In a nutshell
Zafer Ertem's journey starts in Hamburg but truly unfolds in Vienna, where he roots himself in an entrepreneurial mindset from a young age. At just 18, he makes waves by earning recognition as the youngest entrepreneur and manager in "Gewinn," a prominent business magazine in Austria. He is an entrepreneur with a passion for taking the initiative and reinventing himself in different sectors. Ertem is driven by curiosity and a visionary attitude, allowing him to consistently excel in diverse fields.
Today, he splits his life between Munich and Antalya, where he thrives on the balance of culture and commerce. For 29 years, he has shared a happy marriage and raised three children, all while building a career that spans business consultancy, project management, and conflict mediation.
Recently, Zafer has shifted his focus to sustainability and fair ecology, channeling decades of knowledge and experience into projects that aim for a better future. His passion extends beyond business; he actively engages in social initiatives, leading numerous volunteer projects and founding various associations.
This blend of professional achievements and community involvement perfectly encapsulates Zafer's life philosophy—a commitment to both innovation and social responsibility. In his eyes, each endeavor connects, adding layers to his vibrant life story.
32 years
of professional experience
50 years
of life experience
100%
lateral Thinker
August 1974
After the birth of his sister, he was born on 29 August 1974 in Hamburg, Germany. His parents migrated to Germany from Izmir in the 70s.
1990-1992
Following the completion of his training as a graphic designer in Vienna, Austria, Zafer Ertem had the opportunity to work for a large company for two years. During this time, he was able to gain valuable experience designing labels for wines, posters for events and logos. Additionally, he had the chance to work as a freelance consultant in the fields of finance and business start-ups.
1992-1996
At the young age of 18, he founded his first company in Vienna, Austria. The focus was on milk and dairy products. At that time, Austria was not yet a member of the European Union. He had done a lot of research into what market changes would occur when Austria became a member of the EU, because it was not a question of whether Austria would join the EU but only when. The strategy worked. For several months, he was one of the largest importers of white cow's milk cheese in Austria and even imported the first “Bioghurt” yoghurt to Austria. The business magazine Gewinn portrayed him in its special edition "Austria's youngest entrepreneurs".
1996 - 1998
The first Viennese pizza rescue company is founded. - Due to the infrastructure of the city of Vienna, Zafer develops a concept that directly addresses pizzerias all over Vienna. It is a catering wholesale on wheels, including a frozen food section. A novelty at the time. After initial difficulties, the business developed excellently, resulting in several fleets of vehicles, which were later sold to another company.
“Strategy provides the fine motor skills of an action, yielding good results only when the cultures and current events are taken into consideration.”
— Zafer Ertem
1998 - 2001
Rethinking the bakery: Ertem was one of the first bakeries in Austria to open a bakery in Vienna where fresh bread was baked every 30 minutes. The concept was initially met with scepticism, but customers quickly recognised the benefits. After a short time, it became a well-known concept, and after a second branch was opened, a large bakery chain purchased it in its entirety.
2001-2003
The opening of Austria's inaugural mega merchandising store in Vienna, situated in the esteemed Mariahilfer Straße within the Gerngross department stores, which were established in 1889. The megastore included the largest Disney store, the largest Sanrio store and the largest Looney Tunes store in Austria. Zafer Ertem was also the first to recognise the potential of 'Lord of the Rings' and 'Harry Potter'. With Austria's largest selection of merchandise on these themes, Ertem had a unique selling point, as the films were not even in cinemas at the time.
2003-2004
Zafer Ertem opened one of the largest Sanrio shops outside Japan in Vienna and later in Munich. It was a time when Hello Kitty products were booming, and he was at the forefront of the market.
2004-2006
When the second Gulf War commenced in 2003, only a few journalists were willing to venture into the conflict zone. Zafer Ertem therefore decided to study television journalism in Munich with the intention of reporting on the war crimes committed by the USA. During and after his studies, he worked as a freelance journalist for RTL Munich, TV Munich, Sat1 Bayern and many other TV stations. He has produced a great many reports. When he was ready to travel to the war region as a war correspondent, his wife advised him against it. He therefore remained in Munich and continued to work in the media industry.
