At solique, everyone brings more than professional expertise to the table. Curiosity, passion, and a shared desire to make a difference are just as important. In our “People at solique” series, employees talk about their day-to-day work and how they recharge in their free time. Today, we’re introducing Kristina Fricker in an interview conducted by our insideNEWS editorial team.

Kristina, could you just briefly introduce yourself?
Hi, I’m Krissy, and I just turned 41. I live with my husband in beautiful Oberbaselbiet. I’ve worked in administration for ten years. Before that, I was a registered nurse at a hospital. I joined solique four years ago as an invoicing clerk, and I’m now CEO Assistant and Office Manager.

In your current role, you’re the coordinating hub at solique. What do you enjoy about this challenge?
For me, the appeal is definitely multitasking and variety. Things rarely go without interruptions, and that’s exactly what I love. While I’m preparing invoices, my boss might suddenly need a train ticket, and a customer with questions might be on the phone. Keeping track of everything, setting priorities, and still getting it all done properly is my thing.

What does a typical workday look like?
My main responsibilities include invoicing and ordering coffee. Because no revenue means no paychecks, and no coffee means chaos. I handle much of the bookkeeping and contract management, manage our ERP system, prepare reports, and keep many things running behind the scenes. There’s hardly a typical day, except at the beginning of the month, when it’s time to bill for licenses and send out statements.

Your range of responsibilities requires strong organizational skills. Has that always been one of your strengths?
Oh, absolutely! Structure, lists, and planning? I love them. As a nurse in the emergency department, I had to make split-second decisions that stay with me for life. If you can’t sort things out in that environment, you quickly lose track. And anyone who’s organized two weddings knows planning is everything. Decorations, schedules, drama? Bring it on!

Anyone who knows you personally knows you literally bring color to the office. What does creative self-expression through fashion and hairstyles mean to you?
Fashion isn’t all that important to me, as long as I look put-together and feel like myself. But in December, I really come alive: I wear a different Christmas sweater every day. That’s “Very Serious Business”. I love making people smile and bringing a little lightness to the day. I like color in general, especially bright neon shades. We weren’t given color vision for nothing, so why keep everything gray?

Many people consider you the “heart and soul” of solique. What matters most to you when interacting with colleagues and customers?
Humor is essential to me. Life is serious enough, so we should be able to laugh sometimes. At the same time, openness and honesty matter a lot to me. If something isn’t working, please say so directly; that’s the only way we can find a solution. I appreciate people who are straightforward, respectful, and keep a smile. Games aren’t my style.

You grew up in the U.S. as the child of a German immigrant. Does that background help at work?
Absolutely, especially when I’m talking with our American customers, since English is my first language. Those conversations feel relaxed and easy, and I can chat away. Sometimes I even miss speaking English in everyday life because it feels so natural to me.

What do you miss most about living in the U.S.?
Definitely, it’s the Christmas fireplaces, with stockings hung, a crackling fire, and a festive atmosphere everywhere. I’m a bit of a Christmas junkie. I also miss the colorful, often slightly over-the-top decorations. And although I love the mountains, I sometimes miss the wide-open prairies — the feeling of an endless horizon and boundless freedom.

How do you handle days when it feels like everything lands on your desk at once?
First, I pause and take a deep breath. Then I sort things out in my head, set clear priorities, and tackle them one at a time. If the chaos gets too loud, I take my dog, Zac, outside for a few minutes of fresh air. It feels like hitting a reset button. And if overtime is needed, that’s totally fine with me. I enjoy that kind of energy.

What do you do in your free time to unwind and recharge?
"Unwind" is relative. I recharge outdoors with Zac — frisbee, fields, and fresh air. I get creative by painting, sewing, or playing the piano, which I’ve played since I was four. As a Fasnacht enthusiast, I also help build carnival floats starting in the fall. In the summer, you’ll find me at the model-airplane field. And when nothing else is going on, I’m on the couch with the fireplace and a Christmas movie marathon. That’s pure soul magic.

What are you looking forward to in the near future, personally or professionally?
For years, we’d wanted to buy a classic car, and we finally made that dream come true. Traveling together, discovering new places, and making memories — that’s what real happiness means to me: spending time together, savoring special moments, and enjoying the freedom of four wheels.

Kristina, thank you for such an engaging and interesting conversation. We wish you much joy and fulfillment in all your endeavors.

Contact details of Kristina Fricker