Our Story
From Frustration to Innovation
FirstConsult was born in 2015 when our founders, Dr. Markus Fischer and Anna Schmidt, experienced firsthand the intimidation and confusion that often accompanies professional business consulting. After a particularly frustrating experience with a traditional consulting firm that left them with abstract advice and little practical guidance, they realized there was a gap in the market for approachable, human-centered business consultation.
Starting with just a small office in Munich's Schwabing district and three clients, they developed a revolutionary approach that prioritized clear communication, practical advice, and emotional support alongside technical expertise. Their philosophy was simple but powerful: business consulting should leave clients feeling empowered, not overwhelmed.
As word spread about their refreshingly approachable style, FirstConsult quickly grew from a two-person operation to a team of specialized consultants. By 2018, we had moved to our current location on Schillerstraße, expanded our service offerings, and developed our signature step-by-step consultation methodology that eliminates the stress from the business advisory process.
Today, FirstConsult serves over 200 clients annually across Germany and neighboring countries, while maintaining the same core values that inspired our foundation: making expert business guidance accessible, practical, and genuinely supportive for entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.
Our Mission & Values
At FirstConsult, we're driven by a clear mission and guided by core values that shape every client interaction and business decision.
Our Mission
To transform business consulting from an intimidating, jargon-filled experience into a clear, supportive, and empowering journey that equips entrepreneurs with both the practical tools and emotional confidence to succeed.
We believe that expert guidance shouldn't be reserved for those who already speak the language of business consultancy. Our mission is to democratize access to high-quality business advice by making it understandable, actionable, and tailored to each client's unique situation.
Our Values
- Clarity Over Complexity - We reject unnecessary jargon and complexity in favor of straightforward communication.
- Practical Relevance - Every recommendation we make must be implementable within our clients' real-world constraints.
- Human Connection - We recognize that business challenges are also personal challenges, and we bring empathy to every consultation.
- Continuous Learning - We remain curious and humble, constantly updating our knowledge to provide the most current and relevant advice.
- Measurable Impact - We define success not by our billable hours but by the tangible positive changes our clients experience.
Meet Our Team
Our diverse team combines expertise across multiple disciplines with a shared commitment to making business consulting accessible and effective.
Dr. Markus Fischer
Founder & Lead Business Strategist
With a Ph.D. in Business Economics and 20+ years of experience spanning startups to Fortune 500 companies, Markus leads our strategic consulting practice. His approach combines analytical rigor with genuine empathy for the entrepreneurial journey, making complex business concepts accessible to clients at any stage of their business development.
Anna Schmidt
Founder & Financial Advisor
Anna's background in both corporate finance and small business operations gives her a unique perspective on sustainable growth strategies. She specializes in translating complex financial concepts into practical business decisions, helping clients build financially sound businesses without getting lost in spreadsheets and jargon.
Lukas Weber
Digital Transformation Strategist
Lukas bridges the gap between business objectives and digital possibilities. With experience in both tech startups and traditional businesses undergoing digital transformation, his consultations focus on practical technology adoption that drives real business results without overwhelming organizational capacity.
Elena Becker
Client Experience Director
Elena ensures that every client interaction with FirstConsult is seamless, supportive, and valuable. With a background in psychology and client services, she designs our consultation processes to address both the practical and emotional aspects of business challenges, creating a truly stress-free experience.
Our Achievements
Over the years, we've built a track record of success that demonstrates our commitment to meaningful impact.
Client Success Rate
85% of our clients report significant business improvements within six months of their initial consultation, putting us in the top 5% of consulting firms across Europe according to the European Business Consultancy Association.
Client Retention
Our client retention rate of 92% is nearly double the industry average, reflecting the ongoing value we provide and the strong relationships we build with businesses we serve.
Industry Recognition
FirstConsult has been recognized with the "Innovation in Consulting Methodology" award from the German Chamber of Commerce for our stress-free consultation approach.
Community Impact
Through our pro bono consulting program, we've helped 50+ social enterprises and non-profit organizations develop sustainable business models that amplify their positive impact.
What Our Clients Say
"What sets FirstConsult apart is how they transformed complex business strategy into clear, actionable steps for our startup. After working with three other consultants who left us confused and overwhelmed, Markus and his team provided guidance that was both sophisticated and remarkably easy to implement. Within eight months, we secured our first major client and raised €750,000 in funding - achievements that seemed impossible before their help."
"After 30 years of success, our family furniture business was struggling to stay relevant in the digital age. The initial consultation with FirstConsult was eye-opening – they quickly identified opportunities we'd overlooked and created a digital transformation strategy that preserved our craftsmanship heritage while expanding our reach. Their approach was respectful of our history but firmly focused on our future. Within a year, we've increased revenue by 40% and attracted a younger customer base."
"The pandemic hit our restaurant hard, and I was three months away from closing permanently. My first consultation with FirstConsult was actually emotional – they created a safe space to confront our financial reality while building a practical recovery plan. Their approach was hands-on and empathetic, helping us restructure operations, negotiate with creditors, and pivot our business model. Not only did we survive, but we've since opened a second location and increased profit margins by 15%."
Ready to Experience Stress-Free Business Consulting?
Book your first consultation today and discover how our unique approach can transform your business challenges into opportunities for growth and success.
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