Matti Tervamäki, CEO of Maper, values clarity, planning, and customer focus. His guiding principle is simple: “Ultimately, it’s the customer who pays our salaries, not the company.” This mindset defines his leadership style, which emphasizes listening, open dialogue, and creating the right conditions and tools for his team to succeed.
Tervamäki joined Maper as CEO in the fall of 2022, transitioning from a sister company. “While my initial experience in manufacturing was limited, I already understood the basics of valve operations. However, moving into the field of control devices required additional learning, and even now, I still learn something new every day,” Tervamäki explains. He highlights how the knowledge shared by his predecessor during the first months was invaluable.
A Supportive and Calm Atmosphere at Maper
Tervamäki’s workdays balance structure with flexibility. “Scheduled meetings create the frame for my days, but everything else is unpredictable,” he says of his daily routine. While customer issues can sometimes disrupt schedules, Tervamäki emphasizes that “the customer always comes first, and we must respect that.”
In addition to its customer-centric approach, Maper’s work culture is built on patience.
“Even when there’s a lot to do, the work must be done calmly and systematically. The end result is always better that way,”
Tervamäki notes.
According to him, Maper fosters a direct and equal workplace culture. “No one is above or below anyone else. We’re all on the same level, working toward shared goals. If someone needs help, they’ll get it,” he shares. The team’s expertise and professionalism ensure that work is a controlled process rather than a hurried scramble. “In a rush, the risk of mistakes increases. At Maper, everyone knows that the process steps must be followed calmly to achieve a good outcome.”
The Cornerstones of Valve Production
Tervamäki explains that Maper’s valve production has remained largely consistent over the years. The core design has stayed the same, but recent innovations ensure all valve types are serviceable. “The frame and handle rarely wear out, but the seals and balls are designed to be replaceable. This significantly extends the product’s lifespan,” he says.
As for what sets Maper apart, Tervamäki highlights their exceptional customer service and fast delivery times. “There have been times when a taxi waited outside for a valve to be finished. When a customer’s production stops, the cost of downtime can far outweigh the price of an expedited valve delivery,” he explains. As a Finnish company, Maper offers quick and flexible deliveries, a key advantage over international competitors.
While remote work and Teams meetings have become more common, Tervamäki still values face-to-face interactions. “Teams is efficient and even clinical, but in-person meetings create deeper connections. Knowing the person behind the interaction is an important part of building strong customer relationships,” he says.
Balancing Work with Outdoor Activities
In his free time, Tervamäki enjoys being outdoors and engaging in community activities. Cottage life, walking his dog, and participating in a decade-long running group called “Juoksuaika” (Running Time) are key parts of his routine. Running sessions not only provide physical exercise but also meaningful conversations that often feel like therapy, with discussions staying confidential within the group.
Surprisingly, Tervamäki shares that he was once sensitive to cold but has since embraced ice swimming as part of his weekend routine. “We always keep the ice hole open at the cottage, and it’s become a ritual. The feeling you get after coming out of the ice is incredible,” he says, adding that his newfound love for cold water might surprise those who know his past aversion to the cold.
Matti Tervamäki is a CEO who combines thoughtful leadership with a human touch. He trusts his experience, listens to his team, and works to ensure that every condition for success is in place.
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29.1.2025
