JB: Can you briefly introduce yourself?
FH: My name is Fabian Halfen, I am 35 years old and was born in Koblenz. I am the oldest of 4 siblings and have a diploma in textile engineering.

JB: How did you get into knitting?
FH: It was basically born into me. My great-grandfather started a knitting business in his own four walls in 1932. My grandfather then built the company that still exists today and my father then expanded the company. Even as a little boy, I knew every corner of the company and drove through the corridors in the bobby car. It was already clear to my grandfather at birth that I, as the eldest son, should take over the company. I've always been interested in the topic of knitting, so it wasn't far off that I went to Reutlingen to study engineering there.

JB: How long have you been doing this?
FH: I started my training at the company in 1999. I was 17 then. Then I got my technical qualifications and then went to study. I have been an integral part of the company since 2008 and have been managing director since 2014 Halfen Strickerei GmbH.

JB: Is there a favorite part?
AI: I can't really say that straight away, but I'm most interested in our sports jerseys made from 100% merino wool because natural products are very popular again.

JB: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
FH: Because the company is going through a major transition, it is very difficult to estimate where I will be in 5 years.

JB: What makes you happy?
AI: Since I am a sociable person, I like to spend my free time with family and friends. But of course my work also makes me happy  You can work very creatively, you are your own boss.

JB: Tell us a little about your company, the Halfen Strickerei.
FH: As mentioned above, the company has been family-owned for four generations. The main clients have always been authorities and on a large scale - from the Bundeswehr, fire departments to the police, they have all been with us. However, it is now difficult to compete with internationally operating companies. The price is particularly a big issue. That's why I'm now trying to concentrate on smaller niche products and that's how we came together. I'm particularly looking forward to increasing creative work. That was less the case with the authorities.

JB: What does a typical day in the life of Fabian Halfen look like?
FH: Be woken up lovingly! Then have a relaxed breakfast, drive to the company (7:15 a.m.) and start the engines. Checking whether everything is OK, ordering yarn, programming, answering emails, administrative tasks, giving interviews Annoying my sister and being there for my employees. It usually ends between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Then I go home - either to soccer training or I just go home and enjoy the evening with my girlfriend or friends.

Video "Making JECKYBENG's WOOL BLANKET (2019)