Lifestyle

Entrepreneur Johannes Larsson says slow and steady wins the race

Published

3 years ago

September 13, 2022

Entrepreneur Johannes Larsson built his success step by step.

As the founder and CEO of Financer.com, a comparison engine for personal finance that is operating in 26 markets, Larsson said being successful isn’t about how much money you can make overnight or how fast you can grow your business, but rather how strong of a foundation you can build in a methodical, sustainable way.

“It has always been very gradual for me. When I opened Financer.com, things were going very slowly for the first three years. We stuck with it anyway,” he said. “Then, we had our breakthrough and were able to increase our revenue tenfold. And that momentum kept with us, so much so, that we were able to increase our revenue another 10 times the next year.”

That commitment has always been a part of Larsson, who was born in Sweden and moved to Malta at the age of 19. Having lived abroad the majority of his adult life, he currently spends most of his time in Cyprus, where his company is headquartered.

“I’ve always been a fan of being location independent, and because of that, I have built my business on the remote model, which allowed me to travel across 60 countries while building my business,” he said. “Our team consists of 54 intrapreneurs, who all have complete location independence and work from every corner of the world.”

Understanding the needs of his employees is an important aspect of his business, Larsson said, noting that his team consistently ranks work satisfaction as a nine out of 10.

“I really value having great people, but more so, that those people love working in our company,” he said. “Our average work satisfaction is almost at an all-time high, which has been one of the company’s milestone achievements.”

Perhaps the biggest tell-tale sign of employee dedication at Financer.com came during one of the most turbulent times in global history, the COVID-19 pandemic. Faced with an 80% drop in revenue, Larsson said the company was hit from many different angles and left him with some big decisions to make.

“We were bleeding money and the ‘right’ business decision would have been to let go of people,” he said. “Instead, we innovated ourselves out of it.”

Larsson said in addition to pivoting to new verticals that would prove more lucrative for the business during the global pandemic, he also asked his employees to take a temporary pay cut so that the company could keep everyone employed.

“They were all willing to do so, and we lowered our costs significantly for a period of time when we were really down,” he said. “We did not have to fire a single person.”

Larsson said the ability to count on his team he believes stems from the company culture he fosters to enable employees to live a life they genuinely love.

“I have always wanted to make work not feel like work, but rather, see it as living out a purpose. This is something I have already achieved personally. I love working, and I have no schedule whatsoever,” he said. “Not many people have the opportunity to create the exact job they want for themselves or live every day on their own terms. I don’t take that for granted. I want my team to have the same set up and feel like they’re doing something meaningful.”

Connect with Johannes Larsson on Instagram or at his website: www.johanneslarsson.com.

Lifestyle

The Evolution of Automated Bottling and Labelling Solutions: From Manual to Fully Integrated Systems

Published

2 days ago

October 15, 2025

Michelle Langton

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing and packaging industries, efficiency and accuracy are everything. Businesses across food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors rely heavily on bottling and labelling solutions to maintain product consistency, meet compliance standards, and enhance consumer trust. What began as labour-intensive manual processes has rapidly evolved into fully integrated, automated systems that streamline production and boost profitability. Providers such as Rentafill have played a key role in giving businesses access to flexible and scalable solutions, whether they are just starting out or preparing for large-scale operations.

From Manual Labour to Mechanised Assistance

The earliest bottling and labelling methods involved significant human effort. Workers filled bottles by hand and applied labels manually, often resulting in inconsistencies and bottlenecks in production. As demand grew, simple mechanical tools were introduced to aid with pouring and applying labels, reducing spillage and improving alignment. These early steps were crucial in laying the foundation for more sophisticated solutions.

The Rise of Semi-Automated Systems

Semi-automated bottling and labelling machines marked a turning point. By combining manual oversight with mechanical efficiency, businesses could scale production without a complete overhaul of their processes. Operators managed filling levels, adjusted labelling mechanisms, and ensured quality control while machines handled repetitive actions at higher speeds. Semi-automation was especially beneficial for small to medium-sized enterprises looking to meet growing demand without excessive upfront investment.

Fully Automated Integration

Today’s advanced bottling and labelling solutions are often part of fully integrated systems that connect seamlessly with wider production lines. Modern machines are capable of filling, capping, sealing, and labelling at high speeds with exceptional accuracy. Integration with software allows for real-time monitoring, quality assurance, and predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and waste. These systems can adapt to various container shapes and label formats, giving manufacturers the flexibility they need to keep up with changing consumer preferences and regulatory requirements.

Benefits of Automation in Bottling and Labelling

The transition to automated systems has delivered significant advantages:

• Consistency and precision – automated processes ensure uniform product presentation.

• Increased output – high-speed systems enable businesses to meet rising demand efficiently.

• Reduced costs – less labour is required, and waste from errors is minimised.

• Enhanced traceability – integration with digital systems supports compliance and batch tracking.

• Scalability – systems can be customised to suit businesses at any stage of growth.

Looking Ahead

The evolution of bottling and labelling continues as industries move towards Industry 4.0. Smart technologies, including IoT-enabled sensors and AI-driven analytics, are being integrated into packaging lines to optimise performance, detect faults early, and ensure even greater sustainability. The focus is shifting not only towards efficiency but also towards environmental responsibility, with machines designed to minimise material use and energy consumption.

Final Thoughts

From the days of manual filling to today’s fully integrated systems, bottling and labelling solutions have undergone a remarkable transformation. Businesses now have the opportunity to embrace automation in ways that improve quality, productivity, and long-term growth. Whether a company requires small-scale support or a complete packaging line, modern providers are helping industries bridge the gap between tradition and innovation.