A summer job at the KLINGER Finland Oy’s workshop in 1997 was just the beginning of Jukka von Hertzen’s long career in the world of technical trade and valve sales. Today, he works as a sales manager – backed by extensive experience and a deep understanding of valve solutions, customer relationships and sales leadership.
After his summer job at the workshop, von Hertzen switched from metalwork and machinery studies to an apprenticeship program, which began in January 1998. After military service, von Hertzen returned to the familiar workshop environment in July 2000. That same autumn, he began business studies at a business institute while continuing to work full-time.
In 2003, von Hertzen moved to KLINGER Finland’s sales support team in a technical support role. Through this role, he gained deep knowledge of valve products, customers and both international and domestic suppliers. At the same time, he supported the sales team with technical expertise and was actively involved in sales support operations.
Two years later, in 2005, he moved into a technical sales role focused on valve sales. The following year, he advanced to a area sales manager position, taking responsibility for clients in the oil, gas and petrochemical industries.
Since 2012, von Hertzen has held a role as a sales manager in valve sales, overseeing and developing the entire sales process. The sales manager’s role involves leading sales, guiding the team and supporting sales representatives in their daily customer interactions. He also plans and carries out customer visits with the team to ensure efficient, goal-driven sales operations.
The sales manager’s job is highly varied, which keeps everyday work interesting. Over the years, von Hertzen has been involved in several memorable projects. The 2016 project in Austria was von Hertzen’s first time in the role of a project manager. This experience gave him valuable insight into international collaboration, negotiation and the challenges of project management. It deepened his understanding of project work and taught him the importance of careful preparation and flexible problem solving in demanding situations. Von Hertzen also highlights the valuable support from a colleague during various stages of the project and remains still grateful for the help.
Balancing work and life
Von Hertzen describes his sales manager’s job at KLINGER Finland as genuinely meaningful. He especially appreciates the company’s collaborative atmosphere, flexibility and variety of work tasks. As part of the international KLINGER Group, he feels a strong connection to a wider professional community. Cooperation flows smoothly across countries, with shared values and knowledge creating a sense of unity. “It feels like being part of a big family. The best part of my job is meeting people – whether it is colleagues, customers or suppliers,” von Hertzen says.
KLINGER Finland has supported von Hertzen’s professional development in many ways. He has had the opportunity to participate in sales, leadership and language training and to build networks with both domestic and international professionals in the industry. The company invests in employee well-being through initiatives such as team-building days and by promoting a healthy work-life balance.
Over the course of his career, he has gained countless insights. But one lesson stands out clearly in von Hertzen’s mind: “Believe in yourself – anything is possible.”
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