Family businesses like Krupp, Oetker, Haniel or Gerling: their names stand for success, tradition and German economic history. They have influenced the fortunes of entire regions and the fate of generations. Products like Krupp steel, 4711 Eau de Cologne or Dr. Oetker baking powder are legendary brand names and enjoy the best reputation worldwide. But who are the people behind these names? What is the secret of their success and what path did they have to follow to get to the top? Most of these family dynasties live in seclusion, little private information is known about them, and you rarely read their names in the tabloid press.