Exploring Ancient Osnabruck, Germany

Many students list their most cherished memories as the time they spent studying abroad. For example, entrepreneur Mark Pieloch studied in Osnabruck, Germany, for a year while he was in high school. The experience gives students a chance to experience living and learning in a different country. Cities like Osnabruck appeal to more than just students, of course. Avid travelers and history buffs are lured to the ancient German city to explore its rich history and modern culture.

A Time of Wizards and Witches

Originally established in 780 as a marketplace near the bishop’s see founded by King Charlemagne, Osnabruck was first mentioned as a city in historical records in 1147. Granted fortification privileges in 1157, towers were built that are still visible today. Sadly, between 1561 and 1639, the most active witch-hunting period, 276 women and two men were executed for wizardry. Osnabruck is arguably most famous for being one of two locations where a series of peace treaties were signed ending the Thirty Years’ War.

Osnabruck sits in a scenic valley between the Wiehen Hills and the northern part of the Teutoburg Forest. Today, approximately 165,000 call Osnabruck home. With its cobbled streets filled with cafes, wine bars, pubs, museums and galleries, Osnabruck is a mix of old world charm and modern nuance.

A Wealth of Historic Sites

Students like Pieloch and inquisitive tourists find a wide range of educational and historical sites to explore in Osnabruck:

● Buckstrum is the oldest tower in the city and was used as the prison for those accused of witchcraft.

● The Felix Nussbaum Haus is a gallery and museum dedicated to Jewish artist Felix Nussbaum. Nussbaum, who was born in Osnabruck, was a surrealist painter, heavily influenced by van Gogh and Rousseau. While Nussbaum was in Rome studying, the Nazis gained control of Germany. Nussbaum continued painting until he was arrested and later murdered.

● Hegor Tor stands as a monument to the Osnabruck soldiers who died during the battle of Waterloo.

● Katharinenkirche, St. Catherine’s Church, was built in 1248, and is the tallest medieval building in Lower Saxony and one of the 150 tallest churches in the world.

● Osnabruck Castle is now the main University of Osnabruck building.

● The Kalkriese Museum houses artifacts from the battlefield of the Teutoburger Wald.

● St. Peter’s Cathedral was founded in the 11th century and has two dramatic façade towers.

After all that traveling back through time, travelers can enjoy exploring Old Town, with its tiny streets and medieval buildings. For a history break, tourists can explore the city’s zoo and botanical gardens.

Modern Amenities and Thriving Nightlife

Older students and adults who visit find a thriving nightlife in Osnabruck. Hyde Park is a music hall that features plenty of youth culture and popular live music. Alando is a nightclub and hot weekend spot near the train station.

A haven for chocolate lovers, Osnabruck is home to Leysieffer, a traditional German chocolate producer. Founded in Osnabruck, Leysieffer makes chocolate and café treats to please the most sophisticated palate.

Mark Pieloch credits his time in Osnabruck with giving him a sense of history and expanding his ideas about people of different cultures. Getting to know the people of Osnabruck, discovering the city’s rich and storied past and stepping out of their comfort zone give visitors a confidence and expanded world view that remains long after they return home.

Building a Rare Classic American Car Collection

Mark Pieloch caught the bug early. Riding along with his older brothers in their 1960s muscle cars sparked a lifelong love. Now, many years later, his Pieloch Classic Car Collection contains over 130 classic and antique cars, most with very low mileage or full frame-off restorations. It wasn’t always that way, though.

Getting His Start

After he graduated from high school, his father gave him a hand-me-down 1967 Ford Ranch Wagon for college in Boston. The car had over 130,000 miles on it and was badly in need of repair. With no money but lots of determination, Pieloch took the project on. In 1975, he proudly took the fully restored Ford Ranch Wagon with him to college. (Unfortunately, he did such a great restoration job that an “admirer” of the car stole it soon after he started school.) The Ranch Wagon was the first of many cars Pieloch restored. Mustangs, Bel Airs and Camaros followed. He loved restoring cars. The problem was that after working on a car for so long and bringing it back to its glory days, he found he couldn’t say goodbye. Rather than sell his masterpieces, Pieloch started collecting.

Collecting and restoring cars sounds like an expensive hobby. It can be, of course. The truth is, however, that anyone can start collecting cars. Pieloch restored his first car because he needed it for school and didn’t have the money to buy one. He was willing to work hard and restore the car to working condition. While he was at it, he discovered he had a talent for restoration. First cars in a collection don’t have to break the bank or be some rare, exotic, one-of-a-kind model. Keeping an open mind and a willingness to use some elbow grease can be the start of something big.

