Business owners P. Vindasius and J. Matos in Norway: “We want the people who work for us to be happy”

A lot of people dream of starting a business by fulfilling themselves in the activities they enjoy. For many, this is just a dream. But not for Paulius Vindasius and Joakim Matos.

Two friends, passionate representatives of the construction world, recently came up with a business idea, which has already become a reality, and now is providing concreting services, Tiveta Betong As, after entering the Norwegian construction market.

Both value and respect their previous career experiences unconditionally, but this story is about three things: vision, drive, and market needs. What brought about the decision to build a business together, what’s the story, and finally, what challenges does the company pose for itself in the future?

A conversation with Paulius Vindasius and Joakim Matos.

– Under what circumstances did you enter the construction sector and what is your experience with it in Norway?

Paulius: My father was a builder and he inculcated this craft upon me at an early age. It seems that my destiny was already clear then as the family expected me to choose a career in the construction industry. My father and I have implemented many projects in Lithuania, then followed my emigration, because I wanted to broaden my worldview and gain more international experience. After testing the waters in Denmark and Iceland, fate brought me to Norway. I came here in 2013. I got a job at Tiveta As construction company; I still work here. I think the working conditions and environment in Norway are some of the best in the world. Diligent and professional specialists in their field are highly valued in this country. With good goals and dedication, lots can be achieved here.

Joakim: I started working in the construction sector at a very young age. It’s a little awkward to say, but I was only 12 years old then. Of course, it was in Portugal, my home country. Everything was going well until I was 23 years old. It was a time when the construction business in Portugal was beginning to experience the worst of times. I started thinking about emigration. I got a job at Zucotec, which is well known across all of Europe, thus starting my breathtaking journey across the European continent. I have worked in the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, Spain and many other countries. In 2005, an opportunity presented itself for me to come and work in Norway. In terms of business, Zucotec was new to the Norwegian construction market at the time, so they asked me if I would like to help them with new projects there. I agreed without hesitation because I really liked the idea itself. I was curious to see how business processes work in this Scandinavian country. The idea really excited me. I came to Norway the same year and am currently still here. Today, I can only speak good words about this country. In my opinion, the business conditions here are very good, the person is highly respected. I am very satisfied and feel comfortable here.

– How long have you been working in business management?

Paulius: 17 years. I wanted to organize and implement various ideas a long time ago. I had opportunities to implement managerial skills in Lithuania with small-scale construction projects early on in life. Afterwards I explored other countries, and finally I came to Norway. Today I know all processes inside out: from setting up a factory to developing and selling a product. I am fascinated by everything related to management and marketing.

Joakim: I started working as a manager in Portugal just before I went on the secondment across Europe. I was 22 then, and I have been working in Norway since 2009. Today marks the 24th year of leadership.

– What is the biggest challenge you have had or are having to face?

Paulius: Maintaining balance both in life and at work.

Joakim: I remember one project in Norway. Higher-ranking individuals have made certain decisions for me that have worried me, even scared me. And even though that decision was overturned, the consequences could have been devastating. I still think about it to this day. At the time, we were assembling gigantic beams and columns over which the overlay had to be laid. The said people planned to dismantle the formwork before the concrete reached the required stiffness and density. Then, in my opinion, it was a very bad decision. Fortunately, I was able to persuade leaders to change their minds. Anyway, I was very worried. I will never forget that.

– What were the first impressions when the two of you crossed paths?

Paulius: From the very first time we met, it became clear that, from a purely technical point of view, our views on building processes are much the same and that we share similar mindsets. As a rule, we, carpenters, always start work when the reinforced concrete part of the building is finished. More than once, the plans did not coincide with reality on the construction site, in those situations our philosophy with Joakim matched. We collaborated on about six projects. Over the years, the friendship has strengthened and the approach to the processes has become even more consistent. I think our strength is that we started off as simple laborers, who began their career from the bottom and made their way to the top. Construction processes are then much easier to understand, and solutions to difficult situations can be found more promptly. We both care about the people in our team a lot, that’s what connects us. We emphasize quality matters no less. We want to carry out high quality work, and we are proud of our daily tasks. I think that is very important. Joakim is a true professional for whom this field is not just a job, but rather a vocation.

Joakim: I first met Paulius while building Hovseter Hospital. I noticed his desire to solve problems here and now instead of just talking about them or postponing it till the next day. I was really impressed with his attitude. I thought he was a fantastic person. But most importantly, I had a feeling that this person could be trusted. Since then, we have worked on a few more projects, and the connection and trust grew even more with time.

– What led to the decision to build a business together?

Paulius: A little while ago, I noticed that the concreting market is missing another serious player and there is a niche for self-realization, unexplored areas we’d like to step into. As I say, it is necessary to hire a talented chef to set up a restaurant, right? Joakim is an expert of his field who understands how this business works, especially the technical side of it, while I step in to look after the managerial side of the business. Generally speaking, he knows about concrete, I know about the aspects of business management. Going back to the comparison with a restaurant, a chef may not also be a good manager, therefore I have taken over this area in our company. We decided that we would both create the same product, only from different angles, but we are both an integral part of each other.

Joakim: I think we can go back to the thoughts expressed earlier – trust, finding solutions to problems. When you have such a team, you can create a good product and develop a profitable business.

– What is leadership in your opinion?

Paulius: Responsibility and accountability, help and support for your employees, because only then will you earn respect. Only then will they begin to trust you as a leader.

Joakim: Sense of responsibility, patience, hard work and effort.

– How many people are on your team?

Paulius: Our company currently employs 40 people.

Joakim: I will add that this number will increase in the near future. We are planning on significant growth.

