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Born in Duisburg in 1970, Ralph Grieser has had a lifelong affair with all things that move on wheels. His expertise stretches from engines and car bodies to bicycles, and what started as a childhood hobby has grown into a full-fledged profession.
Early Beginnings
Ralph’s journey began in Neuwied, where at just eight years old, he dismantled his first engine and expertly pieced it back together. By the time he turned eleven, he was tackling more significant challenges – like a damaged Yamaha XT500, which he transformed into a rugged off-road machine. His thirst for adventure was unquenchable, and the only thing holding him back was his eagerly awaited driver’s license, which finally arrived on his eighteenth birthday.
Education and Mechanical Pursuits
Fueled by an insatiable curiosity for technology, Ralph embarked on a path that led to a technical education as a mechanical engineer after completing his gymnasium education. He furthered his knowledge by studying mechanical engineering and contributed as a research assistant at FEV Europe GmbH, formerly known as FEV Motorentechnik. FEV is one of the world’s largest independent development service providers for combustion engines and vehicle technology. His academic journey reached its zenith with a thesis for the Fraunhofer Society in Stuttgart.
Even throughout his technical training and academic pursuits, Ralph Grieser’s passion for classic cars remained unwavering. In his free time, he dedicated himself to restoring vintage automobiles, including a 1960 VW Beetle, a Fiat Spider, an Alfa Spider, and a 1978 Golf 1 GTI. These timeless classics embedded themselves in his heart, turning a hobby into a lifelong passion.
A Career in Mobility and Technology
Professionally, Ralph’s journey led him to Ludwigshafen, where he worked for a management consultancy firm specializing in quality assurance. As his career evolved, Ralph transitioned to the IT service provider SHE and later to BASF, where he played a pivotal role in overseeing the IT activities of all European production divisions and contributed to the establishment of BASF’s IT service organization.
Despite a rewarding and dynamic career, Ralph’s true calling beckoned elsewhere. The allure of gasoline and the world of vintage automobiles tugged at his heartstrings. In response, he decided to expand his part-time workshop dedicated to the restoration and trade of classic cars.
Ralph searched for the ideal location and discovered a plot of land in Mülheim-Kärlich. With unwavering determination, he completed the construction of an Oldtimer center in just 10 months. Today, this center is not only nationally recognized but has also become a hub for vehicle enthusiasts to gather and share their passion.
To streamline the management of his burgeoning business, Depot3 GmbH was established, with Ralph Grieser serving as its managing director and shareholder. Alongside a team of eight employees, they scour the globe in search of vintage cars, meticulously restoring them to their former glory.
Ralph Grieser’s passion for mobility extends to two wheels as well. He is an avid road cyclist and Harley rider, showcasing his love for mobility in various forms.
