11.09.2026
Company: Kuratle Immobilien AG
Start date: 1 October 2014
Role: Workshop and maintenance staff
Education and training: Agricultural machinery mechanic, team leader, officer, forklift and lifting equipment certification, plant manager, hydraulics technician
Place of residence: Leibstadt (AG)
At the Kuratle Group, you’ll be responsible for a wide variety of tasks – from grounds maintenance to the woodchip heating system. What do you particularly like about this varied role?
My role is very varied. It includes, amongst other things, grounds maintenance, mowing lawns, repairing furniture and gate systems, roof maintenance, maintaining the sprinkler system and documenting a wide range of inspections. It’s precisely this variety that makes the work exciting. I also work in Niederbipp from time to time, though my main place of work is Leibstadt.
Is there a challenge or a project at Kuratle that you’re particularly proud of?
I’m particularlyproud of the 70th anniversary, which we were able to celebrate last year. I was involved in both the organisation and the set-up. The result was truly impressive, and it was wonderful to see just how successful the event turned out to be in the end.
Which stage of your career has had the greatest impact on you?
Actually, every stageof myworking lifehas shaped me. I particularly remember the four years I spent as a snow blower repairer. There’s one experience I’ll never forget: in Spain, we had to repair a snow blower in temperatures of around minus 25 degrees, and it was only partially inside a garage. So we spent the whole day working outside in the cold. It really makes you appreciate a heated workshop afterwards.
You’ve been involved with the Leibstadt Fire Brigade for many years and are now a First Lieutenant. Can you tell us more about your role? What experiences have had a particular impact on you, and what motivates you to remain committed to the fire brigade for so many years?
I’ve been with the fire brigade for 25 years and started out as a fire engine driver. Later on, I was encouraged to complete the training to become a squad leader. Looking back, I wish I’d taken that step sooner. After two years as a squad leader, I took on the role of chief engineer, which I’ve now held for six years. In this role, I am responsible for leading a team of 24 people. My greatest motivation is knowing that the fire service is needed. I particularly enjoy inspiring young people to join the fire service and helping them understand the importance of this commitment.
At the Leibstadt Donkey Club, one of the things you organise is the St Nicholas reception. What do you particularly enjoy about events like this?
What I enjoy most is bringing joy to the children from the village and the surrounding area. At the St Nicholas reception, the donkeys accompany St Nicholas and his helpers. The children get to recite their verses and afterwards everyone gets together for a cosy drinks reception. The children’s beaming faces are something special every year.
Together with the organising committee, you spent two years planning and preparing for the 2024 Youth and Village Festival in Leibstadt. What moment made you realise: ‘Now all that effort has been worth it’?
The first moment was on Sunday evening, when the festival came to a successful close. I was still particularly on edge on Saturday because of the forecast of severe weather, as you have to be ready at any moment to get several hundred visitors to safety.
By Monday evening at the latest, when we’d raised a glass together to celebrate the festival’s success, it was clear: all the effort had been worth it.
When you look back on your career and involvement in clubs so far: what was the most important thing, and what is your overall conclusion?
I am proud to have been active in many different clubs and to have worked in various professions. This has enabled me to gain valuable experience and develop personally. Every club, every task and every course has taught me something.
Your Labrador, Nash, goes with you almost everywhere. What role does he play in your everyday life?
Nash plays a very big role in our everydaylife. He’s practically always with us – whether we’re hiking, on the chairlift, stand-up paddleboarding or on our day trips. Over the years, he’s been a faithful companion and is simply part of the family.
A year ago, you bought a caravan. What camping adventures are next on your wish list?
This year, we’ve been to Ticino and Engelberg, amongst other places. In the long term, we’d love to take the caravan to Croatia and Scandinavia. These regions are right at the top of our wish list.
What do you particularly enjoy about camping?
We particularlyappreciate the helpfulness and sense of community at the campsites. People support one another and you quickly strike up conversations with others. At the same time, we enjoy the flexibility that camping offers. For me, the best bits are having breakfast and dinner together outdoors, surrounded by nature.
