Johann Conrad Fischer (1773–1854), pioneer at the time of the Industrial Revolution and founder of GF, travelled far and wide. He covered more than 30'000 kilometres from his journeyman's hike at the age of 19 to his last trip to the World's Fair in London 60 years later. Fischer cultivated a network with scientists, entrepreneurs and personalities throughout Europe.

He travelled widely in far places;
Wrote, and was widely read.
Soldiered, saw some of danger's faces,
Came home to Nettlebed.