Alexander Hartmann

He is one of the most active new members. Pagoda portraits the person behind the membership. 

When did you join RCS and who was your sponsor?

I joined Rotary in April 2019. My sponsor was Michel de Vriendt.

Where are you hailing from?

I am from Wendlingen, a small town between Stuttgart and Ulm in Germany.

What are you doing professionally?

When I first came to China, I set-up a trading company for hardware and contract manufactured components. Over time, we added an import arm as well and distribute German made coffee machines and soda makers in China. Just recently we also added a distributorship for Caffe Borbone.

What would you like to share with our readers about your family?

Although I live far away from home, I have very strong ties with my family back home and I am especially happy that my parents could join my induction meeting for the RCS this April!

What are your hobbies, apart from RCS?

I enjoy reading, travelling, Yoga and free-diving.

How do you recharge your battery?

I work out in the gym or do Yoga after work to relax. On the weekends, I am often involved with “RuoShui – society for pediatric burn survivors” which I have set up about 3 years ago here in Shanghai. We conduct burn prevention and home safety trainings and support young kids that suffer from a burn or scald injury. Working together with volunteers and making a positive social impact is a great way to staying grounded and recharge one’s batteries.

Best/Last book you read and why

I like the short stories and novels by Somerset Maugham – they are great reading especially while travelling. My last book was “Demons” by Dostoevsky – a quote from the book in a magazine inspired me to read the book again.

What is your favorite place in Shanghai?

My favorite place used to be Sasha’s, and I am on the lookout for a new favorite place ever since!

What is your advice to any new member of RCS?

Get involved as much as you can, the Rotary family is an amazing community – try also to attend a meeting while you travel!