How recommendations turn into success stories: Franco’s and Pascale’s zeb.referral journey
Published on: 23 March 2026
The zeb.referral program thrives on authentic recommendations – and exactly such a recommendation connects Franco and Pascale. In this success story, both share how a professional exchange turned into a compelling impulse to apply. Franco describes his motivation for recommending zeb, and Pascale talks about her experience with the application process and her start at the company. An insight into a referral story from which all sides benefit.
Referrer: Franco Opitz
Why did you participate in the zeb.referral program and recommend zeb as an employer?
I’ve been with zeb for ten years now and simply feel completely at home here, which can be attributed to the outstanding team spirit and especially the great colleagues. For me, zeb is an employer that I can recommend with full conviction. And that’s why I decided to take part in the referral program.
To a certain extent, I also see it as my responsibility as an employee to actively contribute to the continued success of our company – not only through good project work but also by recommending really good personnel who fit in with zeb both on a professional and personal level.
Of course, the bonus is an additional, welcome incentive. However, it is not the main reason for me to participate in the referral program but rather a nice extra for something that I already enjoy doing out of conviction.
Who did you recommend and how did you get to know each other?
I recommended Pascale Ullmann. We got to know each other via a mutual friend – the three of us are connected by our time together at Versicherungsforen Leipzig, which is a nice unifying element.
How did you manage to convince Pascale of zeb, was there a decisive factor?
I don’t think it was so much a single decisive factor as the overall package. The open-minded and collegial people at zeb, the steep learning curve, the high level of personal responsibility and the varied project work were probably the main deciding factors.
What added value do you see for yourself by taking part in the referral program?
For me personally, the added value lies in being able to recommend people of whom I myself am convinced – not only professionally but also personally. The referral program allows us to recommend colleagues who are a good fit for zeb and share our culture. This not only strengthens the teams but also makes day-to-day collaboration better for everyone.
Do you have a good tip for colleagues who would like to become active as a “recruiter” themselves?
My tip is quite simple: keep your ears open. If people in your personal network are unhappy about their job or their employer, it’s worth listening. If it’s a good fit from both a professional and personal point of view, I’m happy to start a conversation and talk openly about zeb and my own experiences. This makes recommendations uncomplicated and authentic.
Referred candidate: Pascale Ullmann
Referred candidate: Pascale Ullmann
How was the referral process for you and did Franco have to do a lot of persuading? And did you know zeb before?
When I decided to apply to zeb, I was lucky enough to have 2–3 phone calls with Franco in advance. The discussions with Franco gave me a good insight into everyday life as a consultant at zeb and an initial indication of whether my profile and personality would be a good fit for the company. In the end, I was quickly convinced by his arguments and applied straight away.
Why did you choose zeb as your employer?
I chose zeb for two reasons: I wanted to develop personally and have found exactly the right environment here to support me. At the same time, I felt very comfortable right from the start of the application process, thanks in part to the Female Buddy Program. From the very beginning, I had a dedicated contact person whom I could ask any questions I had about zeb and who was also there to support me on a personal level.
What was it like to start at zeb and what has been your highlight so far?
I experienced my start at zeb as very positive from the very beginning. Directly after joining the company, I could participate both in a PG meeting and in our zeb.Start I week for newcomers. In that one week, I got to know many colleagues who started working at zeb around the same time as me. Moreover, I learned some valuable skills and practical tips and tricks for my daily work.
When I think of my highlight so far, there is no single moment but rather a topic that never ceases to inspire me: working together with our clients. Interacting with them on an equal footing and the feeling of really being part of the team are what make this type of work so special.