– What are the core values of your company?

Paulius: Competitive prices, high-quality and timely work, decent conditions for employees. If you do all this, then the business will succeed.

Joakim: I agree with Paulius’ thoughts. I would add that it is mandatory to take care of the staff, to provide the best possible conditions. We want them to be content while working for Tiveta Betong AS.

– What services does your company provide?

Paulius: Joakim will tell you more about the area of concreting, while I would like to introduce masonry services. Each country has its own way of carrying out construction processes; in Portugal everything is basically built of cement. It is no secret that the country has a deep tradition of masonry, which we will try to implement in Norway as well. This craft is an old dream of mine.

Joakim: Everything to do with concreting work. Formwork installation, reinforcement frame installation, concrete casting, surface preparation, prefabricated reinforced concrete building frame. The trend I am seeing today is individual companies doing separate segments of the building process. We, Tiveta Betong AS, will aim to provide the full service, as a whole: from start to finish.

– What projects are you working on currently?

Paulius: We are building three different buildings in different locations. We will carry out concreting work at the Rælingen School Gymnasium, install a concrete staircase complex in Lambertseter, and another one is a renovation project in Oslo with shaft structures.

Joakim: In addition, a further 11 new orders are currently being negotiated. Among them is a block of 60 apartments, which requires the construction of the entire part of the foundation with an underground parking.

– Are there many companies you compete with in Norway?

Paulius: There is always competition in this business, which we take seriously and have great respect for. New companies are constantly appearing on the market, some are flourishing and others are not. Everyone’s goal is the same – to reach the top of the market.

Joakim: Realistically, we are currently competing with four similar companies. But the market is changing as we get stronger. I agree with Paulius regarding the company’s goal. Ours is to become the market leader among concreting companies.

– The construction industry is constantly being changed by technology and innovation. How does this affect your business?

Paulius: Technology plays a key role in a company’s internal governance mechanism. I gained lots of experience and knowledge while working at Tiveta AS, and we are successfully applying it in this company. Today, the pace of technology is accelerating, so you have to be able to keep up with all the trends and innovations. I will emphasize that we devote much of our time to this segment because there is simply no other way to become leaders.

Joakim: The companies I’ve worked for previously have kept pace with the latest technologies, so is Tiveta Betong AS. We will pay close attention to this, as it is an integral part of the business, especially nowadays. Emerging new tools significantly facilitate productivity, security and also bring financial returns. For example, the hydraulic reinforced concrete structure installation system that we demonstrated in Norway last year impressed many experts, and the technology was then widely used. Even Doka formwork suppliers were pleasantly surprised to see how we were able to build three floors of the shaft in one week. No other company in Europe has yet done so.

– How would you rate today’s construction sector industry in Norway?

Paulius: The market is constantly developing and a new understanding of quality has been forming for a long time. Progressive modern construction technologies enable developers to implement sustainable solutions, and the reward for caring for their environment becomes the appreciation of business communities and end users. Such as the highest wooden constructive building rankings went to Norway. This country is currently the leader in many areas, and it is a great honor and responsibility for us to operate as a part of this country’s market.

Joakim: The industry in Norway is one of the most advanced in the world. Some of the most important trends in Norwegian construction technology that are actually being mastered would be renewable energy, prefabricated structures, Building Information Modeling (BIM), digitization, the uptake and use of advanced materials. As for the scale of the market, I think the peak is far from being reached, we’re just on our way to it.

– What will Tiveta Betong AS offer to the market that others cannot?

Paulius: Our client will receive the best quality concreting services in Norway. We will not leave anyone feeling indifferent about it.

Joakim: The concreting market is in need of excellent quality. We will provide that by hiring only professional staff.

– What are the goals of the company this year?

Paulius: This is the year of warming up. We want to implement several projects, make new business connections, and spread the word about ourselves.

Joakim: 2022 is the year of laying the foundations to what we’re dreaming of building and creating. We will do this work responsibly because it is key to building a reliable business model. We aim to ruffle the market’s waters a little and let us be known. We will carry out intelligence, examine the nuances of the market and move on to the next year with even greater force.

– What fundamental changes do you see in your company over the next five years?

Paulius: Consistent company, contracts and customers.

Joakim: To be the number one. I want the biggest clients to talk about Tiveta Betong AS.

– What advice would you give to the younger generation looking to become leaders in the construction industry?

Paulius: Work hard, don’t do foolish things that will be regretted afterwards, finish what you start at 100 percent.

Joakim: First and foremost, it’s important to love what you do. Every day you have to strive to become better than you were yesterday. The competition is fierce, so you will have to bring to the industry what will accompany you to the Olympus of Business Empire. When you start at the bottom, at the very beginning, the competition is always low, but the further you go, the more significant it becomes. To become a leader you need to work without counting your working hours. Even if you become a highly qualified leader, the work does not end there. Being in the construction industry requires daily personal improvement. Just like in boxing: becoming the world’s champion is one thing, but constantly defending and keeping that title is another.

– The journey of your new business has just started. Tell us, why and how will Tiveta Betong AS become a thriving company?

Paulius: Joakim has a wealth of experience in concreting. This is the key factor. The foundations of the apartment building where I now live were installed under Joakim’s supervision, so I can gladly say: I can sleep peacefully even during the biggest storm. He takes up every single project with great responsibility. I know this man will do his job flawlessly. Therefore, our overall business plan will succeed.

Joakim: We have strong trust in each other. Paulius is a professional in his field, I can vouch for that, and he has already flourished at Tiveta AS. Paulius is a master of building a successful business. So today, we are a team of people who love what we do and constantly complement each other. We will succeed.