Frank Ettwein was once the kind of guy who made life difficult for opponents in sports arenas. Today, he works in medical technology sales—bringing the same passion that defined his handball career. But how does someone go from being a tough handball defender to becoming a trusted Medtec figure?
Frank Ettwein grew up in the small town of Hausen ob Rottweil, surrounded by the quiet charm of rural life. On his father’s farm, where 47 hectares were cultivated and animals like cows, pigs, and geese were tended to, hard work was a way of life. “Whether on the farm or later in my career, I was always used to rolling up my sleeves and giving it all,” he recalls.
Options for adventure in such a small town were limited to two choices: handball or music. “I guess I didn’t have much of a choice—I had to ride my bike to get there,” Frank jokes. Sports ultimately won him over, with his father being a regular on the handball field himself. From casual games at the local club to catching the eyes of regional teams, Frank’s natural talent quickly paved the way for bigger opportunities. By the age of 16, he was playing in the top leagues of his region.
Balancing Wrenches and Goals
Frank’s path to professional sports wasn’t without its challenges. Alongside his rigorous handball training, he completed an apprenticeship as a car mechanic and helped on the family farm. “That meant working full-time during the day and training in the evenings,” he says. The discipline of this double life became a cornerstone of his future success. “In sports, training might not start until 10 a.m., but I was already used to early mornings and hard work.”
As his team advanced to the second league, the workload became even heavier. “My employer grew nervous when I started taking every Friday off for handball,” Frank remembers. Support from his team helped him secure a flexible job, giving him the balance he needed to keep playing at a professional level.
Playing in the Bundesliga came with its own set of challenges—constant travel, midweek games, and post-match interviews. “At first, my Swabian accent made those interviews pretty memorable, with my heart still racing,” he laughs. But moments like beating THW Kiel for the first time in December 2009 left an indelible mark: “That memory is like a tattoo in my mind.”
However, it was always a double shift between working with tools and playing professional sports. Frank continued to work at least two days a week in his job. “I never wanted to completely step away from it. I’ve always enjoyed the communication and teamwork,” says Ettwein. And that’s probably exactly why he eventually found his way into sales.
Finding a New Arena in Medical Technology
When his professional sports career came to an end, Frank faced the challenge of transitioning back into the workforce. However, he knew where his strengths lay. “Organization and communication have always been my strong suits, and I genuinely enjoy working with people,” he explains. After a few years in leadership roles in the e-bike and plastics industries, Frank found his true calling in the world of medical technology.
Since 2022, he has been part of H&B Electronic, a company specializing in injection systems for medical applications. One project that makes him particularly proud is an innovative lavage device used in orthopedic surgery. “It’s a milestone, especially when it comes to sustainability. Only the worn-out parts are discarded, aligning perfectly with hospitals’ green footprint goals,” Frank says with enthusiasm.
Lessons from the Court, Applied to Med-Tech
Even after hanging up his handball jersey, Frank stayed connected to the sport, participating in charity games and surprise appearances. His bond with former teammates remains strong: “We still text, meet at arenas, and support one another.”
Frank has carried many lessons from the court into his professional life. “Team spirit, discipline, and the ability to take hits and keep going help me every day. Not everything runs smoothly, but just like in sports, the key is to keep pushing forward.”
His leadership style also stems from his time in handball: “I was never the team captain, but I could always inspire the group. Now, I use that skill to motivate customers and drive innovative solutions.”
Looking Ahead
Today, both professionally and personally, life is good for Frank. Even a back surgery—“a small souvenir from my playing days”—hasn’t slowed him down. Looking forward, his wish is simple: good health and continued success for H&B Electronic in the med-tech industry. His unique blend of athlete mentality and technical expertise seems to be a perfect match.
“I’ve learned to always make the best out of any situation,” Frank concludes. “Whether on the field or at work, the most important thing is to give it your all. The rest will follow.”
