Lifestyle

Entrepreneur Johannes Larsson says slow and steady wins the race

Published

2 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

From Wealth to Fields: A Billionaire’s Commitment to Small Farmers

Published

2 weeks ago

July 11, 2024

Michelle Langton

In recent years, billionaire Stefan Soloviev has transitioned from the world of New York real estate to the fertile farmlands of the American West.

His journey from urban wealth to rural development showcases a unique dedication to revitalizing small farming communities and transforming the agricultural landscape.

A New Vision for Agriculture

Stefan Soloviev, son of the late real estate tycoon Sheldon Solow, has amassed a considerable amount of farmland across Colorado, Kansas, and New Mexico. Soloviev’s agricultural enterprise, Crossroads Agriculture, spans over 400,000 acres, making him one of the largest landowners in the United States.

This substantial investment is not merely a financial venture; it represents a commitment to supporting and empowering small farmers in these regions.

Soloviev’s approach to farming is characterized by his desire to move away from competitive practices that often leave small farmers struggling. Instead, he emphasizes collaboration and sustainability.

By leveraging his resources, Soloviev aims to create a farming environment where smallholders can thrive alongside larger operations. This philosophy is particularly evident in his strategic acquisition of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad, a critical transportation link for agricultural products in the region.

Revitalizing Rural Communities

Soloviev’s impact extends beyond farmland acquisition. His purchase of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad at a bankruptcy auction for $10.7 million highlights his broader vision for the agricultural sector.

This railroad, previously owned by Iowa Pacific Holdings, connects the San Luis Valley to the national rail network, facilitating the efficient transport of goods and boosting local economies.

The acquisition is seen as a positive development for the San Luis Valley, with Soloviev’s Colorado Pacific Railroad expected to be more community-focused and supportive of local initiatives compared to the previous owners. This includes potential cooperation with local recreational projects, such as the proposed Heart of the Valley Trail, which aims to integrate rail and trail use for community benefit.

Soloviev’s dedication to the region is also reflected in his willingness to work with local stakeholders to address community needs. His approach contrasts with more traditional, profit-driven business models and underscores his commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem.

Building a Sustainable Future

Soloviev’s investment in the Colorado Pacific Railroad and the broader agricultural infrastructure is part of a long-term vision to create a more resilient and sustainable farming community. By improving transportation networks and providing support to small farmers, he hopes to mitigate some of the challenges these farmers face, such as market access and transportation costs.

Moreover, Soloviev’s initiatives are seen as a way to preserve and enhance the rural way of life, which is increasingly threatened by industrial farming and urban encroachment. His efforts to balance economic viability with environmental stewardship demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the complexities of modern agriculture.

In conclusion, Stefan Soloviev’s transition from urban real estate mogul to a champion of small farmers is a testament to his innovative and community-oriented approach.

His significant investments in farmland and infrastructure, coupled with a commitment to sustainability and local engagement, are paving the way for a brighter future for small farmers in Colorado and beyond. Through his efforts, Soloviev is not only transforming

the agricultural landscape but also setting a precedent for how wealth and resources can be used to foster positive change in rural communities.