Greeting, Dimex turned 35 this year and I turned 62. The blog is getting a little nostalgic, I'm retiring on January 1, 2018. Both have traveled here in various weather conditions over the years. Sometimes they have been on the side of the road and on the side of the road. They have found the strength and skill to return to the asphalt road. Although sometimes it has felt like luck? The founder of the company, my brother Timo, asked me to be his entrepreneurial buddy in November 1985. He said he dared to ask now because it looked like the company might stay afloat? In the summer of 1986, we moved from Raahe to Leppävirta. Timo's omen was right. Dimex continues to move forward today in good spirits. Many things have contributed to this. The first thing that comes to mind is the incredible legacy we received from our mother and father: the culture of "getting by". We have to move forward, even if sometimes there is a very headwind. I have also found the courage to make decisions. You should make the “right” decisions. How do you know when making a decision whether it is right or wrong or whether the decision has real significance? Twenty years ago I went for a routine check-up at an occupational health clinic. The doctor asked how I was doing. I told him that everything was going well, but things were just so damn hard to decide. It was stated that the only thing that helped was to decide. Tuire and Riita think I'm bringing up the word "humility" too much. We now agree when I added the word "good self-esteem". Humility is something completely different from humility. With good self-esteem and a humble mind, we have had the strength to seek help when needed. There has been a need! For example, we have had an external member or members on the board for twenty years. It should also be noted that I have not been a solo entrepreneur. Under Timo's leadership, good foundations were built for the company in 1995. After that, my wife Sirkka became my entrepreneurial partner. There were major investments and modernization of operations. Tuire joined in 2008 and Riitta in 2009. They have been the main owners since 2013. Petteri became a partner in 2014. A real leap has been made in this decade. It would not have been possible without the next generation. This year has been good for us. Customer satisfaction is measured as good as job satisfaction among Dimex employees. Turnover has grown significantly. The company's financial results and position are strong. Within the big picture, there have been enough challenges. A lot has been done to address the challenges. There will certainly be plenty of challenges next year as well, and they often change. What about next year? Riita will become CEO on January 1, 2018, Tuire will continue as Chairman of the Board and Sales Director. Petteri will continue as Marketing Director. I will keep a small shareholding and a seat on the Board. It is good to continue the company as I had in 1995. It will not be easy in the future either. Challenges and even problems are part of life and also work life. We have a good continuation team and they have a bunch of amazing professionals to support them. Of course, I am very proud and happy that the company will continue as a family business! Amazing! I'm moving to Tampere at the turn of the year. It's been great living and trying in Leppävirta. Thanks to the people of Leppävirta and the municipality of Leppävirta. I just have that provincial tourism in my blood. First 30 years in Northern Ostrobothnia, then 30 years in Northern Savo, next 30 years in Pirkanmaa! Where would I move to then? Maybe I'll compete in different provinces then? A heartfelt thank you to Dimex employees, our customers, suppliers and partners! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2018! Jukka Krogerus CEO (until 31 December 2017) PS: My phone number and email address will remain the same next year. In the photo: Petteri, Tuire, Jukka and Riitta.