Made for men – Mademan

Armin Wolfarth is an entrepreneur whose career path blends personal passion, family heritage, and professional experience. At 57, he founded Mademen GmbH, a brand dedicated to premium skin and beard care for men. But how did it all begin?
Raised in Germany’s Black Forest, a tourism hub, Armin started as a restaurant professional. He later worked in retail, then in sales – until health issues prompted a career rethink. In 2022, he decided to go independent.
A family legacy – with curls
Armin’s inspiration came from his family: he’s a descendant of Charles Nessler – the inventor of the permanent wave (perm). This link to haircare eventually led him to the cosmetics industry.
A label by a man, for men
As a massage therapist, Armin saw firsthand how many men struggled with skin problems, especially on the face. This inspired him to develop and import products tailored to male skin. “Men deserve the best care for their skin,” he says. But funding was tight.
Ahead gets grooming
Online, Armin discovered Ahead Mikrokredite and connected with a consultant. The advisor listened, provided valuable insights, and helped him calculate a detailed business budget. The loan enabled Armin to register the Mademen brand, build inventory, and launch targeted marketing.
Today, Mademen offers a range of products – from shampoos and shower gels to razors – all with a focus on quality and sustainability. Armin also plans to expand into women’s skincare. One thing’s for sure: this doer is far from done.
Armin Wolfarth
Mademen GmbH
Römerstrasse 46
8400 Winterthur