171. Handwriting In A Digital Age - The Leuchtturm Story

贝望录

In this episode, Bessie sits down with Axel and Max Stürken, the Co-CEOs of Leuchtturm1917, a premium stationery brand that has stood the test of time. As the company approaches its 108th anniversary, the brothers discuss their journey of transforming a traditional family-run business into an industry leader in high-quality notebooks. From stamp collecting albums to coin collections and finally to the globally recognized Leuchtturm notebooks, Axel and Max share how their company has adapted, innovated, and thrived in an increasingly digital world.

The conversation explores the impact of digitalization, why handwriting remains relevant, how the brand’s annual color themes came to life, and why they have resisted going public despite numerous acquisition offers.

They emphasize a core principle that has guided their success: focusing on customer needs and refining the details. Whether it’s introducing numbered pages, custom indexes, new color palettes, or even waterproof notebooks, Leuchtturm1917 continuously evolves by listening to its customers and responding with thoughtful product innovations.

Whether you’re a stationery lover, entrepreneur, or creative thinker, this episode offers deep insights into heritage branding, business resilience, and the enduring magic of writing by hand—because writing is thinking on paper.

Quotes That Inspire:

� “Writing is thinking on paper.”

� “The more digital our world becomes, the more people turn back to real, tangible experiences.”

� “We don’t create disposable products—our notebooks are made to last, just like the ideas people put inside them.”

� “We love being independent—keeping the company family-run allows us to focus on quality, not quarterly reports.”

� “People don’t just buy a notebook; they buy a tool that helps them reflect, create, and remember.”

Bessie 录制这期节目前的准备-播客「手帐」

Bessie, Axel & Max

【本节目由Withinlink碚曦投资协作体出品】

【嘉宾】

Axel Stürken & Max Stürken

Co-CEO, Leuchtturm Group

【主持】

李倩玲 Bessie Lee

广告营销行业资深从业者，商业观察者

【后期制作】

小朱（播客公社）

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