A Safe Bet

	Stockinger's Cube

So you've made it big: You've got your $200,000 coin collection, 70 Swiss timepieces and some legal documents you'd rather not let your adversaries get a hold of.

But where can you keep all these valuables safe?

In a safe, naturally.

But why keep such special pieces secure in just any safe? Gone are the days when your choices for security were dull grey and duller grey, thanks to safe maker Stockinger.

This German company, headquartered in Neuried, Bavaria, has been crafting hand-finished, high-quality safes for a quarter of a century with a mission to create a product that fits a space, not just occupies a space.

Background Check

Stockinger President Dominik Von Ribbentrop explains that his company caters to an exclusive clientele and that its products have pushed his company to the premier position in its market.

Von Ribbentrop acquired Stockinger in 2003 after the company's original owner and president unexpectedly passed away.

With experience in finance and private equity, he saw an already well-managed small business that had been thrown into turmoil due to the loss of its real salesman and key figure.

Additionally, the luxury market had taken a hit after Sept. 11, 2001, as buyers scaled back on nonessential purchases, and Stockinger faced the challenge of connecting to new customers.

However, the entrepreneur in Von Ribbentrop spotted an opportunity. Possessing an eye for companies with growth potential (he was a co-founder of WebMiles.de), he saw Stockinger as a company staffed by experienced and dedicated craftsmen with a unique product -- all it needed was an injection of capital and some good marketing.

Von Ribbentrop's gamble appears to have paid off. Business is growing; the company is opening a shop in London and plans for expansion to Moscow, Zurich, Dubai and Qatar.

However, Von Ribbentrop knows the biggest market for his products is the U.S.

He sees opportunities to have his safes in airports for wealthy travelers and looks to build a partnership program with watchmakers and high-end jewelers -- purchase a luxurious treat and a stylish safe to protect it.

And when buying a customized safe, the personal connection is essential. As Von Ribbentrop says, "The product is not so easy to understand ... it's a bit like buying a car, that's why I want to have direct contact with the customer."

Treasure-Trove

What's most striking about a Stockinger safe at first glance is that it doesn't look like a safe at all.

Lacquered finishes in rich colors, marbled surfaces, precision-cut drawers of chrome and rare metals, ostrich and other exotic leather linings as well as a concealed digital keyed entry are just some of the eye-catching features of these bespoke pieces.

But it's in the details where the company shines.

Any safe ordered from Stockinger is completely customizable from the outside finish and color to the inside layout and tray materials of the drawers, shelves and any part of the interior to fit all of your treasures, down to individual cufflinks.

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