“Jingle Bell Valves” (out December 1st on MFB Music Management)
Introduction
After more than 30 years in the valve industry, Mischu (this is how his true friends call him) has seen pretty much everything that can move, regulate, block, or burst under pressure. He’s built a reputation not just as a CEO, commercial director, hydrant connoisseur, and strategist, but as one of the most influential voices in the worldwide valve community. With over 25,000 followers on LinkedIn, which in the industrial sector basically makes him the Beyoncé of valves.
His passion for valves, markets, people, and occasionally for volleyball courts and national teams, now culminates in a historic cultural event: the release of “Jingle Bell Valves” by the Fire Hydrant Rockabilly Band, on Michus Charity Record label MFB, the world’s first industrial-valve-themed Christmas single. Out December first. Everywhere.
10 Questions with Mischu
1. Mischu, let’s start simple: Why in the world does the planet need a valve-themed Christmas song?
Look, after 35 years of passion for valves, I’ve learned one thing: people underestimate how emotional industrial equipment can be. And honestly, if Shakin’Stevens can defrost every November and December, why can’t the valve industry have its own holiday anthem?
Plus, the world desperately needs some technical Christmas joy. My mission was simple: connect precision engineering with festive cheer.
And as I always say:
“If you can’t bring meaning to your industry, bring music.”
2. Some say the valve market is too serious for a Christmas single. Your reaction?
Ah yes, the myth that valves are “dry.” Anyone who’s ever tried to negotiate a delivery date in Q4 knows valves are anything but dry.
I’ve spent decades working with amazing people in this business. From suppliers in Italy to technicians in Switzerland, and trust me, this industry has heart.
Also, honestly? If we can handle pressure classes up to 4500lbs, we can certainly handle a Christmas beat.
3. You’ve been called a ‘global influencer’ in the valve industry. What does that even mean?
Well, it simply means I talk about valves so passionately that 25,000 people on LinkedIn voluntarily follow along. That’s both flattering and slightly concerning for them.
But with influence comes responsibility. I stand for openness, honesty, loyalty, and yes, accountability. Whether I talk about valves or leadership, people know I mean what I say.
4. Your career wasn’t 100% valves — you took a break to coach the Swiss Men’s Volleyball National Team. Why?
Because I’m stubborn. And because I believe every person can get better, and that coaching isn’t limited to sports.
That period shaped me. When you’re standing in a gym in Lausanne with a group of incredibly talented men, and you tell them at 6 a.m. to repeat a drill for the 37th time, you learn about leadership.
And the players taught me as much as I taught them.
Coaching and valves; both are about precision, timing, and knowing when to apply pressure.
5. What values guided you throughout this crazy journey?
Openness; because hidden agendas corrode faster than unprotected cast iron.
Honesty; even when it’s uncomfortable.
Loyalty; because trust is the currency of leadership.
Accountability; because nothing good grows where no one takes responsibility.
And, most importantly, passion for people. One of my strongest beliefs is:
“If someone crosses my path, I want them to walk away better than they arrived.”
6. Tell us an example from your time as Commercial Director that shaped you.
Oh, there are many.
One time, we saved a major project by being brutally honest with a customer about a mistake, and fixing it faster than they expected. They became one of our most loyal partners.
Another time, I insisted on visiting a frustrated customer personally, even though it was just a small order.” That visit created a long-term relationship worth millions.
“People remember how you treat them, not your spreadsheets & Power Points”
7. So, back to the single: what does “Jingle Bell Valves” sound like?
Imagine the classic Christmas vibe… mixed with the subtle romance of stainless steel, the swing of actuator mechanics, and a lyrical tribute to pressure ratings.
It’s festive, fun, and just the right amount of absurd. Exactly like the valve industry after a long year.
8. Why release it now? Why 2025?
Because the world is finally ready.
Also because I’ve spent decades trying to make valves “sexy,” and believe me, this is the closest we’ll ever get.
And let’s be honest: if not now, when? The industry deserves a moment of cultural glory.
9. What do you hope people feel when they hear the song?
Joy. Inspiration. Maybe a little confusion.
But most importantly, I want people in our industry, from engineers to apprentices, to feel seen & repected for their work and passion.
Valves keep the world running. Literally. And that deserves applause… or at least a Christmas single.
10. Last question: what’s next after this? Will you tour? Record more? Start a valve boyband?
A valve boyband… now that would break the internet.
But for sure the Fire Hydrant Rockabilly Band will play the song at their gigs from time to time during festive season.
For now, my focus stays on helping people grow in teams, in companies, in life, and fore sure achieve my goals in particularly turnover an EBIT goals.
But if “Jingle Bell Valves” becomes the official Christmas song of the industry?
Well… let’s just say: I’m open to a music video featuring a dancing fire hydrant.
Connect with Michel on Linkedin
