Although it’s not Sunday, I went for a espresso with Hannu, proprietor, coronary heart and soul of KOTI flats. I’ll connect this beautiful interview to my beforehand revealed “Sunday Cafe” part so that you can get pleasure from sooner or later and simply entry it.
Once I first met Hannu was on our enterprise assembly concerning my collaboration with KOTI flats about 2,5 months in the past. Ever for the reason that first assembly up till this second, Hannu has been not simply a simple individual to collaborate with but additionally very heat and welcoming particular person which may be very devoted to what he does and each single shopper who walks into KOTI flats issues. I used to be glad to spend a while interviewing him and I hope that this may deliver him nearer to you and that you’ll too take into account staying at KOTI flats sooner or later. 🙂
Your title and age.
Hannu Junkkaala , Libra 🙂
The place do you come from and what’s your connection to Helsinki?
I come from Helsinki, I used to be born right here and I’m what’s thought of “barefoot” Helsinkian.
Effectively, virtually since you’re purported to have 5 generations in your loved ones who’re from Helsinki, I don’t have that many however virtually. That additionally explains my connection to Helsinki.
What are the benefits of working a enterprise from Helsinki and what are disadvantages?
Helsinki is clear, protected and has pure, straight ahead individuals dwelling right here. Helsinki is trendy and all the time creating extra. To me, it’s a lot simpler to function my enterprise from Helsinki as a result of there’s sufficient house on the hospitality marketplace for what I’m doing. KOTI flats are fairly distinctive in that sense and it makes a giant benefit for me.
Drawback is perhaps that Helsinki may nonetheless have extra greater/ worldwide recognized firms their workplaces right here and create extra centred level for enterprise traveler who’re are additionally majority of our visitors. If you happen to evaluate Helsinki and Zurich for instance, they’re the identical dimension smart however Zurich remains to be far more superior in enterprise operations and such vs. Helsinki.
Operating small, non-public enterprise vs. greater one? What do you want about being a small enterprise proprietor?
I used to work earlier than as a part of huge enterprise and I need to say I favor extra working a small enterprise. Selections are typically made in seconds, there’s not a lot pondering by and having limitless sheets or energy level paperwork however somewhat going by the sensation and understanding what’s the appropriate choice or the subsequent step within the given second.
I additionally like that I’ve an amazing and shut relationship with my staff and so they really feel like relations somewhat than my staff. I don’t assume that it’s attainable to have that in huge enterprise.
Additionally, my days are all completely different. It would sound like a cliche however day by day is completely different. I might need an empty schedule when driving in with my automotive to work and abruptly it is perhaps that it’s 9 pm and I’m solely then going dwelling. That may be good and dangerous however principally a good factor and I like that.
Why title KOTI flats?
I used to personal KOTI resort earlier than and I bought my enterprise to Forenom flats in 2015. I’ve then misplaced my “rights” on that particular title so after I was about to open KOTI flats I selected that title half as a result of I had some melancholic attachment to my earlier enterprise and half as a result of KOTI means dwelling in Finnish and that’s precisely the sensation which I wished to create at KOTI. It may be after all trendy design, luxurious and fashionable flats with nice tools however the feeling must be the one in every of “dwelling”. It’s good to see that not many individuals who go to us know what KOTI means in Finnish however after they come over and get that homey vibes and discover out the which means of “koti” in my language they join the dots and are pleasantly shocked that the title suits the sensation of the place. 🙂
What evokes you or makes you happiest essentially the most in your work?
I can truthfully say that I’m the happiest after I work together with my guests. As a result of present state of affairs I’ve been “locked up” within my workplace for the previous 3 months and I miss the every day interplay with our visitors. It’s a part of our KOTI vibes, to see me or Jasmin and have a smiling face say hello and need you a pleasant day. I’m additionally glad after I hear that our purchasers are glad and that now we have met or exceeded the expectations. I’m glad after I hear that anyone had been advertising us in “mouth to mouth” method and so they have solely good issues to say, that’s what really evokes me and provides me motivation to go ahead.
What’s the greatest place you’ve ever stayed at like resort/ house/ and many others?
I’d say that the perfect expertise was final Summer time in a single boutique resort in Lourdes, France. I went there with my girlfriend due to Tour De France and will simply go every day with automotive or by bike, from the resort to see completely different phases of the Tour de France. I appreciated the truth that it was ran by elder couple who would additionally each morning put together huge breakfast desk for all of us and every morning you’ll be seated in a different way so that you get to fulfill and discuss to completely different individuals. I appreciated that.
With regards to my benchmark place/ resort, I all the time keep at Ett Hem resort in Stockholm who’s title by likelihood means dwelling in Swedish identical to KOTI does in Finnish. 😀
What’s your life motto?
Angels stay in particulars. Some individuals say for the contracts that the satan lives in particulars and I used to be pondering that Angels stay in particulars as a result of in my work, it’s a must to have fundamental floor nice however particulars are what makes the work or place stand out and particular. We have now numerous little particulars at KOTI and I believe that it’s good contact. However it’s true that if fundamentals aren’t proper, then particulars received’t matter in any respect. If I put a bowl of sweet at your room it received’t make you content if rooms aren’t clear or if our workers just isn’t good.
Advocate a ebook, film and music?
Favourite ebook is by Simon Sinek, Begin With Why
Texas nation music, one thing like Kenny Chesney.
Title 3 issues everybody ought to do or see when staying at KOTI flats?
I believe that if it’s first time somebody is visiting Helsinki and staying at KOTI flats they need to go to Loyly, Suomenlinna island and bounce on the tram 10 which stops subsequent to KOTI and marvel off. 🙂
Thanks Hannu for this interview!
