Thomas Geitner aka Tom is a vehicle appraiser from Schwandorf and someone who takes responsibility: for his business, for his customers, for his family, and for supporting other self-employed people in his region.
Anyone who talks to him immediately senses how important integrity is to him and that he consistently lives by this value, in business and in his personal life.
From employee to his own brand
Tom has over 17 years of experience as a vehicle appraiser. In 2025, he took the next logical step: becoming self-employed under his own name with a completely new brand identity, a new hall for inspections with a lifting platform, and a large dose of courage.
As a father in a blended family with three children, he particularly appreciates his newfound freedom. Being able to manage his own time is enormously valuable for him and his family life.
JIMDOConnect as a door opener for ideas, exchange, and sustainable support
Tom became aware of Silke Stein via Instagram and took part in one of her JIMDOConnect events in Schwandorf: a networking format that brings self-employed people together. For Tom, it was a real eye-opener. Finally, a space where self-employed people could meet on equal terms, without sales pressure or competitive thinking.
“I immediately felt at home there. Everything is familiar, friendly, and down-to-earth. That’s how I imagine real networking to be. Not just for business, but on an interpersonal level.”
Tom now attends the events regularly. He makes genuine connections there and consciously invests in building long-term relationships. For him, this is the foundation for sustainable success. And you can see that in his customer base, which is growing through personal recommendations. Without any big online campaigns.
The connection with Silke was made right there and developed into a collaboration. It was a sign of mutual trust. Silke built Tom’s new website with Jimdo: legally compliant, mobile-friendly, easy to maintain. But for Tom, something else was crucial:
“I didn’t just want a good website. I wanted Silke to get ahead as a freelancer through this project. That’s what community means to me.”
The result: His website is the centerpiece of his digital presence: professional, informative, and SEO-optimized. QR codes on banners and on the workshop door take interested parties directly to the portfolio, where they can get in touch around the clock.
Fairness instead of dog-eat-dog mentality
Tom knows the industry and its dog-eat-dog mentality. He deliberately positions himself differently. He doesn’t win new customers by pushing others out, but through recommendations, clean work, and respect for his competitors.
Regional identity plays a major role in everything he does: from the website and advertising materials to sponsoring a local race car driver. Tom deliberately invests in his community:
“If everyone only thinks beyond their own region, local life will disappear. I believe in supporting one another and strengthening what’s close to home.”
Conclusion
Tom represents a form of self-employment that focuses not only on numbers, but also on people. On cooperation. On values.
With Silke, Jimdo, and the JIMDOConnect network, he has not only found a professional online presence, but also a community that enables real growth.
Tom’s tips for your self-employment journey
Get outside help
“You don’t have to do everything on your own. It’s worth bringing in targeted support, as I did with Silke for my website. Then I can concentrate on what’s really important: my customers.”
Start the day with structure
“The first thing I do in the office in the morning is my bookkeeping: checking my account, writing invoices, keeping an eye on my finances. That gives me a clear start to the day and frees my mind for the rest.”