Biography
Stephan Morgenstern, a German entrepreneur who rose from humble beginnings in East Berlin to become a notable figure in multi-level marketing, embodies the transformative economic shifts of post-reunification Europe. Born in 1962, Morgenstern's career spans from waiting tables in communist Germany to leading marketing teams for international health supplement companies. His journey, including a daring escape to West Germany in 1989, mirrors the tumultuous changes of the era. Now based in Dubai, Morgenstern divides his time between business ventures and philanthropic efforts, focusing on projects ranging from healthcare initiatives in Poland to infrastructure development in Africa.
Stephan Morgenstern’s Childhood
Stephan Morgenstern was born on October 10, 1962, Berlin, Germany into a low-income family. He had three brothers and one sister. His father was a waiter and his mother a housewife. Stephan Morgenstern often describes himself as a patriot and often speak about how his parents instilled discipline, determination and integrity into the lives of him and his siblings. He looked up to them as role models as his father served in the German military while is mom had a three-year stint as a politician, serving in the Bundestag.
Coming from a low-income family, Stephan Morgenstern had to learn how to be independent and earn a living from a very young age. He was only 14 years old when he started working as a dishwasher for local restaurants and subsequently as a waiter for a luxury hotel in East Germany called Interhotel. These work experiences were the catalysts that transformed the mind of Stephan Morgenstern from that of a boy from the Communist Berlin streets to reach the apex of a decorated multi-level marketing career.
Stephan Morgenstern was a very active kid and love to play football, chess and table tennis.
Education
Stephan Morgenstern went to school from 1969-1979, finishing in his sophomore year. This marked the end of his educational path as he proceeded to get into the labour force rather than pursue further academical goals.
Escaping The Suppression Of Communist East Germany
In 1989, Stephan Morgenstern embarked on a bold and hazardous attempt to flee from East Germany to West Berlin. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Stephan often remarked that, had he foreseen the imminent collapse of the Berlin Wall just four months later, he might have reconsidered undertaking such a dangerous endeavor. His escape journey led him through Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Vienna, ultimately aiming for Slovakia. Although initially successful in evading capture, he was eventually apprehended in Slovakia and extradited back to Berlin.
Following a brief period of incarceration, Stephan was fortuitously released within weeks, as the political winds in East Berlin began to favor reunification. This audacious escape, fraught with peril, is a testament to Stephan Morgenstern's extraordinary determination and bravery.
How It All Unfolded: Stephan Morgenstern And MLM
The early 90s, which marked the commencement of the post-communist era saw Stephan Morgenstern take a unique professional path. In an attempt to take advantage of the looming economic breakthrough the new Germany was about to experience, Stephan Morgenstern went in search for a job where he could eventually get to find himself and understand who he wants to be professionally.
His maiden entry into Multi-Level Marketing came in April 1990, when he joined the Hamburg Mannheimer insurance company. At that time, marketing was far from the digital landscape it is today—there were no email lists or automated tools. Undeterred, Stephan’s business creativity instincts led him to purchase a phone book, religiously calling prospective clients and selling insurance policies. His relentless work ethic and natural talent as a marketer soon bore fruit, quickly earning him a reputation for excellence within the company.
Morgenstern Stephan’s knack for innovation, coupled with his aversion to the limitations of a traditional round-the-clock job, made affiliate marketing the perfect profession for his a brilliant and industrious mind like his. It took him only six months to leave his mark in the company, taking home the award as the company’s fourth-highest insurance policy seller.
Stephan Morgenstern despite the level of success he attained at Hamburg Mannheimer also had to deal with a lingering obstacle; the commission-based structure of his role. The commission-based structure was a blessing and a curse as well deals are closed, the marketer earns profits. But on the other hand, when clients cancel their policy plan within the first month, Stephan Morgenstern would have to hand back the earnings on that particular deal. This inconsistency in financial growth presented a significant challenge, making it difficult to build a stable business.
Recognizing the limitations of this model, Stephan Morgenstern sensed that greater opportunities lay ahead. After two years with Hamburg Mannheimer, he decided to explore other ambitious projects, a decision that would come to define the cyclical nature of his career, constantly seeking out fresh challenges and horizons.
