Capella

About Us

Founded in 1991 with nothing but a van and a commitment to quality, Capella Solutions Group has grown into a trusted global supplier of innovative refinishing solutions, known for outstanding product performance and strong distributor relationships.

The Capella Story

How We Started

In 1991, Jim Bruce began his journey with nothing but a van, some bodyshop ancillary products, and a dream. He drove from one body shop to another, selling to end users who were willing to give his products a try. He believed that quality, relationships and customer trust were the foundations of success. Those early days were tough – long hours on the road, with just enough sales to keep him going. But Jim knew he was onto something bigger. As word of Jim’s quality products and service spread, he saw an opportunity to grow beyond direct sales. Bodyshops started talking, and Jim realised he could reach more customers by changing the model and selling to a network of distributors. With that, Capella Solutions Group began to transform. Moving away from individual sales, Jim focused on building relationships with distributors who could bring his brands to a much wider audience. By the late 1990s, Capella Solutions Group was expanding, establishing a strong network that allowed Capella’s brands to be available far beyond Jim’s local reach.

The Journey

Through the mid 2000s

Capella Solutions Group evolved from a small family business into an international brand, and ProXL was born. Jim’s children later joined him, bringing new ideas and a commitment to the family values he had instilled. Thanks to their loyal distributors, ProXL aerosols became synonymous with quality and reliability across the automotive industry, trusted by professionals worldwide. What had started with a few cans in Jim’s van grew to millions of aerosols sold every year, a state of the art headquarters and multiple offices and warehouses worldwide.

The Capella Experience

Capella is dedicated to continuously developing an innovative range of refinishing products that focus on speeding up tasks in the bodyshop without sacrificing quality.

We pride ourselves on providing efficient and reliable products while providing expert customer service along the way.

Directors

Jim Bruce

Jim Bruce

Managing Director

From Capella's start, Jim has been here as it has grown into what it is today. He's done every job but is also like the office cat - enjoys napping and hates cucumbers

Tristan Bruce

Tristan Bruce

Sales Director

Fuelled by anything but veggies, Tristan has his best strategy talks one the move. He's often seen strolling the office on his phone, sealing deals but don't be surprised if he wanders out of sight

Wesley Bruce

Wesley Bruce

Procurement Director

Reserved but witty, he operates under the radar. Wesley's eagle eye never misses a thing, even when he's halfway through his daily bag of Frazzles


Sales Department

Elizabeth Edwards

Elizabeth Edwards

UK Sales Manager

Recently being promoted to UK Sales Team Leader, Elizabeth is one of the youngest starters we have ever taken on, and now rocks the job with a wise old head on her shoulders.

Ben Watson

Ben Watson

Irish Sales Manager

Ben has been with Capella for 16 years and looks after our key accounts in Ireland. He spends most of his time visiting customers across the Emerald Isle, sharing his passion and expertise in all things paint.

Mandy Crayden

Mandy Crayden

Internal Account Manager

When not on a fancy vacation, Mandy is busy drumming up new business. Starting in Customer Services, she moved into sales in 2018

Jade Manning

Jade Manning

Business Development Manager

Jade is often the friendly voice you'll hear at the other end of the phone. Her bubbly personality is only part of the picture.

Sean Joyce

Sean Joyce

Businesss Development Manager

Sean is our gentle giant, who spends most of his time our on the road meeting customers and discussing our product images, only stopping for that important lunch break

Jordan Fleck

Jordan Fleck

Business Development Manager

Fondly known as the office meerkat, nothing misses his radar. As a newer member to the sales team, he is willing to take instruction and guidance from the best

Steve Taylor

Steve Taylor

Technical Paint Specialist

Our resident paint fanatic. Whilst he may be small in stature, he packs a punch with his knowledge

Braden Diener

Braden Diener

US Internal Sales and Business Development

Braden Diener is the youngest member of the Capella Solutions team and works in Business Development. He enjoys working with people, building strong relationships, and is always eager to learn and grow.

Joe Menninger

Joe Menninger

US Technical Sales And Business Development

Joe is a U.S. Army veteran with 30+ years in automotive custom and OEM refinishing, known for his expertise in airbrush, pinstriping, spray gun, and aerosol technologies.

