The world is a great adventure. I am allowed to come to the office today. I’m four years old, and I’m standing in front of a door on the second floor. It’s a black wooden door with a silver handle high up. I look at Papa, then back at the door. It’s so high I can hardly see where it ends, like a giant castle door in a fairy story. Papa is looking for something. “Don’t close the door,” I hear
him say. He’s making noises looking for something in another room right now.
“You can’t unlock it from this side if you shut it,” he shouts as he opens some boxes. I wonder what ‘unlock’ means. The door shuts with a bang. This is my first memory of Järnmalmer, our family business.
The first generation creates, the second generation manages. And the third generation? Well, that’s usually when things go wrong. A successful change in generation is never easy. But with the right determination you can go a long way. Inspiration and enthusiasm can create wonders. I have been fortunate to work alongside my father for many years. He has been a good mentor. He has given me freedom and responsibility, but he listens and, when necessary, gives advice. I think this has been the right recipe for moving the company successfully into its future.
Per Malmer, my father and the chairman of the company, retired from the post of CEO in 2010. I represent the third generation and I have been trusted to be the new CEO of Järnmalmer.
Papa has stopped looking for something now. He comes back, looks at the door, then at me, puts his hand on his forehead. “What does unlock mean?” I ask, although I am starting to understand. We are locked in. Fortunately there are plenty of big white towels in the changing room. Papa ties them together to make a rope. I watch him climb out of the window, like Robin Hood. He saves the day, of course, he’s the strongest man in the world.
Don’t close any doors. Thanks, Papa!
Mattias Malmer, CEO, Järnmalmer
