Rolf Benz, a trailblazer in the furniture industry and a visionary entrepreneur, has passed away at the age of 91. He died at home, surrounded by his family.
Born in Nagold in 1933, Benz grew up in a family of textile retailers. After completing an apprenticeship as an upholsterer, he joined his uncle's upholstered furniture factory, where he quickly demonstrated an ambition to rethink traditional products and structures. In 1959, he married Hilde Benz, who remained his steadfast partner throughout his career.
Benz took his first entrepreneurial step that same year, and by 1964, he had revolutionized the furniture industry. His innovative approach combined design, comfort, and functionality, setting new standards in modern living. Observing societal shifts, he recognized the need for furniture that complemented evolving lifestyles, particularly as television transformed living spaces. 'Yes, it was a time of new beginnings in every respect,' he remarked at a 2023 strategy summit for family businesses.
Under his leadership, the ROLF BENZ brand became synonymous with premium "Made in Germany" furniture, earning a global reputation for timeless elegance and expert craftsmanship. 'Our customers often said: You have given furniture a soul,' Hilde Benz recalled.
Beyond his own company, Benz continued shaping the industry. Following the sale of ROLF BENZ, he and his family acquired Walter Knoll in 1993, securing a foundation for future generations. His eldest son, Markus Benz, has led Walter Knoll since, while his granddaughter Mara Benz joined the management team in 2023. His daughter, Barbara Benz, carries forward his passion for furniture through the architare furniture store.
Benz's influence extended beyond furniture. Two of his other sons pursued entrepreneurial paths in different fields—Hansulrich Benz as an architect and Stefan Benz as a professor and innovator in surgical advancements.
A staunch advocate of quality, Benz often cited Theodor Heuss: 'Quality is the decent thing.' His commitment to excellence shaped not only his companies but the broader industry. He served as chairman of the Deutsche Gütegemeinschaft Möbel e.V. (German Association for Furniture Quality) and as deputy chairman of the Deutsche Polstermöbelindustrie (German Association for the Upholstered Furniture Industry). His contributions to vocational training were recognized with the naming of the Rolf-Benz-Gewerbeschule in Nagold.
Throughout his career, Benz received numerous honours, including the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (2008) and the Citizen's Medal of the City of Nagold (2007).
In addition to his professional achievements, Benz was a devoted family man, recently celebrating his iron wedding anniversary with Hilde Benz. His legacy extends beyond design and business—it lives on through his family, which includes thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Rolf Benz leaves behind an indelible mark on the world of furniture and design, inspiring generations with his vision, craftsmanship, and commitment to excellence.
More information:
Rolf Benz
www.rolf-benz.com