On May 25, 2021, Helsinki Entrepreneurs announced the winner of the 2021 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The award went to Vertia Oy entrepreneurs Topi Jokinen, 33, and Heikki Jussila, 32. Vertia Oy operates in the traditional construction industry in a self-directed manner, involving the entire workforce in taking responsibility and developing the company.
Vertia Oy, based in Helsinki, provides construction quality assurance and survey services. The company’s service offerings include airtightness and moisture measurements for buildings, thermal and sewer inspections, as well as water damage surveys and drying services. The company’s goal is to improve construction quality and thereby increase the number of healthy and energy-efficient homes.
Founded in 2011, the company’s approach is groundbreaking in this traditional industry. Over the past few years, Vertia has evolved toward a self-directed operating model. One of the founders serves as the company’s CEO, Topi Jokinen, but he has no decision-making authority over others. Similarly, there are no other supervisors in the company. The entire workforce participates in decision-making, strategic planning, determining salaries, and resolving any challenges, supported by the operating models developed within the company. Each employee is responsible for their own work, meaning everyone can influence their tasks and work methods. Of course, the board of directors and the CEO are ultimately responsible for these matters, as required by law.
“Our business model differs from that of other construction companies, and we’ve succeeded in creating a workplace where people enjoy working. Thanks to this, we attract talented people, and they also stay with us for a long time,” Jokinen explains.
This self-directed approach also has a positive impact on customer interactions, as the company’s employees are able to resolve situations and address needs on-site in an agile manner. Both customer satisfaction and employee well-being are at a high level.
Working to modernize a traditional industry and improve working conditions
The selection for the 2021 Helsinki Young Entrepreneur of the Year was made by a panel that included the following members this year Timo-Pekka Uotila (Haaga-Helia Startup School), Aino Papinniemi (Helsinki Entrepreneurs' Young Entrepreneurs, HYNY), Kim Qvick (Helsingin Uutiset), Tiina Oksala (Helsinki Entrepreneurs) and Valdar Liive (NewCo Helsinki).
The jury selected Vertia Oy as the winner from among many distinguished companies because the company has introduced a new way of operating in the traditional construction industry. According to the jury, the company also has international-level potential and the prerequisites for continued growth. Although the company operates on a self-directed basis, the entrepreneurs’ example is evident throughout the work community in the form of accountability and entrepreneurial behavior. The company also serves as a good example for the entire construction industry.
– Vertia’s self-directed work culture is characterized by responsibility, trust, and a sense of community. This approach also helps us navigate change and challenging times more effectively, said the CEO of Helsinki Entrepreneurs, who chaired the panel Tiina Oksala says.
– Vertia Oy’s operations clearly demonstrate that the company is genuinely committed to improving the workplace and shaking up the traditional industry, says the chair of the Helsinki Entrepreneurs Mari Laaksonen summarize.
Helsinki Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award
The Helsinki Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award is a recognition of entrepreneurial achievement presented to entrepreneurs under the age of 35. The selection of the competition winner takes into account specific achievements in entrepreneurship related to the industry, innovation, or entrepreneurial spirit. The company founded by the entrepreneur must have been in operation for at least 3 years by the competition year (2021). The entrepreneur may also be a young successor who, following an ownership or generational transition, has successfully led the company for at least 3 years by the competition year.
The regional winner will go on to compete in the prestigious national Young Entrepreneur of the Year competition, the winner of which will be announced at the National Entrepreneurs’ Days hosted by the Federation of Finnish Enterprises in October.
Vertia Oy (www.vertia.fi)
- Quality assurance and survey services for construction companies, prefabricated home manufacturers, and private builders. Our mission is to improve the quality of construction.
- Offices in Helsinki and Turku. Serves customers throughout Finland through its partners.
- Number of employees: 28
- Revenue of €2.5 million and profit of €273,000 (July 2020)
- On the Financial Times' list of Europe's 1,000 fastest-growing companies in 2021
- Founded in 2011, celebrating its 10th anniversary in May
- The owners are the founders Topi Jokinen, Heikki Jussila, and Miska Jylhä, as well as the staff and advisory partners
For more information:
Tiina Oksala, Executive Director, Helsinki Entrepreneurs, tel. 040 548 1104, tiina.oksala@yrittajat.fi
Topi Jokinen, CEO, Vertia Oy, tel. 040 835 1440, topi.jokinen@vertia.fi
Are you interested in working at Vertia? Check out our job openings or submit an open application.
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