Do less, achieve more – for entrepreneurs who value balance

Growing demand and expanding operations forced Opticool, a specialist in cooling and heating solutions, to make a change: the traditional one-man company was no longer enough to meet customer needs, and the next step in the business required a clearer direction.

“When I hired the first installers for the company, I realized I was on the verge of something new – I had to learn how to lead,” says CEO Markku Lehikoinen.

Opticool turned to Arvoverkko to gain an external perspective on managing growth and developing the business. The business self-assessment led by Kristian Karimo helped me see the whole picture from a new angle.

– I had previously looked at things from the ground up, but now I had the opportunity to get into a helicopter and see the bigger picture, Lehikoinen describes.

Through the collaboration, Opticool introduced new business tools, such as cash flow calculations, sales monitoring and strategic planning. This was not just an analysis that remained on paper – it was practical solutions that could be immediately utilized in everyday life.

– Bicycles now have gears – you no longer have to force yourself uphill, but you can adjust your operations to be more efficient, Lehikoinen continues.

At the same time, the self-assessment brought to light an important insight into entrepreneurship and life.

– Before, work and leisure were getting mixed up without you noticing. I realized that sometimes you have to open the curtains on the bridge – entrepreneurship cannot be your whole life. Through the collaboration, the company's processes have become more efficient, and now I can focus on my free time without work taking up all my attention.

Opticool is still growing, but now the company can make decisions on a solid basis.

– Minimum actions, maximum results – now things are more controlled, and no time is wasted on useless work. We have a clear path forward, Lehikoinen sums up.