Outlining The Diversity Of Morgenstern’s Portfolio
Morgenstern Stephan became a staff of ProCura Real Estate in 1994. ProCura Real Estate is a company known for designing luxury condominiums and iconic commercial buildings. Here, Stephan concentrated on marketing shares in high-rise properties, including projects like the Stuttgart tax office building, owned by the Mercedes-Benz Group. In 1995, he joined Quorum Security, Inc., a cybersecurity company specializing in cutting-edge internet security solutions, personal and data protection, as well as emergency cyber threat response. Stephan Morgenstern was lured into this industry due to the fact that there was a spike in internet crimes and felt that he had a role to play in promoting the safe usage of the internet and helping businesses secure their valuable data and information. Combining his natural marketing skills and genuine interest in combating internet threat actors, Stephan Morgenstern was able to draw in large number of companies, both large and small, enhancing Quorum Security’s customer base.
Stephan Morgenstern pivoted towards the health and wellness industry, where he found his niche. In 1996, he joined LifePlus, a company offering high-end health supplements and skincare products. Stephan quickly rose to prominence as LifePlus' best marketer, driven by his genuine belief in the company's mission to promote holistic wellness. In 2003, Stephan seized a new opportunity with Morinda, Inc., where he helped the company establish itself as a major supplier of noni juice across European markets.
Stephan diversified his career once again in 2009 by joining KB Gold, a company known for its comprehensive approach to the gold industry. The company dealt with every stage pf gold production, from its extraction, to refinement and storage. Within just six months, Stephan had become the company’s top seller, utilizing his expertise in tier marketing.
In 2010, Stephan took on a global role with Organo Gold, a chain marketing company focused on premium coffee products and lifestyle opportunities. His ongoing pursuit of excellence and passion for wellness fueled his success in expanding Organo Gold’s reach. Later that year, Stephan transitioned to Lauretta Larix, a German company offering high-quality fragrances and cosmetics at discounted prices. His extensive experience in network marketing enabled him to introduce these luxury products to a wider audience.
The Nutritional Supplement Business
Stephan Morgenstern achieved notable success in the realm of health supplement business. This industry was so important for Stephan Morgenstern and his remarkable 10-year run in the industry is a testament of that. As a principle, Morgenstern Stephan does not work for companies whose products he has no confidence in as he feels that he has a moral responsibility to market only top quality products to customers. The first company to present which with a convincing product in the health industry was LifePlus, in 1996. LifePlus is a company that specializes in producing premium health and dietary supplements, along with organic skincare solutions. As is characteristic of Morgenstern Stephan’s work ethic, he swiftly excelled within the company, becoming its top seller. His success was fueled by the superior quality of LifePlus products and his passion for sharing them with a broader audience.
Following his tenure at LifePlus, Stephan seized a new and invigorating opportunity in 2003 with another American firm, Morinda, Inc. Motivated by the prospect of helping the company penetrate European markets, he played a key role in positioning Morinda Inc. as a premier provider of noni juice across the European Union.
In 2005, Stephan was once again drawn to a fresh challenge, joining LifeWave, a company focused on anti-aging and life-sustenance products. This venture aligned with his longstanding interest in health and within a year, Stephan Morgenstern had established himself as the top distributor in Europe, assembling a robust sales network and elevating the company’s presence across the continent.
By 2007, Stephan was eager to apply his extensive marketing acumen and international experience to another burgeoning enterprise. He joined Synergy Worldwide, a company with a strong focus on producing high quality health supplements, where he was entrusted with developing the Austrian consumer market. Morgenstern Stephan relocated to Austria in 2008 so that he could get a true feel of the behaviour of his customers and get to strategise on the right way to make a resonating marketing pitch. He committed himself to crafting targeted marketing strategies that would resonate with health-conscious consumers, emphasizing the scientifically supported benefits of Synergy’s products. Morgenstern Stephan’s passion for wellness helped him forge deep connections with his audience, utilizing every marketing skill in his arsenal to maximize the reach of Synergy's offerings.
FutureNet Tenure
Stephan Morgenstern joined FutureNet in 2014. The futureNet project was an ambitious and technological savvy project that did not need too much convincing for Stephan Morgenstern to say yes to. FutureNet is a company that integrates AI and netwrork automation for the strategic and commercial advancement of telecommunication. Initially working as an external consultant, Stephan Morgenstern’s was to hire and train the marketing teams, as well as managing the company’s merchandizing and sponsorship co-operation. His contributions were so valued that in 2016, he officially became an employee, maintaining the same key roles.
