How a 22-Year-Old Took Over a Swiss Heating Business—and Made It Thrive

At just 22, Lorik Krasniqi owns and runs a thriving heating and plumbing business in Wohlen, canton of Aargau. The young entrepreneur took over Koch Heizung & Sanitär after convincing its former owner to sell—and now employs four people, with plans to expand further. Krasniqi’s path to self-employment began early. Inspired by his father, who built a real estate business from scratch, he started planning his own venture during his apprenticeship as a plumbing and heating installer. His opportunity came when he met Markus Koch, a retiring one-man operator. After working together for just three months, Krasniqi persuaded Koch to sell him the business.

Today, the company works with property management firms and is registered with the TCS for emergency call-outs. Despite his age, Krasniqi leads a team where some employees are more than twice as old as him. He insists age has never been an issue, thanks to mutual respect and a shared focus on quality work. Running the business demands long hours. Krasniqi regularly works 12-hour days and remains on call around the clock—his phone often rings nonstop, even during interviews. Free time is rare, and vacations are almost nonexistent. Yet he remains committed to growth, offering work experience placements and planning to hire an apprentice by summer 2026. For him, training the next generation is key to the company’s future. His dedication has paid off. The business continues to expand, proving that determination and early ambition can build lasting success.

Krasniqi’s company now employs four people, with another apprentice set to join in 2026. His focus on training and emergency services keeps the business moving forward. Despite the gruelling schedule, his commitment to growth—and his team—shows no signs of slowing down.