The CFO of Hoivarakentajat lives and breathes log construction and the best of his clients. There is only one regret in Niilo Rantala's recent past.
– It's a pity that my infatuation with logs happened just a couple of months after we started building our current home in Pöytyä. Maybe we'll have to build a log house one day. Logs are such a traditional and warm material, and my childhood home was also a log house, Niilo Rantala says.
Rantala was recruited straight from the School of Economics to an accountancy firm, where he ended up in the real estate side of the business.
– I was very interested in the field and, as my employer at the time was a large company, it was possible to be part of several real estate-related assignments. It took me a few years before I moved to an accountancy firm.
This career decision proved to be crucial for Rantala's future in the log building industry, as it was at the accountancy firm that he met Juha Marttala, the founder of Hoivarakentajat.
– At some point, I just said to Juha: what if I joined your payroll? Niilo Rantala recalls.
Niilo has always been interested in the numbers associated with large real estate investments, but he does not admit to looking for quick lottery wins.
– For me, it is important to create value for us, but above all for our clients. In particular, you can't rip your profit off the back of a client, even if there is an opportunity to do so. You have to be honest, transparent and have a long-term perspective," says Rantala.
Doing what is best for the customer will also help Hoivarakentajat achieve its goals.
– When you feel that you are doing the right thing, you enjoy your work. You'd get bored pretty quickly if you were only maximising your interests.
According to Rantala, the values of Hoivarakentajat are not just rhetoric, as all employees act following the values they have defined together in their daily work.
– Values are often high on the client's selection criteria and sometimes we get chosen on that basis.
For the last couple of years, the construction sector has had the handbrake on.
– Considering the challenges facing the social welfare and healthcare sector, it would be great if we could start all the projects that are now waiting to be started. Of course, it's all about managing money, financing and risk. But there's nothing like the feeling when we get to build a second, third or tenth unit for a social welfare and healthcare service company.
Niilo Rantala is confident that there is a space for every growth-oriented care company.
– Everyone is needed and specialisation is the key to finding your plot. And by the way, we can help you find suitable locations," Niilo says.