Stepping Over Milestones: Stephan Schenk of Stapelstein

Stepping Over Milestones: Stephan Schenk of Stapelstein

From Startup Mindsets by Dan Gonzales

June 12, 2025 · 50 min · Season 15 · Episode 4

About this episode

Stephan Schenk discusses his journey from designer to entrepreneur with Stapelstein, focusing on innovative children's play products and sustainable practices.

Stephan Schenk is the designer-turned-entrepreneur behind Stapelstein, the German startup that is redefining children’s play through vibrant, ultra-light “stacking stones” made from 100 % recyclable EPP. Inspired by a childhood spent in a family of educators, Stephan set out to get kids moving in the classroom; what began as a dynamic chair concept in 2016 quickly evolved into an open-ended play system that lets children (and adults) build, balance, sort, and imagine without limits. Learn more at stapelstein.com Today Stapelstein is a purpose-driven company headquartered near Stuttgart, employing 29 people and posting €40 million in annual turnover. Stephan has hard-wired social and environmental responsibility into the firm through a steward-ownership model, German-made carbon-neutral production, and a commitment to designing products that outlast trends and generations.Under his leadership, the brand’s rainbow-hued elements have earned a string of accolades, including Good Housekeeping’s Best Toy Award 2024 and multiple design honors for their minimalist aesthetic and durability. Stephan’s work has been featured at SXSW 2025, where he spoke on marrying playful design with…

People in this episode

Host: Dan Gonzales

Guest: Stephan Schenk

Topics covered

  • entrepreneurship
  • children's play
  • design
  • sustainability
  • business growth

Keywords

  • Stapelstein
  • children's play
  • sustainable design
  • entrepreneurship
  • EPP
  • stacking stones
  • social responsibility

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Stapelstein

Books & works: Startup Mindsets

Places: Germany, Stuttgart

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