Heiko
Project Engineer
Heiko’s motto: To make a difference, you must change yourself. But not only in working life. He moved from East Germany to the West and then to Austria to find his home in Steyr and at KAPPA.
Heiko, you studied environmental process engineering?
Yes, but my first profession was construction machinist. It wasn’t always easy, I grew up in the east of Berlin and after reunification, my profession was no longer recognized. I thought to myself: Come on, take the chance and do something new.
So, I started and completed training as an insulation worker and stayed in this profession as a site manager for a few years. That’s why I got to know the construction site business from the ground up. During this time, I visited night school to become an environmental protection technician. Afterwards, I studied process engineering at TFH Berlin. I doubted, but I spoke to a professor, she believed in me: “I'm not worried about you, I'm sure you'll manage.” And so, I did it. Looking back, I'm very glad that I took advantage of the opportunities. Otherwise, I would be somewhere completely different today.
You don't just mean professionally, but also geographically?
Exactly. I spent many years working in Germany, including Düsseldorf. 2018, I looked outside the box and so my way brought me to Austria. I had a job interview at Kappa Düsseldorf, where we also talked about an interesting job in Steyr, that was really appealing.
So you moved from Düsseldorf to Steyr?
Exactly, but it's not easy to quit and start new. Nevertheless, I wanted to join a company that is modern and future-focused with technical topics like energy efficiency. Everything I was looking for, I found at Kappa.
After a few years in Austria, how do you like it?
It's nice here. The scenic surroundings, the mountains, the rivers, that was also a factor for me. It’s a huge benefit leaving the house and do sports in nature.
How is your job at Kappa? As innovative as you imagined?
My job is very wide-ranging and innovative, because we always plan our systems according to the needs of our customers. I am responsible for the entire planning and the design of our systems – from quotation to commissioning, which is my favorite task.
How do you notice that?
When I see that everything is going as planned. When I commission a system at the customer's premises and the customer can see, how clear the air is – in this moment, you can feel his enthusiasm and his happiness. These are the real moments of success.
You are full of enthusiasm, too. What motivates you in your private life?
Sport. A few years ago, I ran across the Alps from Obersdorf to Merano. My next goal is the 50th Berlin Marathon at my 50th birthday. (What already happened in September 2024!)
A whole marathon is a strong achievement. What else does the future hold?
I definitely want to stay here at Kappa. We are future-oriented, I have a lot of freedom in handling projects and have also very flexible working hours. Additionally, I just want to stay healthy and fit.
