sport & Business to take a closer look at the "smzh ag" enterprise.

Patrick Müller, a networker and mediator by profession, was the one who built the bridge between smzh ag and the sport. He was fascinated by the enthusiasm, the natural ease of the owners and the sporty and ambitious business model.The result - in addition to some great engagements in sports - was also an extremely inspiring round table in the heart of Zurich - at the headquarters of the still young company in Zurich Enge.

«When it comes to finance and all the issues around it, we're there for the customer. We advise - regardless of income and asset situation - all customers who are interested in one or more of our services. In the broadest sense, our services always revolve around finance, retirement planning, insurance, savings, investing savings, real estate, company formation and so on. We are committed to customer service.»

Gzim Hasani

«The needs of the customers, that's what drives us. All of us in top management come from the banking world. In that world, the rules of the game are clear and the processes are defined. Even if you have the service inside you, your hands are tied regardless of what kind of customer is sitting across from you. The phrase "I'm not allowed to offer you that" has bothered us several times. We want to be able to advise our customers on all financial matters - knowing that we are generating added value for them with our expertise.»

Roman Schuler

In addition to many sporting topics, politics, art and, last but not least, humor were not neglected. Roman Schuler (Chairman of the smzh ag Board of Directors), Gzim Hasani (CEO smzh ag), Pascal Jenny (President of Arosa Tourism, Chairman of the Säntis Schwebebahnen AG Board of Directors, former national handball player) and Thomas Kaufmann (Chairman of the smzh ag Board of Directors, CEO KITALS) were among the participants. During the culinary meeting, which was accompanied by a variety of culinary delights, a number of exciting statements were made. An excerpt without any claim to a complete transcript of the spring lunch: Pascal Jenny, President of Arosa Tourism and former national handball player, gets the discussions going on a different level during the extended lunch appointment. With his question as to what form of success the smzh ag management crew is aiming for, the crew's sporting enthusiasm very quickly comes to the fore. And it becomes clear that the usual approaches of the banking world do not apply to independent entrepreneurs. To this end, Gzim Hasani has a quote from Michael Jordan ready on the big screen: Through sports, through the values of sports, through the competition of sports, the board of directors and management of smzh ag also define their corporate culture. "Certainly we also need many years of experience in the company. We want the best people with excellent backgrounds who fully identify with our philosophy. We clearly believe that we want to discuss with customers at eye level. That's why it's also possible with us to work as a non-banker or non-insurance specialist to be well embedded in the consulting world," says Gzim Hasani about smzh's personnel policy. And he immediately adds: "Watching, listening, understanding. That's what we have to live, that's what we rely on. And that requires people, not necessarily the highest education." But it is not financial success that drives the smzh ag management team. Although they concede that variable salary components will always drive employees as well. Again and again, the go-getting movers and shakers point to the atmosphere that prevails in Zurich's Enge district.

«We don't want to rest in our comfort zone. Being close to the customers, discussing with them at eye level, that's sometimes an essential part of what makes smzh ag so attractive.»

Thomas Kaufmann

«We always give the best for our customers and guests. With the destination partnership with Arosa Tourism, smzh ag once again shows how versatile their commitment is. A great match based on the principle of offering customers and guests a high quality of service and always giving the best in return.»

Pascal Jenny

And indeed, there is hardly any noticeable smell of insurance or banking stables. There is a clear focus where work is done - in a flowing transition to the world of pleasure. But the smzh ag meeting room also offers other, cultural insights: the paintings and collections of Ibrahim Kodra, a respected Albanian artist in exile in Italy, show CEO Hasani's wide-ranging interests: "I am a great admirer of Ibrahim Kodra. His works touch me and I have deeply studied him and his art for eternity. I am sure that Kodra will soon be a household name outside of today's circle." It seems like time is racing in the smzh ag universe. The company is growing at a rapid pace. Today, 26 employees are on the payroll. The focus is on the Greater Zurich market. But in just four years, SMZH will have 200 employees. employees in four regions. Roman Schuler on the expansion plans: "We were born out of the conviction to be close to the customer, to feel him. That is what drives us. In the first years of our existence, we laid the foundation. Now we are in a position to expand and go where our customers are also at home." The plan is to open a first location in central Switzerland. After that, the midlands and eastern Switzerland are to be developed in a targeted and focused manner. Finally, Thomas Kaufmann, a member of the Board of Directors, joins in the lively discussion. With his targeted choice of words, it quickly becomes clear that idle talk is not part of the business plan. He thoughtfully sums up the idea: "My experience over the years is that the further away you get from the customer, the deeper you get into the comfort zone. It is difficult to steer a ship that is navigating in the waters of the comfort zone. Avoiding this zone in the first place and always being close to the customer is an essential and strategic cornerstone at our company." If you listen to Messrs. Hasani, Schuler and Kaufmann, you believe them. The smzh management team works hard every day to provide personalized service to customers. And if smzh ag is successful for its customers, then it has almost achieved its goal. The prospect of success is tangible for everyone.