Known for his customer-oriented and solution-focused approach, Marko Kolehmainen has returned to Imagon after a couple of years of adventures.
“I joined Imagon as an installer in 1997. However, it quickly became clear that sales work would capture my interest. I have worked as an installer, overseen installation work, been a salesperson, project manager, and at one time, the production manager of the factory in Kangasala. Back then, we learned how to create interior milieus for stores and commercial spaces. Now those products are manufactured in Kajaani”, Marko recounts his past experiences with Imagon.
After his tenure at Imagon, Marko spent a couple of years at Neonelektro Oy, initially as sales manager and later as CEO. He also worked at Tammerneon Oy for a year, first in sales and then as factory manager.
“Although the years spent elsewhere have been educational and rewarding, long commutes and demanding workdays made me long for the familiar surroundings and community of Imagon. The so-called ‘good old days’ lured me back”, Marko laughs.
New challenges as Sales Manager at Imagon
Now, Marko returns to Imagon as Sales Manager. His responsibilities broadly encompass all the products and services supplied by Imagon, especially the sales and design of shop milieu products in collaboration with customers. In the role of Sales Manager, customer service orientation is emphasized. His extensive knowledge of the industry, products, and production ensures that customers can trust in Marko’s expertise.
Innovative and solution-focused attitude
Colleagues describe Marko as particularly innovative and solution-oriented. He listens closely to customers’ wishes and offers solutions they might not have considered themselves. It has happened more than once that customers’ concerns and wishes have been solved already in the meeting where they came up. This is possible because he has long been familiar with the products, installation methods, and production and has the courage to act and make decisions.
Long-term trust
“Generally, the feedback from customers has been good”, Marko describes. “In all situations, I’ve tried to be worthy of the trust placed in me and acted according to my values. Perhaps the best feedback has been the long-term trust with customers. Sometimes projects have been very challenging due to schedules, costs, or other factors. However, things have always been solved, and I’m not afraid to bring up even difficult issues. We’ve managed everything.”
What skills and attitudes are needed to succeed in this field?
“I believe that one can succeed in this field just by being good and fair to everyone. I guess that’s how it is everywhere. It’s important to understand the customer’s situation and offer professional suggestions at the right moments. I strive to listen carefully to what customers need and naturally help them with those needs.”
“For example, there was a time when a customer asked if I could arrange fireproof wall structures installed in a controlled access area on a rather tight schedule. Well, it worked out. After that, we also had to install a large green wall, and even that didn’t pose any problems, even though initially, I wondered what I had promised.”
“Perhaps persistence and a customer service-oriented, respectful attitude go a long way. And, of course, common sense”, Marko adds.
Increasing importance of environmental issues
Marko sees the development of the industry and Imagon moving in the right direction, and he wants to be involved in bringing new products, especially to the shop milieu sector. According to Marko, production and products have been systematically developed in recent years at Imagon. He emphasizes the importance of environmental issues and recyclability and wants to develop products that are cost-effective and easy to install.
“I believe that with my extensive experience, I can offer solutions that meet customer needs, taking into account costs, the environment, and the product’s lifecycle. Customers often know well what they need and want. Together, we can then build the best solutions. With our professionalism and shared expertise, we can surely provide customers with the desired results, making the project satisfactory for all parties involved.”
Lighting is increasingly being incorporated more prominently, especially in the interiors of commercial spaces. The industry is increasingly taking into account environmental issues and recyclability.
“Environmental issues, circular economy, and adaptability often come up with customers. I think it’s good that especially large operators have started to pay more attention to environmental issues in their procurement. What the big ones do, the small ones follow”, Marko praises.
Dream projects
Marko’s dream project would be one where he could be involved in the design and planning right from the start, together with the customer. He wants to ensure that customers get the best benefit from Imagon’s expertise and cost-effective products that are also easy to install.
“There have already been many such dream projects over the years. Perhaps the best was one where the architect called when the products were still being designed. It was nice to be involved as an expert right from the start of the project. Together, we designed cost-effective products. The customer gained significant savings with minimal effort, especially in terms of product waste.”
“A dream project, in my view, would also be a major corporate rebranding or signage project where it’s possible to participate in the product design from the beginning. That way, the customer gets the best benefit from the expertise of the Imagon team. When a professional from the manufacturer is involved in the design, it is possible to design, for example, the size of the signage or advertisements so that material waste is minimized and the products are cost-effective to manufacture and easy to install. Many things can be influenced, provided we get involved in projects as early as possible”, Marko believes.
Life-long learning
Marko is currently completing a specialist vocational qualification in product development in Tampere. He is confident that continuous education keeps one up to date and enables providing the best possible service to customers.
Welcome back, Marko; we are delighted to have you back!
Invite Marko to join your project:
Marko Kolehmainen
Sales Manager
marko.kolehmainen@imagon.com
+358 40 300 4054