Always deliver more than expected.

This has been both a motivation and a guiding principle for almost 20 years. In 2003, Mark Heuse and Pierre Stitterich founded the event agency SaxEvent GmbH. After taking their first steps in the event sector, the company quickly grew into a full-service agency. Today, SaxEvent is primarily specialized in personnel services. But who are the people behind it?

An Interview with Mark

Mark, your start as CEO of a full-service agency was rather unusual — you initially studied law.

Yes, I studied law up to the first state examination, but I realized during my studies that it wasn’t my path. I missed the communicative aspect and wanted to work with people more practically. Legal interpretation is not always straightforward. Judgments are made based on norms and laws, but often the morally or ethically correct decisions are missed. That’s one of the main reasons I didn’t continue beyond the first examination.

Would you describe yourself as someone who values justice?

Exactly. I like people and would always decide in favor of what is morally right.

How did SaxEvent come into existence?

The company already existed while I was studying — it helped finance my education. Once it became clear that law wasn’t my path, what started as a side business became our main focus.

After our first steps in trade fair and stage construction, light and sound technology, and artist management for radio stations like PSR and MDR, we grew into a full-service agency. Our first client in this area was Pioneer. The marketing team of the entertainment giant was looking for promoters in eastern Germany — people who were passionate and a perfect fit for the brand. We knew exactly the right people because we had worked as promoters ourselves. It was fun, and we could earn money doing it. So, we gathered everyone we could recommend and launched a very successful club tour — and ultimately established ourselves as a full-service agency focused on staffing solutions. After that came Bose, and we grew even further with that brand.

So, you never actually planned to become a full-service agency?

No, we didn’t plan it. We kind of stumbled into it. But we’ve always embraced it — and we still do. It’s not a nine-to-five job. We’re also reachable on weekends. That’s just our thing.

Mark, what kind of person are you?

I’m more of an extrovert — someone who enjoys communicating and multitasking. I’m also self-taught. But most importantly, I’m a family man and a father of two wonderful children, with whom I love to spend time. Many of our activities are sporty because we all enjoy that: skiing, diving, cycling, climbing. I love being active — or being moved by something. As an avid motorcyclist, I also love speed. Besides that, Pierre and I are part of an “old boys’” sports group, and we meet regularly for CrossFit training.

That strengthens not just the body, but also the mind. Were there ever moments when you wanted to give up?

Sure, there were moments when I thought, "Let’s just quit." But honestly, that’s more of a figure of speech. If I truly mean something, I’ve already made the commitment long before. No, I don’t give up — I push through.

We’re living through a recession, and the economic outlook is difficult right now. Are you still focused on growth?

Now more than ever!

Were there any special moments you particularly like to remember?

Yes. Countless moments. We were part of events that will remain unforgettable. We launched new products at amazing locations like Paris. We got to meet incredible people and, looking back, we experienced an incredibly intense and enriching time.

If you could turn back time, would you do everything the same way again?

With the knowledge I have today, I would make some decisions sooner. Communication and the presentation of SaxEvent GmbH would be more forward-looking, and we would have been better prepared for certain situations. But — yes and no. Because ultimately, every step we took brought us exactly here. And this — our company, what we have built together — feels absolutely right. The opportunity we received in life, we are more than happy to pass on — to people who want to work with us and for us. No matter their background or history. Anyone who truly wants to be part of it is always welcome.