2005-2012
Zafer Ertem has been fortunate to work with some highly regarded labels, including Warner Music and Tresor TV. He has also had the opportunity to gain valuable experience as a PR manager for a number of well-known musicians, including Jamie Shaw, Alev, the girl group Monrose and Vivian. Ertem also had the opportunity to work as a strategic consultant for the internationalisation of the largest live TV music show in the world, 'The Dome', on behalf of MME and RTL II. Zafer Ertem was pleased to produce his first music video shot abroad for the most famous Turkish rapper, CEZA, and was even fortunate enough to play a small role in it.
2008 - 2009
Production of comedy news programmes under the name ‘CNC News’ with presenter Henry Gründler, who had achieved great fame on RTL's Friday Night News. The main customer for the production was ‘My Spaß’, which was founded by Germany's most famous comedy actor Bully Herbig. Zafer Ertem was the creative mind behind the concept, as well as being the producer, cameraman and editor. The comedy scripts were written by famous authors who work daily for Stefan Raab, Christian Tramitz, Anke Engelke and many more. Here the link to MYSPASS
2009 - 2010
Zafer Ertem has established an innovative 'gametainment' production company and secured the Japanese company Nintendo as a customer. Ertem has produced programs in collaboration with the prominent presenter Alexandra Polzin.
2004-2015
Zafer Ertem has had the opportunity to contribute to the political and cultural magazine 'The Gazette' on a number of occasions. Among other things, he wrote an article about Sinan Kara, a Turkish journalist who was facing a prison sentence of up to seven years. Following the publication of the article, a number of European media outlets became aware of the case and EU Enlargement chief Günter Verheugen expressed interest in the circumstances surrounding the prosecution. ZDF also produced a report on the matter. In due course, Sinan Kara was cleared of all charges by a court in Izmir.
2015 - 2020
Additionally, Zafer Ertem holds a degree in intercultural communication and has developed a training programme for politicians and managers with the objective of improving relations between Turkiye and Germany, both economically and politically. His client list includes such notable names as DOKA (the world's largest exposed concrete manufacturer), BOSCH, Prof. Dr. hc Horst Teltschik and numerous celebrities.
2011 - 2016
Zafer Ertem had the privilege of serving as a strategic advisor to former RTL boss Prof. Dr. Helmut Thoma. At that time, Dr Thoma was engaged with Axel Springer Verlag as a shareholder representative on the supervisory board of the prominent Turkish media company Dogan Holding. At the same time, Ertem had the privilege of serving as an intercultural geopolitical advisor to Prof. Dr. h.c. Horst Teltschik. Prof. Teltschik served as deputy head of the Federal Chancellery for a number of years and subsequently assumed a prominent role as head of the Munich Security Conference. He served in that capacity for over a decade. During this period, relations between Germany and Turkiye were experiencing a number of challenges, with a series of diplomatic crises emerging.
2017 - 2019
Zafer Ertem was engaged as an external lecturer at the Pestalozzi Secondary (Realschule) School in Munich, where he teaches classes 9 and 10 in media, media technology and journalism. During his tenure, he led discussions on topics such as democracy and press law, and facilitated the production of short films.
2013 - 2024
Zafer Ertem is responsible for controlling and personnel management at the Munich-based facility management company Smaticon Services GmbH. He is continually developing new and innovative ideas to enhance the value retention of properties.
2021 -
The wealth of experience gained over three decades, the knowledge, research and development, the network of contacts and the social commitment all come together in the 'ecoana' company, creating a dynamic force for positive change!
The following is Zafer Ertem's voluntary work
Volunteering is not a choice. It is a duty for every single person. This is the only way a society can achieve development and promote social peace.
20 years
of voluntary experience
5.500 hours
volunteer work
200.000 km
covered
Zafer Ertem's voluntary commitments.
Throughout his career, Zafer Ertem has been engaged in a multitude of voluntary activities, including the provision of assistance to individuals in need and the protection of animals in distress. Additionally, he has demonstrated a profound commitment to the preservation of the natural environment. Furthermore, Ertem has consistently contributed to the advancement of society through the dissemination of knowledge in the fields of sports, education, and the establishment of cultural institutions. He is a staunch proponent of the notion that community engagement plays a pivotal role in enhancing the overall prosperity and quality of life within a society.
