Central Finland's Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2019 is Johannes Karjula
Trustmary Group founder Johannes Karjula innovates, grows his company thoughtfully, and remembers to enjoy the moment.
Founded in 2015, Trustmary Group Oy (formerly Suomen Asiakaskoelkuset Oy), or Kokemuksia.fi, is a leading product that seeks out customers who voluntarily share their experiences and produces content from them in various formats. The company has a unique concept for producing stories and research. Customers are trusted the most, advertisements and salespeople are less.
"My desire to try has always stemmed from the need to fix shortcomings and problems. On the other hand, through entrepreneurship I have been able to influence who and what I work with," Johannes Karjula sums up his own entrepreneurship.
In addition to a very good business idea, its effective commercialization and dynamic and competent personnel are behind the company's success. Trustmary Group has found young, brave and open-minded people with a strong desire and ability to learn. Each employee brings their own very important contribution to the whole.
Growth at Trustmary Group is brisk, but controlled. EBITDA is still being invested in growth and service development. Operations are being driven forward with an innovative approach and we dare to take risks. Even in times of rapid growth, Karjula emphasizes the importance of employees and customers in operations, and the fact that we also know how to stop and enjoy things.
Kokemuksia.fi has already worked with over 900 client companies. There seems to be a demand for this unique service package all over the world. By 2021, the company aims to be well-known in three different countries – Finland, Sweden and the USA.
The company currently has 40 employees and its turnover in 2018 was approximately 2,4 million euros. The company has succeeded in increasing its awareness, continuously developing its service level and quality, and creating a good working environment in an excellent way. As a respected employer, Karjula is an exemplary entrepreneur of his generation: exceptionally innovative, energetic and positive. He does not see threats but opportunities to develop even better and, as a serial entrepreneur, is involved in many things.
“Thank you to Central Finland for the positive atmosphere, conditions and support. Thank you to my colleagues for the journey together so far. A big thank you to the customers who have trusted us,” Karjula sums up the grateful mood. “And thank you to my wife, who has taken care of my well-being.”
-----
The jury that made the selection emphasized innovation, growth, and an excellent entrepreneurial attitude. Distinction in the industry, building and supporting a community around the business, and the entrepreneur's desire to invest in their own well-being and that of the work community were also important factors in the jury's selection.
Joonas Pylvinen, Young Entrepreneurs of Central Finland
Johanna Soilu, Central Finland Entrepreneurs
Juha Peltomäki, Elisa
Dayi Mattress, University of Jyväskylä
Niina Helin, Gradia
Pasi Raiskinmäki, JAMK
-----
The five national finalists will be announced on May 10.5th and the winner will be awarded. At the Young Entrepreneurs Get Together At PowerPark on May 25.5th.
