The chief financial officer at Grønbech for 12 years, Karl Erik Grønbech, was given 73 years. Surrounded by loved ones, he passed away at his home after a prolonged illness on 23 September.
Karl Erik was a committed and active man for his entire life – in both his spare time and his long professional career. He had more than 50 years of experience in sales and entrepreneurship.
Karl Erik started as a furniture salesman in his hometown Aarhus and ended his career as the chief financial officer his own communication agency, Grønbech ApS in Dragør, Amager. Together with his wife, Susanne Lindø Grønbech, he owned and operated the agency for more than 12 years.
Karl Erik was also a passionate rock musician. Back in the wild 60s, he toured with the band The Spitfires. His passion for music followed him throughout his life. However, music was never considered as a way of making a living – the desire for entrepreneurship was stronger.
During the next 25 years, Karl Erik had a wide-ranging business life. He became the youngest department manager in Denmark at the electronics chain AllRadio. He then started importing and selling cosmetics and equipment for skincare clinics all over Scandinavia.
Karl Erik’s interest in sale was also expressed in his personal skills. He was a people person. Loved by many and filled with enthusiasm, he always made it a point to talk to new people.
12 years as a founder and chief financial officer for his own agency
On 5 October 2007, Karl Erik once again went in a new direction when, together with his wife Susanne Lindø Grønbech, he founded the communication agency Grønbech ApS in Dragør.
Based on his background in the retail industry and several years as a self-employed entrepreneur, he got the idea to start a communication agency for specialised companies, owner-managed companies, and SMEs to increase their success by telling their good stories.
Susanne became the director and communication consultant, while Karl Erik controlled expenses, finances, and IT. He was also the interior designer and a good problem solver. In the past five years, Grønbech has had an annual growth rate between 25% and 40% and, thanks to Karl Erik, for several years the agency has secured the country’s highest credit rating. Grønbech is among the few Danish companies that meet the requirements of AAA rating.
Karl Erik will be remembered as a warm and fair person, always willing to help the employees in order to ensure efficient production and operation.
Grønbech will continue to be driven by Susanne Lindø Grønbech as the agency’s owner and director.
Local engagement and many projects
Karl Erik was committed to the local environment in Dragør. He lived with Susanne in Dragør since 2002.
Among many activities, he brought music to social events for Dragør Sejlklub, he was the chairman and musician of Dragør Revyen for many years, and he initiated the establishment of the house of culture in Krudthus 2. Further, he was a board member of Venstre in Dragør.
Besides his wife, Karl Erik leaves behind a daughter, two stepchildren, and two grandchildren.
Services were held in Store Magleby Kirke, 4 October.
May the memory of Karl Erik be honoured.