John Menninger

John Menninger

US Business Development

John is a Business Development Manager with Capella in Kentucky. He grew up working in his father’s body shop, has over 10 years of sales experience, and is a strong advocate of the ProXL brand.


Customer Services Department

Sonia Miller

Sonia Miller

Global Customer Service Manager

A firm but fair manager who excels at solving problems and picking up the pieces when things don’t go to plan. Outside of work you’ll find her hitting the ski slopes or unwinding with a good glass of wine.

Kelly Davey

Kelly Davey

Customer Service Representative

I’m a friendly customer service agent who’s dedicated to providing excellent support and positive experiences. In my free time, I love live concerts and enjoying fun days out with family and friends

Graham Cane

Graham Cane

Service Engineer

Our resident DIY dad, if it needs fixing don't worry, he had already got it covered. Machine services are his main focus to keep the industry running

Brandee Taylor

Brandee Taylor

US Customer Service Coordinator

Brandee has been with Capella Solutions since day one, handling customer service, payables, and warehouse management. Outside work, she enjoys photography and matcha.

Dario Ware

Dario Ware

Customer Service Representative

As the youngest member of the team, Dario brings fresh energy, motivation, and a proactive approach to his work. He is reliable and detail-focused, ensuring requests are handled efficiently and to a high standard.


HR Department

Ken Pollard

Ken Pollard

HR & Facilities Manager

Ken is cool, calm and collected, by name and by nature. With these characteristics, he helps to keep everything and everyone running smoothly at Capella


Marketing Department

Phil Stevens

Phil Stevens

Head of Global Marketing

Strategic and adaptable with a strong focus on insight-driven, targeted campaigns that deliver measurable results and long-term brand value.

Simon Edwards

Simon Edwards

Product & Brand Manager

With 14 years of experience, Simon is our resident wise man. He knows our products inside and out, and always churning out creative ideas!

Jessica Prather

Jessica Prather

US Digital Marketing Manager

Jessica is the eyes and ears of marketing for the USA brand—managing social media, promoting products at industry events, and finding every opportunity to spread the word about our innovative offerings.

Jana Cornelio

Jana Cornelio

Marketing Assistant

Our design wizard, working remotely in the Philippines, she is such an integral part of the team that we often forget she is 7,000 miles away

Charlotte Roy

Charlotte Roy

Marketing Executive

Charlotte is the newest member of our marketing team and holds a First-Class Honours degree in Graphic Design. She’s passionate about using her creativity to bring fresh ideas to life.


Operations Department

Nathan Simmons

Nathan Simmons

Purchasing Assistant

Our fair-weather motorbike rider, he ensures the sales team have enough stock to sell, and never misses the opportunity to make fun of you

Charlie Bruce

Charlie Bruce

Research & Development

He is our resident tornado, leaving a trail of mess everywhere he goes. In his own organised chaos, he develops most of our new products

Darren Gill

Darren Gill

Warehouse Manager

If it isn't done with military precision, it's either not been done yet, or not good enough, but beware, he loves a practical joke at your expense

Ellie Galindo

Ellie Galindo

US Warehouse Supervisor

Ellie works efficiently to get all orders labeled and prepped for shipping. Her consistency, energy, and joy brightens the warehouse everyday. She is always ready for challenge no matter how big.


Accounts Department

Daniel Gaines

Daniel Gaines

Global Financial Controller

Our king of 'dad jokes' in the office, who is always number crunching and monitoring the pennies. No sneaky staff lunch goes unnoticed since he joined us at Capella

Bonnie Murrell

Bonnie Murrell

Credit Control

She has her finger on the pulse when it comes to make sure our customers are up to date and paying for their orders. Her negotiation skills and (serious) persistence always prove to get her fantastic results

Mariela Petkova

Mariela Petkova

Finance Assistant

She is like a Ninja, you never see her coming but she is always there. Her persistence, can do attitude and dedication make her an asset to the finance team

Jane Reeves

Jane Reeves

Finance Assistant

Jane brings extensive experience in every facet of accounting, consistently ensuring accuracy, compliance, and attention to detail in all her work.