Fails Night – Part Two
Show courage. Share mistakes. Learn together.
In November 2024, an extraordinary evening took place at the Enke factory in Düsseldorf – the first Fails Night. The venue: the ‘Rote Hölle’, the company’s own studio in the heart of the factory. The host was craftsman and initiator Oliver Oettgen, whose aim is clear: to strengthen the craft sector. And to do so where it is at its most honest – through the stories that didn’t go to plan.
Four speakers spoke openly about their own failed projects. What emerged was more than just an event: a space for honesty, reflection and genuine exchange. And an evening that inspired courage – precisely because nothing was sugar-coated.
Learning from mistakes – with the right attitude and perspective
It takes courage to talk about failures in front of an audience. This makes our gratitude all the greater to the speakers who were prepared to take this step. They demonstrated that failure is not a flaw, but a step in one’s development. And the craft needs precisely this open approach to mistakes in order to become stronger, wiser and better equipped for the future.
A format that’s growing.
It is no coincidence that the event was once again held at Enke. The company has always stood for a practical, solution-oriented approach to challenges – whether in terms of products, service or working together. Fails Night fits perfectly with this ethos: open, honest and forward-looking.
The fact that guests attended not only in person but also online via a live stream shows just how strong the interest is in this new form of exchange. Fails Night strikes a chord – and encourages us to break new ground together.
To be continued: 19 March 2025
The success story continues. On 19 March 2025, the ‘Red Hell’ will open its doors once again – for the second Fails Night at the Enke-Werk in Düsseldorf. Once again featuring real-life stories, once again with open discussion – and once again offering the chance to broaden your own perspective.
Get involved and help shape the future
The format thrives on the courage of those who share their experiences. Craftspeople who would like to tell their own stories – of failure, of learning, of making a fresh start – are invited to apply to be a speaker.
Full details on taking part and applying can be found at: www.oliver-oettgen.de/fails-night
About Oliver Oettgen:
Oliver Oettgen, master roofer and managing director of Over Dach GmbH, draws his ideas from over 15 years’ experience in the roofing trade, during which he has personally overcome numerous challenges. With Over Dach GmbH, he has established himself as the region’s leading provider of flat roofing, façades and photovoltaic systems. This entrepreneurial journey, with all its ups and downs, has inspired him to create Fails Night as a platform for open discussion and constructive learning.
About Fails Night:
Fails Night is an event format initiated by Oliver Oettgen that promotes an open culture of embracing mistakes within the skilled trades. The aim is to share experiences, learn from mistakes and ensure the future viability of the skilled trades. The format is aimed not only at craftspeople, but at anyone who is willing to see mistakes as a springboard for innovation and further development.
Press contact:
Oliver Oettgen & Over Dach GmbH Ms S. Wollersheim, Assistant swo@oliver-oettgen.dewww.oliver-oettgen.de
Johannes Enke GmbH & Co. KG Ms N. Soltani, Press Officer soltani@enke-werk.dewww.enke-werk.de