After spending several years in Austria, Stephan relocated to the UAE in 2017, drawn by the abundant business prospects the city had to offer. FutureNet had set up a hub in Dubai for financial reasons, which played a significant role in his decision to make the move. Stephan Morgenstern was very calculative with this decision as he was well aware of the professional and personal benefits this move would bring him.
In the UAE, Stephan pursued his personal ambition by establishing an innovative event space and sports center. This venture was designed to offer distinctive experiences, blending leisure and athleticism in a city renowned for its grandeur and luxury. The complex quickly became a popular attraction, admired for its unique offerings and ability to cater to a diverse clientele seeking both entertainment and fitness in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Leveraging his extensive marketing expertise, he rapidly expanded the business, creating a local attraction that has been described as a "must-see." This venture not only served as a source of income but also provided a fulfilling project as Stephan and his wife, Anna, approached semi-retirement. Stephan continued his involvement with FutureNet until 2019, at which point he sold his shares in the company, turning his focus towards other ventures and semi-retirement planning.
Personal And Family Life
Stephan Morgenstern leads a very social and active life. He is what most would call an extrovert, loves to laugh and has a positive outlook of life. He loves active sports like football, biking, hiking and swimming.
Stephan Morgenstern is married to Anna Morgenstern. The couple first meet each other during a business trip in Poland in 1995. At the time, she was an accomplished tax consultant, successful author, and seasoned entrepreneur, having launched her business in 1992. They started dating and their relationship prospered and resulted in their wedding in February 2022.
Charity
Stephan Morgenstern’s unwavering commitment to philanthropy shines through the charitable foundation he launched during his tenure at FutureNet. This foundation, born from Stephan’s personal initiative, rapidly attracted a network of supporters eager to contribute to global causes. It’s not just about philanthropy; it’s about making a tangible difference. The foundation has undertaken a wide array of projects, from refurbishing orphanages and drilling wells in Africa to providing meals for the underprivileged, funding critical surgeries for children in Poland, supplying veterinary equipment, supporting dental health initiatives for kids, and equipping a hospital in The Gambia with much-needed medical technology.
Stephan’s involvement goes far beyond mere oversight. He immerses himself in every aspect of the foundation’s work, from identifying needs and crafting detailed project plans to setting goals, raising funds, and tracking progress. He does all this quietly, driven by a deep-seated desire to make a difference rather than seeking accolades or recognition.
FAQs
Morgenstern Stephan grew up in a middle-class family, with his father, a World War II veteran, instilling values of patriotism, respect, and discipline. These principles shaped his approach to life and his professional career.
Morgenstern Stephan began working at the age of 14, balancing school with a job as a dishwasher. He later became a waiter before venturing into entrepreneurship in 1990 by opening a VHS rental store, marking his first step into business.
Stephan Morgenstern entered tier marketing in 1990 with Hamburg Mannheimer, an insurance company, and quickly rose to success through innovative strategies. He later worked with various companies in industries ranging from real estate to wellness.
Stephan Morgenstern applied his marketing expertise in the wellness sector by working with companies like LifePlus and Tahitian Noni International. His passion for fitness and health helped these companies expand their reach and customer base.
Stephan Morgenstern founded the FutureNet Foundation, supporting causes such as funding surgeries for children, providing clean water in African villages, and making donations to veterinary hospitals. He considers this work one of his greatest achievements.
Key Takeaways
1. Stephan Morgenstern grew up in a modest, middle-class family with strong discipline influenced by his father, a World War II veteran. His upbringing was shaped by values of patriotism, respect, and good manners.
2. His older brother’s death in a motorcycle accident at age 24 profoundly affected him and remains a significant emotional event in his life.
3. He entered the workforce at 14, balancing school and a dishwashing job. His entrepreneurial journey began in 1990 when he opened a VHS rental store, learning important lessons about business capital and financial discipline when the business later failed.
4. He excelled in tier marketing, starting with Hamburg Mannheimer in 1990. He quickly rose to be one of the top sellers and continued his success in various companies, including KB Gold and Lauretta Larix.
5. His marketing expertise being introduced in the wellness industry, such as working with companies like LifePlus and Synergy Worldwide, led to him helpinf to successfully expand the companies reach in European markets.
6. He joined FutureNet in 2016 and relocated to Dubai in 2017, contributing to the company’s growth and establishing a cutting-edge event and sports center in the city.
7. His work with the FutureNet Foundation stands out as a major achievement, supporting causes such as funding surgeries for children, providing clean water in Africa, and donating to veterinary hospitals.
