Interview with Janne Lempinen

Janne Lempinen
Regional Sales Manager – Finland, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxemburg
Start date: 3rd of January 2023

I am 32 years old and grew up in the countryside in southern Finland. I started my military career after my conscript service as a contract soldier, thereafter I gained the rank of a non-commissioned officer.  

Have you deployed?

Yes, I deployed to Lebanon in 2016 where I served as an infantry squad leader.

In the summer of 2019, I also got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be stationed at an embassy in the Middle East as a security advisor. I worked as part of the security team, and we were responsible for the security of a complex where a number of people were staying. The assignment ended in the late summer of 2020 when air traffic opened after the start of Covid-19.

How did you get into sales?

As teaching and training are closely related to sales, I have indirectly been doing sales for some time. Being an instructor, I needed to be able to work with students and find a way to motivate them and it is the same in sales as you need to be able to show a potential client why the products are good for them. However, my real sales career started when I worked with Sioen Ballistics.

In the spring of 2017, I was recruited to Verseidag Ballistic Protection (SIOEN Ballistics) as a product manager to bring more insights into products and user needs.

Even though I was hired as a product manager for tactical gear, I gained a lot of contacts for potential customers and developed personal relationships with them. As a result, I found myself moving towards sales during my time at Sioen. Working with the R&D department and the whole team, we participated in European tenders.

What do you hope to achieve at NFM as a regional sales manager?

I started in January and have gone through some intensive training on products and procedures. This has taught me so much about NFM, that I now have the tools to be able to be successful in sales for the company. I strongly believe that I can create new and exciting international opportunities for NFM and contribute as an important member of the international sales team.

What is a difficult challenge you have previously faced?

One of the biggest challenges was leaving the Finnish Defence Forces. At that point I had been a career soldier, so transitioning to the civilian world was a little nerve racking. I guess every soldier faces the same challenge when moving across, but I was committed to making it work and the tactical industry was a natural progression.

What is your greatest achievement?

Finns do not like to talk about their achievements. I think it is a Scandinavian thing where if you do, then it is like you are bragging, however, I am very proud of my career. I was taught leadership skills in the military, learned a great deal about tactical equipment, and can work all over the world.

FUN FACTS

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to be out in nature and enjoy hunting. I also do sports shooting training for reservists. Next summer I will be renovating a cabin and will spend time with my two dogs. However, most summers, I spend a large part of my time boating both out at sea and in inland waters.

Advice you would give to a younger you.

Stop stressing and just do your best. That is enough as you cannot control everything.