{"id":17562,"date":"2026-02-13T15:01:29","date_gmt":"2026-02-13T13:01:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uusyrityskeskus.fi\/?p=17562"},"modified":"2026-02-13T15:01:31","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T13:01:31","slug":"from-childhood-friends-to-entrepreneurs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/uusyrityskeskus.fi\/en\/entrepreneur-stories\/from-childhood-friends-to-entrepreneurs\/","title":{"rendered":"From childhood friends to entrepreneurs\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The energetic idea of childhood friends grew into a company that offers smart and ecological solutions for homes and companies. The customer comes first \u2013 always.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Toni Oinonen<\/strong> and Ville Lintunen<\/strong> founded Solves Oy in\u00a0Varkaus\u00a0in 2020, they wanted to do something that reflects their own values and to create a business where responsibility and customer orientation are seen in every aspect of the business\u2019 daily operations. Neither of them had much experience of running a business, but their experience in the energy sector provided\u00a0a strong foundation.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before starting the company, Toni had worked as an engineer in projects all around the world for 17 years, while Ville had expertise in sales and installations.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe felt like we had exhausted all the options our careers could offer to us. The idea of starting our own business grew gradually from part-time work, and it then grew into a credible alternative after we did some calculations\u201d, Toni and Ville explain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Toni and Ville were already familiar with Sanna Hietalahti-Husu<\/strong>, a Business Advisor at\u00a0W\u00e4l\u00e4kky\u00a0Keski-Savon Uusyrityskeskus, making it easy to contact her.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sanna sees that Toni and Ville\u2019s strengths lie in the customer-oriented service and solid technical expertise combined with the local partner network. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cToni and Ville have a strong understanding of their customers and the desire to develop and grow their business. Being able to tailor your services offers a good competitive advantage that helps you succeed despite the challenges currently facing the construction industry\u201d, Sanna adds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growth,\u00a0balance\u00a0and shared insights\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Solves Oy offers energy and indoor air solutions under one roof in an ecological and customer-oriented manner. The company supplies and installs heat pumps, photovoltaic systems and ventilation equipment and does electrical work and pipe installations. The company\u2019s goal is to give its customers solutions that produce value. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The company was set up without any external funding as the founders were able to finance it by themselves. Toni and Ville contacted Sanna again when applying for the investment grant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first employee \u2013 an apprentice \u2013 was hired after six months. Growth was not an end in itself, but running a business was motivating.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe have grown in a controlled and sensible manner, and our employees are highly motivated\u201d, Toni says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The friends don’t always think alike, which has not only required negotiations but also helped the company develop.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI would be lying if I said it has always been smoothing sailing, but our values and direction are always the same\u201d, Ville explains.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A serious endeavour with a twinkle in the eye\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Toni and Ville run Solves Oy in a practice-oriented manner. Their days are spent in the field: first morning coffee in the warehouse with the team, then cleaning and loading goods to vans and then driving to customers to install the equipment. The men take their work seriously and always put the customer first but also have a sense of humour about that they do. Naturally, some of their time is also spent on administrative matters and developing the business operations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The success of Solves is based on listening to the customers and keeping promises. With high customer satisfaction \u2013 rated 4.9 out of 5 \u2013 it is clear that the company is trusted in its area.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to positive feedback from the customers, the company\u2019s hight points include the first time its turnover exceeded EUR 1 million the fact that it can pay invoices and salaries on time while still allowing the entrepreneurs to enjoy their lives. Being able to spend time with the family, go to the summer house and travel to new places help avoid stress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ville and Toni have a few simple tips for anyone considering starting their own business: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

 
\u201cThink about your service \u2013 does it bring value to your customers, too, and not only to you? Prepare a business plan that\u2019s as comprehensive as possible and calculate your sales and cost structures in multiple different ways. If, after all this, things are still looking good, then it\u2019s time to get started.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The energetic idea of childhood friends grew into a company that offers smart and ecological solutions for homes and companies. 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