One in a series honoring the Exchange’s 131 years of Family Serving Family
Who he is: Otfried “Otti” Schaaf, safety specialist, Europe Region
Years at the Exchange: 45
What brought him to the Exchange: Schaaf dedicated more than four decades to creating safer workplaces across the Exchange in Europe. He started as a warehouse worker at the Giessen Distribution Center in Germany. Throughout a 45-year career, his focus remained on protecting associates, shoppers and facilities while building lasting relationships with colleagues.
As Schaaf prepares to retire at the end of July, he reflects on a career defined not only by safety programs and facility improvements but also by the people he worked alongside.
“Saying goodbye is not easy for me,” Schaaf said. “I can look back on many wonderful moments, experiences and projects that I will cherish for a long time. I truly enjoyed working with you all.”
During his career, Schaaf became a familiar face at Exchange locations throughout Europe, partnering with store leadership to identify risks, improve workplace safety and ensure facilities met rigorous safety standards.
Among the many projects that stand out are helping establish the Kaiserslautern Military Community Exchange; supporting the relocation of the Giessen Distribution Center to Germersheim; assisting management in getting the required explosion protection assessments and TÜV inspections for Exchange fuel facilities; and completing countless risk assessments that improved working conditions throughout Europe region.
Exchange memories: For Schaaf, however, some of his favorite memories came from working directly with associates.
“I also have great memories of the forklift training sessions,” he said. “They gave me the chance to get to know many different people all over Europe and train them to operate forklifts safely.”
Those training sessions became more than technical instruction. They allowed Schaaf to build relationships with associates while sharing knowledge that prevented injuries and created safer workplaces.
“There are many more memories on store visits and situations where I worked with management to make the work environment safer,” he said.
Exchange changes through the years: Schaaf witnessed tremendous change throughout Europe. Facilities expanded, relocated and modernized while safety requirements continued to evolve. Through each transition, he remained committed to ensuring associates had safe places to work and customers had safe places to shop.
Although much of a safety specialist’s work happens behind the scenes, Schaaf’s contributions touched nearly every part of the Exchange operation—from fuel stations and warehouses to retail stores and distribution facilities.
His work helped ensure compliance with safety regulations while fostering a culture where risk awareness and accident prevention became part of everyday operations.
Family serving family: For Schaaf, the greatest reward wasn’t found in reports or inspections, it was the people.
“I met so many different people, and I will remain friends with some of them forever,” he said.
After 45 years of service, Schaaf leaves behind a legacy measured not only by safer facilities but also by the countless associates he mentored, trained and supported throughout Europe.
As he retires, he looks back on this career with gratitude.
“Thank you all,” Schaaf said. “I really enjoyed working with you at the Exchange.”
With retirement ahead, Schaaf leaves knowing his decades of dedication helped make Exchange workplaces safer for generations of associates and customers across Europe.
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