“My bank is straightforward. It doesn’t overpromise.”
Ruth and Rudolf Bosch share a passion for beautiful things. Ruth runs a fashion boutique, while Rudolf restores and trades antiques. Together, they manage their own real estate portfolio. Family values shape their private lives; in business, they are guided by a deep-rooted trust in their bank’s expertise.
Rudolf Bosch’s passion for working with wood is unmistakable as he applies shellac to an eighteenth-century writing desk. These days, however, doing the restoration work himself is the exception. In his antiques business, he focuses on quotations, deliveries and client relationships. “You cannot do everything,” he says.
In fact, Rudolf Bosch does a great deal. He and his wife own several properties, including apartment buildings. They acquire properties, refurbish and renovate them, and carry out conversions. Do they then sell them at a profit? “No,” Rudolf says firmly. “We keep the properties and rent them out.”
“There is a real foundation of trust.”
In their real estate activities, the Boschs work with people they know and trust. They have worked with the same construction company for decades and turn to Zürcher Kantonalbank Private Banking for market assessments and financing. When it comes to financial matters, one thing matters above all to the Boschs: trust.
Rudolf Bosch chooses his words carefully. Yet when he speaks about Zürcher Kantonalbank Private Banking, he is unequivocal: “My wife and I receive excellent, highly professional advice. We have never felt so well looked after by a bank. And we have complete confidence in our Relationship Manager.”
What makes the advice so professional? “Zürcher Kantonalbank is genuine. It doesn’t overpromise,” he replies. Other banks, he says, often promise too much. Ruth and Rudolf Bosch are well placed to compare: the successful business owners previously worked with other banks and only chose Zürcher Kantonalbank in 2016.
During my apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker on Langstrasse, I discovered that there was a world beyond Zollikon.
Rudolf Bosch, Private Banking client
From Zollikon to Langstrasse
Rudolf Bosch grew up in a sheltered environment. His parents were pioneers in medicine who helped establish plastic surgery in Switzerland. But Rudolf did not follow the seemingly predetermined path into academia. Instead, he trained as a cabinetmaker on Zurich’s famously colourful Langstrasse. “I discovered that there was a world beyond Zollikon,” he says with a smile. The experience broadened his outlook and shaped his character. “Today, I can contribute effectively on a construction site. I understand what is going on and I speak people’s language.”
After his apprenticeship and further training in antique furniture, Rudolf Bosch set up his own business. “By the age of 14, I already knew I wanted to be my own boss.” He then worked for eight years without taking a single day’s holiday – and had his first encounter with the financial world. His first visit to a major bank was disappointing: “Ten per cent interest on a loan of CHF 50,000. I simply could not afford that.”
A relationship that extends beyond investments
Ruth and Rudolf Bosch have made Zürcher Kantonalbank their principal bank, entrusting it with their real estate activities as well as the financial affairs of their fashion and antiques businesses.
The relationship also encompasses some of life’s bigger decisions. They recently discussed inheritance matters with their teenage children – with their Relationship Manager at the table. “It matters to us that the family wealth is preserved. We want our children to look after it together and, in time, pass it on responsibly. With Zürcher Kantonalbank’s support, we were able to put the right arrangements in place from the outset.”
We have never felt better looked after by a bank, and we have complete confidence in our Relationship Manager.
Rudolf Bosch, Private Banking client
“The client events are outstanding.”
Ruth and Rudolf Bosch often sit down together to plan their next renovation project. “We love doing that together,” he says enthusiastically. “Choosing materials, planning kitchens – we have the same style and the same taste.” Managing the construction itself is more his domain. And what does Ruth do better than Rudolf? “Everything,” he laughs, before adding with characteristic ease: “We complement each other very well.”
It is hardly surprising that the couple are equally in tune when it comes to enjoying life. They visit compelling art exhibitions together and enjoy outings in their classic car or motorboat. Both also value Zürcher Kantonalbank’s client events. “The client events are outstanding. We never had anything like that with a bank before. We meet many interesting people and exchange ideas.” And when the latest developments in a new-build project are discussed with their Relationship Manager at one of those events, that is simply part of the trust that matters in Private Banking.
Editor’s note: Ruth Bosch was unfortunately unable to take part in the conversation as planned due to a severe cold.
