Niels Kappel retires at the age of 72
Niels Kappel’s curiosity has given him a diverse working life. He has worked in university laboratories, run a wine import business, sold Hi-fi equipment and developed acoustic solutions. He has been part of Troldtekt’s growth journey since 2004, and is now retiring at the age of 72.
As a teenager in the mid-1960s, Niels wanted to be a teacher or electrician. 60 years later, those are about the only titles that don't appear on his CV. He has worked as a warehouse manager at a steel company. Built boats to order. Worked for 15 years as a laboratory technician at Aarhus University. Imported wine and sold Hi-fi equipment.
It was his time in the Hi-fi industry that led him to Troldtekt in 2004. He was initially supposed to help solve a challenge with the integration of speakers into an acoustic ceiling. But was offered a permanent job at Troldtekt’s head office in Aarhus. In December 2024 he had his last working day was he is now retired at the age of 72.
" I decided to work as long as it was fun. And I could have continued, but now I also have to consider my birth certificate," says Niels, who has always been driven by great curiosity:
" In my 20 years, Troldtekt has experienced significant growth, and we have probably quadrupled our production. I’ve done a lot of different things along the way, and something new and exciting has happened all the time. I often didn't know what tasks awaited me when I arrived in the morning. I like that kind of thing."
Niels started at Troldtekt responsible for acoustic panels with built-in speakers and lighting. Since then, a number of innovations have changed the range, and as a product developer, Niels has left his mark on several of the more recent designs.
Ambitions have created renewal
With his jovial manner and considerable technical insight, Niels has been a sparring partner for customers, colleagues and partners along the way when a project called for anything but a standard solution. He has also travelled to several of Europe’s testing institutes to test Troldtekt panels for fire and acoustics.
"The biggest milestones along the way have probably been the development of Troldtekt panels with finer structures and later our new design series. We have managed to innovate and remain ambitious, and architects now choose Troldtekt panels for completely different projects compared to 20 years ago," he says and continues:
"In addition, our journey with sustainability initiatives has had a huge impact on us. We were among the first to work with the Cradle to Cradle design concept and document the environmental footprint of our products in environmental product declarations. Personally, I also put a lot of work into it, and it was exciting to be part of it."
Niels also highlights the technological development in production in Troldhede. Although his desk has been at the head office in Aarhus, he has spent countless working days testing products and solutions among colleagues at the factory.
Golf, house repairs and Pink Floyd
When reflecting on his industry changes during his 50 years on the labour market, Niels Kappel himself mentions a quote inspired by Pippi Longstocking: “I have never tried this before, so I’m sure I can do it”. This may well also apply to his transition to retirement.
For now, there are plans for more trips to the golf course, repairs at his home in Brabrand and the summer house in Skødshoved - and more time with the wife, children and grandchildren. Pink Floyd on the loudspeakers, maybe also a trip to Hawaii. And surely exciting things along the way.
Niels had his last working day at Troldtekt on Wednesday 4 December and was celebrated with an internal reception on Friday 6 December.