24.07.2026
Company: Kuratle Jaecker AG
Date joined the company: 1 March 2024
Role: Team Leader in Alpnach, with additional role as In-house Sales Adviser in Sins
Education and training: EFZ qualification in carpentry; ‘
’ (military training) as an infantry sergeant major
Place of residence: Mellingen (AG)
You run your own tattoo and piercing studio. How did you discover your passion for tattooing?
It wasn’t actually my idea to begin with; it all came about through my partner. She’d already been tattooing for a few years and wanted to set up her own business. Together, we decided to open a studio. As I’d always enjoyed drawing and painting, I was also very interested in tattooing. I gave it a go and quickly realised that it could turn into a real passion. After work, I practised on artificial skin every day and improved my technique. Before long, we found suitable premises in Mellingen and were able to set up our own studio. My wife is the organisational brain behind the business, whilst I mainly contribute the creative passion.
How do you feel about the transition from painting on paper to tattooing on the skin?
The biggest difference is the responsibility. You always have to bear in mind that the tattoo will be with a person for the rest of their life. That’s why you plan every design carefully and work with particular precision. On paper, you can rub out mistakes; on the skin, you can’t. My aim is for the client to look at the finished tattoo and go home happy at the end of the day.
As well as managing a team and tattooing, you ride a motorbike and go on camping trips. Is there a trip that has stayed with you in particular?
I’m particularly looking forward to an upcoming trip to the Dolomites – the scenery there is said to be incredibly beautiful. But I also have fond memories of a trip where we rode over a total of 15 Swiss mountain passes. On the first night, we camped near St. Moritz. Back then, my camping kit wasn’t quite up to scratch. It was stormy and rained all night, and my tent got completely soaked. Still, it was a brilliant experience. The route then took us on to Lugano, Interlaken and finally into the Jura. These days, I bring back a small souvenir from every trip and use them to create a collage at home as a memento.
You’re training for a half-marathon at Lake Hallwil in October. What’s your goal for that, and what other running goals do you have?
At the moment, I’m training three times a week for running and supplementing that with two strength training sessions a week. In the long term, I’d like to take part in the Zurich Marathon in 2027.
What does a typical day off look like for you when you’re not working?
On my days off, I get to be a handyman, a gardener and a musician. I enjoy doing DIY – my training as a joiner really comes in handy here. I also play the drums and make music with a friend once a week.
You’d already held a leadership role in the military. Did that prepare you to take on a team leader role at Kuratle & Jaecker later on?
After completing my apprenticeship as a joiner, I made a career change to the retail sector and, after only a short time, took on a deputy management role there. This experience later proved useful for my career in the armed forces. There, I completed my training as an infantryman and, as a sergeant, took on additional responsibilities. The experience I gained there has helped me to take on leadership roles in my professional life as well.
What did you learn about leadership in the military that still guides you today?
For me, the principle of ‘leading by example’ applies. I’m convinced that you can only lead credibly if you yourself are prepared to deliver the performance you expect from others.
As a team leader, how do you view our ecosystem, and what points of contact do you have with the other companies in your day-to-day work?
I see our ecosystem as a great opportunity. Thanks to the wide range of products and services, we can offer our customers comprehensive solutions whilst staying closer to their needs. In day-to-day work, this results in many valuable points of contact and collaborations with the various companies within the group.