Not Just for the Wealthy

Jay Leno, a long time collector, advises the novice to stop looking for a rare treasure, particularly when first starting out. He says that even if a car is not a rare collector piece, it can be fun to drive, affordable and great for weekend cruising. Plus, it can come with a great story. Hemmings Classic Car magazine lists several makes and models from the 1970s that are affordable and make a good first collection investment. Making the cut was the 1973 to 1975 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Coupe, 1972 Pontiac Bonneville four door hardtop, 1975 to 1978 Matador Coupe, 1973 to 1974 Buick Luxus Century Coupe and the 1976 Gran Torino.

Most initial collector purchases are project cars. Collectors recommend that beginners work on and complete one project at a time. When looking to purchase, choose a car that is within driving distance. Buying unseen over the Internet, particularly with the first project, is too risky at this stage. Keep your budget, capabilities and personal preferences in mind. Purchase a Chilton’s or other detailed manual about your particular car. The object is to have fun and learn.

The Mark Pieloch Classic Car Collection started small. In addition to the over 130 antique and classic cars now in the collection, Pieloch has vintage gas pumps, antique pedal cars, antique radios, restored neon auto signs, antique restored soda coolers and a restored 1952 Seeburg Model 100 jukebox. It all started with that 1967 Ford Ranch Wagon back in 1974.

Car Show Restoration Standards With Mark Pieloch

Mark Pieloch has been collecting and restoring cars since 1974, when he first completed work on a 1967 Ford Ranch Wagon given to him by his father. Many of Pieloch's vehicles have been painstakingly restored to meet exacting car-show requirements. Authenticity is a critical element in the judging process for concours car-show events. In some cases, owners may be required to provide documentation on all work performed and the provenance of parts used to complete the restoration. Appearance events, by contrast, focus specifically on the overall appearance of the vehicle and the quality of the work performed by the restorer.

Better Pet Nutrition With Mark Pieloch

As the owner of several major pet pharmaceutical and flavor-development companies, Mark Pieloch has a solid understanding of the nutritional requirements of dogs and cats. Organic foods are becoming more popular in the pet industry as owners become more aware of the benefits of natural processing and the risks of overly processed foods. Nutritional supplements can help dogs, cats and horses maintain healthy bones and teeth. Additionally, oil-based vitamin supplements can often enhance the shine of coats and improve the overall health of eyes, nervous systems and other physical elements of companion animal health. Pieloch's full range ofanimal-nutrition products can ensure that pets enjoy better health throughout their lives.

Puppy Shots With Veterinary Pharmaceutical Expert Mark Pieloch

As a professional in the pet pharmaceuticals industry, Mark Pieloch recommends providing puppies with the recommended schedule of vaccinations and veterinary treatments during their first year of life. Puppies should be vaccinated against distemper, measles and parainfluenza as early as practical. These shots are usually given between six and eight weeks of age. Combined DHPP shots include most of the same protections but should not be given to puppies under the age of 10 weeks. Rabies shots are required in most states and are recommended at 12 to 16 weeks and on an annual or biannual basis thereafter. Vaccinations for bordetella, coronavirus and Lyme disease are also available for puppies aged 10 weeks and up.

Mark Pieloch's Rise to the Top of the Pharmaceutical Industry

Mark Pieloch has always been fascinated by chemistry and the role of various compounds in combating disease and promoting health. During his studies at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, Pieloch became interested in researching animal health and promoting pet wellness. His work with laboratory animals during the development of his graduate thesis further cemented Pieloch's resolve to work on behalf of companion animals and to develop pharmaceutical products to improve their health and longevity.

Pieloch accepted his first professional position as a registered pharmacist while he was still attending school and studying for his master's degree in industrial pharmacy. After completing his graduate studies, Pieloch held several different positions in various retail and research organizations before taking a job with SmithKline Beecham Animal Health. He achieved exceptional success and rose quickly through the ranks at SmithKline Beecham, reaching the elevated rank of director of Pharmaceutical Development just five years after joining the company as an entry-level research pharmacist. Pieloch's experiences at SmithKline Beecham prepared him well for the next stage in his professional career.

In 1990, Pieloch founded PharmaChemie in Lincoln, Nebraska. This new pharmaceutical firm was created to serve the needs of veterinary professionals, pet owners and pets with a focus on advanced nutritional supplements and flavoring agents for use in medications and vitamins. By increasing the flavor and scent appeal of these pet products, the dosing process can be made easier for owners and veterinarians.

Pieloch continued his success story by establishing four more companies in the following years. Today, he owns two firms devoted to promoting better health for companion animals. He splits his home between sunny Melbourne Beach, Florida, and the Black Hills of South Dakota.