Andreas Mehlmayer: From Technical Expert to Head of Sales – Always Seeking New Challenges

Anyone who speaks with Andreas quickly notices that curiosity, openness, and a drive to move things forward have been a constant throughout his entire career. Today, he serves as Head of Sales at weba Werkzeugbau, supporting customers with demanding technical projects. His journey has taken him from mechanical engineering through CAD, programming, and PLM systems to international solution sales.

In this interview, Andreas shares why, after more than 35 years in his professional career, he still enjoys exploring new opportunities, why teamwork is the key to success in his view, and why change often creates the greatest opportunities.


More Than Sales: Developing Solutions, Connecting People, and Achieving Success Together


From Mechanical Engineering to Sales

Andreas, your career path has taken you from mechanical engineering through PLM systems and into sales. How did it all begin?

My professional journey started at the Higher Technical College (HTL) for Mechanical Engineering in Linz. Even during my school years, I gained my first practical experience through summer internships at various companies, which allowed me to explore different areas of industry.

After completing my military service, I began my career at BEKO, where I worked for around ten years, initially as a design engineer. During that time, my interest in CAD systems and programming grew steadily. Step by step, I took on additional responsibilities until I was ultimately responsible for system implementation as well as training employees and customers.

I then joined EBM, where I spent approximately 25 years. There, I deepened my expertise in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and data management. My first connection with weba dates back to 2003, when I supported the implementation of PLM and data management solutions as a technical specialist.

Over the years, my focus increasingly shifted toward sales. I worked closely with customers in the automotive and aerospace industries and discovered how exciting the combination of technology, customer interaction, and solution development can be.

After many years in the PLM environment, you consciously decided to make a fresh start. What ultimately led you to join weba?

After 25 years at EBM, I felt it was the right time to take on new challenges. During conversations with weba CEO Hannes Feuerhuber, the idea of joining weba emerged. Since I already knew the company from numerous joint projects and had worked with many of its colleagues before, the decision came naturally.

And if I was going to embrace change, I wanted to do it properly. I deliberately chose to take a new path and challenge myself with a completely different role. That is exactly what makes my work at weba so exciting today.
 

People, Solutions, and Collaboration

Today, you serve as Head of Sales at weba. What excites you most about this role?

To me, sales is not about selling products. It is about developing solutions together with the customer. Our customers come to us with specific challenges. Together with our technical experts, we analyze their requirements and develop solutions that are both technically and economically viable.

What I value most is the direct interaction with people. Whether within the team or in discussions with customers, it is this collaboration that makes every day diverse and interesting.

What do you value most in your professional life?

For me, strong and trusting collaboration is the foundation of long-term success. Projects are completed, teams evolve, and new tasks arise. What truly matters is being able to build on shared successes, even years later. Respect, reliability, and mutual trust play a central role in that.

What has been your greatest professional achievement so far?

Throughout my career, there have been many successful projects and memorable moments. I am particularly proud of having often been among the first to successfully implement new technologies and innovative concepts. Change has never discouraged me—quite the opposite.

At the same time, I never see success as the achievement of a single individual. Behind every successful project are many people, ideas, and contributions. That is why I always view success as a team effort.

It quickly becomes clear during our conversation that collaboration is especially important to you. What do you appreciate most about your team?

Loyalty, honesty, and openness.

Great teams are built on trust, the ability to rely on one another, and a shared commitment to finding the best solutions together.

Andreas, what makes weba special to you?

I appreciate the straightforward and efficient way we work together. Meetings are short, focused, and solution-oriented.

I also find the close collaboration with our locations in Germany and the Czech Republic particularly exciting. It brings together different perspectives and encourages new ideas.

What has impressed me most, however, are the development opportunities that weba offers. Young people are given the chance to take on responsibility and grow in a wide range of areas.

In addition, we work with a highly diverse customer base—from international corporations to smaller companies. This variety creates constant opportunities to learn and makes the work exciting every day.

Even though you haven’t been with us for very long, is there a particular weba moment that stands out in your memory?

My start at weba definitely stands out as a very positive experience. From day one, I was welcomed with openness and warmth. Settling into the team was completely straightforward, and I immediately felt that I belonged.

What impressed me most was the willingness of my colleagues to help. Coming from a different professional background, there were naturally many new technical topics for me to learn. That made me appreciate the patience and support of the team even more. No matter the question or challenge, there was always someone willing to help and share their knowledge.

For me, this openness, mutual respect, and genuine willingness to support one another are what define a typical weba moment.


Motivation, Values, and Looking Ahead

What motivates you every day?

Communication with people, diverse challenges, and the opportunity to actively shape and influence outcomes.

Our industry is constantly evolving. New markets, new technologies, and new requirements ensure that no two days are the same. It is precisely these changes that make the work so interesting.

What motivates me most is celebrating successes together and seeing ideas become reality.

Are there people who inspire you professionally?

Yes, definitely.

In my immediate professional environment, I am particularly impressed by our colleague Jürgen Weiß from Technical Sales. He has a clear vision of how to approach his responsibilities and how to lead his team.

Our CEO, Hannes Feuerhuber, is also a source of inspiration. What I especially admire is his focus on the long-term development of the company. He does not only work in the business—he works on the business. Even in challenging situations, he remains calm, focused, and capable of making the right decisions.

With your many years of experience, you have seen a lot throughout your career. What advice would you give to young people starting their professional journey?

Stay curious and question things. Have the courage to explore new paths and remain open to different opportunities. Not every decision has to be perfect from the beginning. Often, opportunities only emerge when you are willing to embrace something new. The rest frequently develops on its own.

 

A motto that has accompanied Andreas for many years:
“If you don’t try, you’ll never know if you can do it.”
- Hans Kammerlander



The Person Behind the Head of Sales

Besides your professional life, family and personal time seem to play an important role for you. I assume that work-life balance is therefore very important to you?

Yes, absolutely. Family, friends, and a healthy personal environment are the foundation of long-term professional success. Of course, it is important to have a job that you enjoy and that motivates you. At the same time, everyone needs areas outside of work where they can recharge and gain new energy.

For me, both belong together: professional challenges and a fulfilling personal life.

What does that look like in practice? How do you spend your free time when you're not at weba?

I am very much a family person. One of the greatest joys in my life right now is becoming a grandfather of two. Spending time with my grandchildren is something truly special and a wonderful new experience.

In general, I enjoy being outdoors. During the summer, I love spending time in the mountains or at one of the many lakes. A few years ago, I also discovered sailing, which has become the perfect balance to everyday work life. In winter, you will often find me on ski tours. Being active in nature helps me clear my mind and recharge my batteries.

And overall, I am someone who enjoys life's pleasures. Good food, beautiful travel destinations, and relaxing holidays are all important to me—especially when they involve spending time in Italy.

Finally, how would you describe yourself in three words?

Loyal. Open-minded. Curious.


Dear Andreas,

Thank you for your time and for sharing these personal insights with us. Your openness, curiosity, and enthusiasm for new challenges demonstrate just how important people with experience, team spirit, and a proactive mindset are to a company’s success.

We look forward to continuing this journey together with you at weba.