Inside RK
ASSEMBLY: PRACTICAL SKILLS,
EXCITING PROJECTS
FROM THE WORKSHOP
TO THE WORLD
Versatile, demanding, and full of development opportunities — this is how Nikolas “Nik” Ebert, Assembly Team Leader at REINHOLD KELLER, describes his profession. For over 13 years, he traveled to job sites all across Europe, pursuing his passion for assembly work. Today, he brings his diverse experience into the planning and coordination of assembly processes—from the office. During his time on client job sites, he not only discovered new places but also continually developed himself. “In assembly, you’re always learning and growing on multiple levels,” says Nik. His career path shows the potential of assembly work for both professional and personal development.
“HEY! I’m Nik, 35 years old, and I’ve been with REINHOLD KELLER for over 15 years.
My journey with RK began after my training as a cabinetmaker. After 13 years in the field, I’m now a team leader, coordinating planning from our headquarters in Kleinheubach. Working on job sites all over Europe has shaped me — I love the challenges and the variety. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and organizing festivals. And if there’s any spare time left, handball is another interest of mine!”
- Craftsmanship Training or Skill: A background as a carpenter/joiner is ideal, but career changers with talent are equally welcome.
- Reliability, Motivation & Team Spirit: A strong commitment to quality, dependability, and enthusiasm for achieving goals as part of a team.
- Flexibility and Mobility: A Class B driver’s license for assignments at various locations.
- Willingness to Travel & Self-Reliance: Open to exploring new places and challenges, with a passion for hands-on work and, above all, a love for craftsmanship.
EARLY PASSION FOR CRAFTSMANSHIP
Nik’s passion for craftsmanship emerged early on. Even in elementary school, he looked forward to shop class. Family friends who owned a cabinetmaking business greatly influenced him, and in 2008, he completed his training as a cabinetmaker. But rather than staying in the workshop, he was drawn outward: just one year later, he started as an assembler at REINHOLD KELLER—and spent 13 years “on the move.” “Assembly work is much more than just workshop tasks; you’re constantly learning new skills and meeting interesting people,” Nik shares.
FROM FIELD WORK TO THE OFFICE
In his 13 years, Nik held various positions — from customer service to supervisor and eventually to assembly management.
“Leading projects on your own for the first time is a huge challenge for anyone. You quickly learn to take responsibility and make decisions.” Today, he brings this knowledge to his role as a team leader, focusing on making project planning as efficient as possible.
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
The years on the job site impacted Nik not only in terms of craftsmanship but also on a personal level. “It was like a second apprenticeship for me,” he explains. In addition to working independently and handling a variety of materials, he also developed social skills, such as the ability to find quick solutions on-site and work effectively in a team. “You learn so much for life—not only in craftsmanship but also in terms of independence and communication.”
HARD WORK, STRONG TEAMS
Successfully completing projects without issues has always been one of Nik’s greatest motivators. “It’s an amazing feeling to experience client satisfaction after weeks of hard work on a job site,” he says. Today, as a team leader, his motivation lies in finding and building new teams across Europe. “Bringing the right people together and ensuring that everything runs smoothly—that’s what drives me.” Nik especially values the family-like environment at REINHOLD KELLER. “Here, you have the freedom to contribute ideas and are always supported.” These values have accompanied him throughout his 15-year career with REINHOLD KELLER.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES TOGETHER
A project Nik will never forget took place in Vienna. “It was a real challenge for all of us.
Many unexpected situations arose, and eventually, I was on-site myself to support the team. Thanks to a strong team, we ultimately completed the project on time,” he shares. For Nik, projects like these are where teamwork truly makes a difference. “Without cohesion and flexibility, completing such projects would simply not be possible.”
ASSEMBLY AS A SPRINGBOARD
Working “in assembly” offers endless opportunities to learn new things. Nik emphasizes the importance of gaining practical experience on-site before further training as a technician or master. “You learn practically everything there that you’ll need later—whether in craftsmanship or self-reliance. Working on the job site shapes you and shows how essential solution-oriented thinking is,” he explains. “With us, there’s no ‘That’s not possible’—there’s always a solution, and our motto is: We make the impossible possible.”
His advice to young people or career changers aspiring to a career in assembly: “Don’t be afraid of challenges! You need to be willing to travel, but you get to see the world in return. Assembly work offers countless opportunities to develop both craftsmanship and social skills significantly.”
