At age 22, upon his father's death, took over management of textile mills in Svitavka (Moravia), Brno, and Sagan and a sugar factory. His brothers Alfred and Benno joined the business and business prospered such that they expanded into new industries. These included a weaving and spinning industry in Ingrowitz (Bohemia), a cement factory in Brno and a factory in Beilsko-Biala (Poland). His business ventures were highly successful but he is best known for his technological innovations. In 1938 he emigrated to England and then settled in Lugano in 1947 (http://www.deutsche-biographie.de/sfz53872.pdf)

http://www.tugendhat.eu/en/the-large-villa-in-svitavka.html