2015 - 2020
In 2015, the non-governmental organisation (NGO) 'German Alliance for Civilian Assistance e.V.' was established by Zafer Ertem, whose activities were focused on providing assistance to those in need. In total, 350 volunteers from 27 countries contributed 53,240 hours of work. As part of the aid campaign, the distance covered was in excess of 135,000 kilometres, and 35,000 kilograms of winter clothing and 100,000 kilograms of food were distributed. The food was prepared and distributed using a mobile kitchen, which was constructed by the members of the organisation. Additionally, Carmina Reyes and Manu composed the song "Train to a Better Home," which was presented to the German Alliance for Civilian Assistance as a gift to promote the fundraising campaign. Based on the experience gained, an RFN village was developed to serve as a prototype for 400 families in Torbali (Turkiye) including a school. The village provides a safe and habitable space for those who have been displaced, offering a place to live rather than simply a safe dwelling. Furthermore, the project has the potential to regulate migration patterns to the Western world, representing a favourable situation for all parties involved.
“More than 30 million Germans volunteer. Almost every second German is involved in voluntary work. What a strong society! This helps society and improves quality of life.’
— Zafer Ertem
2006 - 2012
Zafer Ertem's children had the wonderful opportunity to start playing baseball at a young age. When the coach was unfortunately absent, Ertem agreed to help out for a short time. The first steps turned into more than six years and numerous championships. The team was also able to beat the competition at the Bavarian Baseball Championships and bring home the victory. Zafer Ertem is not only an excellent baseball coach, but has also acquired a licence as an umpire. This enabled him to assist other teams and clubs with his knowledge and experience. Hundreds of children between the ages of 4 and 12 were lucky enough to train with him twice a week. At the weekend there was always a match against another team.
“Never doubt that a small group of mindful and committed individuals can change the world. In fact, this is the only way it has ever been changed.’
— US-American ethnologist Margaret Mead
2005 - 2010
In collaboration with the Munich Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the MediaDesign University, and with the patronage of Minister of State Christa Stewens, Zafer Ertem initiated a training project for young adults in the media sector. The aim of the project was to provide an opportunity for young adults who were unable to obtain a higher education during their educational phase. Concurrently, Ertem demonstrated to politicians a solution to the challenges of the shortage of skilled labour and the lack of prospects for young people. The project thus contributes to a mutually beneficial situation for society, business and politics.
2010 - 2015
The Bayerisches Institut für Migration e.V. (BIM) is a documentation centre with its own museum in Munich. Mr. Zafer Ertem is the museum's co-founder and curator. The BIM serves as a focal point for the documentation of migration history in Bavaria. The museum makes the cultural diversity of Bavaria accessible, especially to the younger generation. It documents, collects, archives and organises panel discussions with the aim of promoting and cultivating historical awareness. Knowledge is made accessible to the public through regular exhibitions. The knowledge gained is analysed scientifically and used as a basis for developing teaching materials for schools and universities for the relevant subjects. This enables the recognition of migration as a historical component of society and its tangible representation.
2011 - 2018
Zafer Ertem has designed Germany's longest bike course for children aged between 4 and 14 in Munich, together with his lovely children. They have dedicated over eight years to making this fantastic event a reality. What started as a 3 km course with 150 participants quickly grew to an impressive 18 km course with over 5,000 participants in just a few years. The programme also included team-building activities. Participants were able to solve adventurous puzzles on the lake. Every year, it was a fantastic event that brought together Munich residents from all over. Many also travelled from the surrounding area on their bikes. The city of Munich took over the project and continued to run it, taking on the challenge of ever more elaborate and complex organisation.
2021 -
In 2021, Zafer Ertem kindly offered his services as Secretary General and International Head of Operations of the Austrian SAR-EMS-EUROPE, playing a pivotal role in the organisation abroad. In the wake of the severe earthquake that struck Turkiye in 2023, Zafer Ertem swiftly mobilised paramedics and the required equipment to provide assistance on the ground. The challenges faced by everyone involved were considerable and required considerable emotional and physical resilience. In addition to medical aid, Zafer Ertem also distributed 80 tonnes of food to families in need. It is precisely with complex and demanding tasks that Zafer Ertem is able to unleash his full potential. Through his analysis, he identified general weaknesses in the Austrian SAR as well as organisational deficiencies on the ground. He decided to set up a new multifunctional German SAR organisation in order to be optimally prepared for future missions. This is now his honorary life's work.
