The region on the podium of the Hessian Founder Award: For the first time, a woman from Lauterbach wins the Hessian Founder Award
With great joy and pride:Lea Baumbach, Managing Director of Netzfabrik Rudolf Baumbach GmbH from Lauterbach, was named the winner in the "Sustainable Succession" category at the 2025 Hessian Founder Award.
This evening was a very special moment for Lea and her team. The 29-year-old entrepreneur not only impressed the jury, but also around 200 trade visitors and thousands of people who voted for her online. In the end, she prevailed against strong competitors – and brought a winner's trophy back to Vogelsberg. Lea herself was visibly moved after the award ceremony:
"I didn't have any thoughts, I just felt pure gratitude—especially for my family, my friends, and my team. Without them, this would never have been possible."
This success is not only a personal achievement, but also a true sign of how entrepreneurial spirit, courage, and responsibility can combine traditional values with new ideas.
The Netzfabrik, which manufactures all kinds of textile nets and supplies them to many industries—from automotive to sports to medical—has stood for quality "Made in Hesse" for generations. Under Lea's leadership, the company has been modernized while preserving its traditional manufacturing methods and regional roots. This award sends a strong signal to our region: entrepreneurial spirit and shaping the future are also deeply rooted in rural areas. The award shows how important business succession is for securing jobs, innovation, and regional economic strength—and how inspiring it can be to follow this path with courage, attitude, and team spirit.
A huge thank you to Lea, her team, and all our supporters—you make our region strong and visible!
