Michael Stumpfe, founder and designer of Bummel shoes, meets you with gentle eyes, a kind spirit, a confident firm handshake, and his Leatherman fixed to his side.
What Bummel is all about?
Bummel Shoes was launched in November 2018 and designs and manufactures genuine leather footwear for the whole family. “We at Bummel shoes make the most comfortable handcrafted leather shoes with only the best quality leather and stitching. No synthetic materials touch one’s feet – we use leather uppers, leather insoles, and leather linings. Our shoes are made with local leathers to last.”
The name of his business originates from the German word “bummeln”, meaning to take a leisurely stroll. “We strive for utter comfort when someone wears our shoes.”
Michael’s father, Rolf, was the founder of Der Lederhändler, a manufacturer of leather products. It is in this environment of creative craftsmanship that he grew up. “I have a passion to make beautiful quality leather shoes. The German in me is passionate about quality.”
“I was in absolute awe walking through the Bummel workshop and looking at how each leather piece is handcrafted into a ready-to-wear shoe. According to my husband, Bummel shoes are the most comfortable shoes he has ever worn, says a client.”
Background
After school, Michael started with a three-year apprenticeship in shoe manufacturing in Germany. “It is here where I learned to work with every machine. He then studied shoe design for two years, after which he worked for 8 years in the design department at Kennel and Schmenger in Pirmasens, Germany. He then returned to South Africa and worked as a designer at Watsons Shoes in the Southern Cape making men’s, women’s, and children’s shoes.
His father and his father-in-law act as his biggest mentors in running his business successfully. “My dad is one of those guys who can do anything, and my father-in-law is an extremely skilled businessman. Having them both as mentors offer the perfect mix of skills and play a huge role in Bummel’s success.”
“We have a small team of 10 hand-picked people who have embraced our quality and standard of producing shoes. After 21 years of working in this field, together with my dad’s experience, we’ve gained valuable knowledge and skills which are of great value to our business.”
Designs and product development
Michael succeeds in the magic of designing and manufacturing classic, comfortable yet trendy shoes. You can find anything from the traditional brown leather shoe to a yellow, bright red or Nguni-skin shoe.
“I don’t follow fashion trends as my main focus is to make shoes that are timeless and comfortable, however, I take into account customer needs and trends if it can work with our signature and look.”
His biggest lesson in life
Michael states it short and simple. “There is nothing I can do without God. Even the fire we recently had, destroying stock and leather, was a blessing in disguise as we had to upgrade our factory, but never had the time to do. The fire brought us to a halt and allowed us to do this for the better.”
Advice to young entrepreneurs
Michael breaks it down into two simple tips – of which he is a living example. “Start right at the bottom. Spend time in the trenches. It is here where one masters the skills. Although I design shoes, I also have the skills to make the shoes I design. This becomes a great attribute towards understanding the operations of your business. Secondly, you need to be good to people – especially those working with you.”
Bummel boundaries
Michael expanded the Bummel boundaries by opening a shop in the Rosebank Mall, Johannesburg, in June 2021.“I am very excited as many people contact us from Gauteng enquiring where they can go to view and fit Bummel shoes. This is the first step to expand the Bummel footprint into the rest of the country.”
For fun
The stars in his eyes lit when Michael speaks about his wife and five boys. He strives to be an involved and present family man to ensure that he nurtures a healthy family. They love spending time together and do everything in their ability to make home an exciting and adventurous place. With a bike and go-kart track right around the house and a tree house providing hours of fun, their boys can play their hearts out.
For more information contact Michael on 082 511 9647
Email [email protected]
Shop online at www.bummel.co.za
