succeet: Mr Höckel, congratulations again on your anniversary, moweb research was founded exactly 20 years ago by you and your partner Ryan Gibson.

Herbert Höckel: Thank you very much! And yes, it was the 19th of January 2004. I remember it like it was yesterday, because it was an exciting time.

succeet: Many legendary companies started in their own garage. How was it for you? How did moweb come into being?

Höckel: Right, now that you mention it. Ford, Disney, Packard, Barbie, Apple, Google... all so-called garage companies. Maybe I should have thought about that back then. (laughs) My "garage" was first the study, then the dining room in my mother's house - and three of us, by the way. That was probably the reason why my mother finally said: "Get out!” and we were out, and our new home became the old town of Düsseldorf. To this day with a corner office in the longest bar in the world.

succeet: And what was it like to found one of the first institutes for online research?

Höckel: Absolutely exciting and thrilling! It wasn't the best time for online-based business models. Instead of approval or even recognition, we were met with pitying looks. In the sense of: "Let's see how long you can keep this up!”

succeet: At least until today it went very well.

Höckel: Yes, of course! And it should stay that way. We still have a few big plans.

succeet: Before we look ahead, let's take a step back: What have been the most important milestones of the last 20 years? What will remain unforgettable?

Höckel: Good question, but where to start? To be honest, there have been many highlights, but there have also been low points, especially in the early years. Do you remember the financial crisis of 2008? We were still in the first phase of growth, and we got this brutal blow. It was hard, but it made us what we are today: A warm community that can weather crises together. We were able to prove that during the 2020 pandemic - that was a real highlight.

succeet: The pandemic was a highlight for moweb?

Höckel: Absolutely! The world was turned upside down and we had to pivot our organisation too. But our fantastic team pulled together and in the end we were able to weather the storm.

And then there's #WeLoveResearch of course! We launched a new networking event for the industry in the lockdown. Imagine, all digital to start with, and yet guests were still dancing in front of their webcams just before midnight. It still touches me today. By the way, the next WeLoveResearch is all about our anniversary. Here's a little save-the-date: Düsseldorf, 18 April, and as always during the #WeekofMarketResearch!

succeet: What are your plans for the future? Where do you see moweb and yourself in 20 years?

Höckel: Retired... in the garden... or with a beer in hand on a less frequented mountain pasture! (laughs)

But seriously: I'm not that old yet, and I still see myself in the future as a curious innovator, as I have been throughout my career. As a developer of new product formats and services for customers, because that's what it's all about. I also see moweb as well prepared for the future. Twenty years ago we were disruptive with online market research, now the AI revolution is a real game-changer, presenting us with new challenges and completely reshuffling the deck. We are definitely ready!

succeet: Mr Höckel, thank you for the interview and all the best for you and your team!