Meet Finn Petersen, Project Engineer
40 years of development, responsibility and a strong community
On 3 June 2026, Finn Petersen will celebrate his 40th anniversary – a milestone that not only tells Finn’s story but also says something about a workplace that offers scope for development, responsibility and strong relationships.
For Finn, the journey began at what was then Brdr. Eegholm A/S in the mid-1980s, somewhat by chance.
“I actually wanted to be a florist, but it was difficult to get an apprenticeship back
then. So I ended up as a labourer in switchboard production. And then one thing
led to another.”
What started as an alternative quickly turned into a career.
From copper work to professional development
The early years were spent doing practical work in switchboard production, where Finn
worked on everything from copper processing to large installations – including ship switchboards. It was a daily routine where you learnt by doing, and where the tasks quickly came with responsibility.
One experience from those early years stuck with him in particular:
“We were out at a factory where there had been a violent electric arc in a switchboard.
It really made an impression. That’s when it dawned on me that this was not just technology – it is power.”
Later, Finn took an important step forward when he enrolled in an adult apprenticeship and, at the same time, became the first apprentice in the switchboard department at
Eegholm.
As part of his apprenticeship, he rotated through several departments and roles, which gave him a broad understanding of production, testing and assembly. That insight became an important foundation for what came later.
From craftsmanship to systems
Around the year 2000, he moved into the design department, where he still works today.
Here, the nature of his tasks changed, and the focus shifted more towards systems, structure and development.
“My main task was actually to make myself redundant.”
By this, Finn means that the work involved developing solutions that made day-to-day operations smarter and less reliant on manual processes.
Over the years, Finn has helped to develop and implement, among other things, ERP systems, document management and digital workflows – solutions that are now a natural part of the company’s way of working.
Experience
Experiences and responsibilities – far from home
Part of Finn’s career has also been characterised by assignments outside Denmark’s borders.
He has worked on projects in the USA, Canada and New Zealand, amongst other places – experiences where both his professional expertise and independence were put to the test.
One experience still stands out clearly:
“I was working as a supervisor on a ship where two out of three generators were out of action. Eventually, the captain said: ‘It is up to you to decide when we set sail.’”
It was a situation where the responsibility was palpable, and where experience really came into play.
“It was a huge responsibility – but also an experience that really sticks with you.”
A workplace in development
Over the course of 40 years, the company has developed significantly – from Brdr.
Eegholm to now being part of Elcor A/S.
“Back then, it was a very close-knit workplace where you had close contact with management.”
Today, the organisation is larger, and day-to-day life looks different. At the same time,
the sense of community remains an important part of the work – just in a new
form.
What makes the difference in day-to-day life
For Finn, it is not about any one thing, but about the overall experience over the years.
“I feel I have gained something all along the way. I have received training, I have been
given challenges – and the opportunity to develop.”
At the same time, it is the relationships in particular that stand out when he looks back.
“It is the people, after all. We know each other, and that means a lot.”
Finn Petersen
Community that makes a difference
Relationships between colleagues are a key part of job satisfaction.
“We are good at looking out for one another. You can tell if someone isn’t feeling well – and then you respond to it.”
This also applies when new colleagues join. They are welcomed into a working environment where we help one another, share knowledge and ensure that everyone settles into their roles and becomes a natural part of the community.
Helping to shape something
When Finn looks back, it is not one title or task that stands out most – but the bigger
picture and the feeling of having contributed.
“I have helped shape Eegholm from what it was – to what we are today.”
It is a career where development and change have not been something you’ve had to adapt to – but something you’ve helped create yourself.
40 years – and still going strong
Although 40 years is a major milestone, it does not feel that way to Finn.
That is perhaps the essence of the story:
It is not 40 years in the same job.
It is 40 years of development.
“I do not think it feels like 40 years. I have not been doing the same thing all the time, after all.”
Finn Petersen
The journey
Three words about the journey
If Finn were to put his 40 years at the company into words, three things stand out.
Three words that together tell the story of how a chance start turned into a career – and why 40 years in the same place does not feel like the same thing, but like a journey in constant motion.
Development
Opportunities
Community