Thinking ahead
Filter started his career in former East Germany and became a member of its national rowing team in the 1950s. He developed the world's first composite rowing shell in 1960 after becoming a naval architect.
In 1979, he became a founding member of the FISA's materials commission and served as its head from 1990 to 2000.
"Motivation is important. My hobby is my profession, so I never get tired," says Filter, who still rows sometimes.
Filter brought both his expertise and enthusiasm to China.
"He has high standards and follows them strictly. He really loves his profession," says Jin Yin, a senior manager from Xiong's company.
According to Jin, Filter often went to inspect the workplace and sometimes he would simply grab the tools available to show workers how things should be done.
When the company would launch new products, Filter would stay on the premises until late to ensure every detail was factored into the boat designs.
Over time, he has learned some Chinese, even jargon, to better communicate with his local colleagues. But there were challenges other than language as well, Filter says.
"A big part of my job here has been to change people's mentality and old habits."
He made efforts to improve the factory environment by making his colleagues understand the importance of "rowing as a team".
Filter asked the company to focus less on boats' appearances and more on the functionality of different parts.
"Function always takes priority over appearance. We must double-check to avoid silly mistakes," he says.
When disagreements arose, Filter would give his opinion frankly. He says he successfully persuaded Xiong to "think ahead" instead of continuing with cheap products that were produced in the company's early years when labor costs were low.
"I prefer to talk about problems openly, not to put them under the carpet," Filter says.
Filter also devotes himself to training young professionals for the company. As proposed by him, Sino Eagle has established a research and development team consisting of talent from China and abroad.
The company makes big investments annually to produce products based on new technologies.
"My time is limited. So I must hurry to hand over my know-how to young people," he says.
Home away from home
Filter received the Friendship Award from the Chinese government in 2004. The annual awards are given to foreigners who make significant contributions to China's development.
Filter, who has had a lot of international exposure, says he treasures his deep connection with China.
"It's not only work but more based on friendship," he says.
Filter has joined Xiong's family on many unforgettable tours around China. And being treated as a member of that family has given him a strong sense of home in China.
"I've watched his (Xiong's) sons and even grandsons grow up gradually. It's amazing."
As an honorary citizen of Fuyang, Filter has been watching the city grow in the past few years.
Filter recalls he was once the only Western face in Fuyang, but today, more than 200 foreign experts live here. He has even helped establish a local foreign experts' club as a socializing platform.
He says he is also impressed by improvements in the environment and people's living standards. Workers here used to ride bicycles. Now, many of them drive cars, he says.
"I realize that when you help a company grow, you also help a country grow. China is such a big nation－its development will benefit the entire rowing undertaking in return."
