Caption: Brothers Niko, Joona, and Jani Karvonen actively participate in industry events. Pictured at Alucar Oy's annual celebration.
Three brothers - Niko, Joona, and Jani Karvonen - decided to leave their salaried jobs behind and pursue their passion. What began as a hobby in machinery contracting gradually evolved into full-time work, officially launched in 2018 with the founding of JJ Karvonen Ky.
The company provides machinery contracting, earthworks, and year-round maintenance for yards and roads, serving both private clients and businesses. As operations expanded, transportation services were added, including container rentals and forest machine transport in collaboration with Suomen Konesiirrot Oy. Continued growth in the transportation sector led to the establishment of a new company in 2022: Kuljetus Karvonen Oy, specializing in timber transport and crane truck services.
The brothers’ dynamic teamwork, shared passion, and mutual support have been the cornerstones of the companies’ growth. They form a close-knit team where resources and expertise are always readily available. In their view, the essential entrepreneurial skills - courage, determination, and practical problem-solving - are best developed through hands-on experience. They emphasize that not all lessons are learned in school; many are gained through doing.
Currently, the companies employ all three brothers and have recently welcomed their first external employee. Their shared goal is to help build a vibrant rural community and create job opportunities in their home region.
High-quality workmanship is at the heart of everything they do. Jobs are carried out carefully, tailored to customer wishes, with feedback actively considered. The fleet is continuously updated to meet evolving needs. Responsibility is reflected not only in practical decisions but also in the entrepreneurial spirit they promote - a spirit where work can be personal and inspiring, even when the hours aren’t always counted. As a testament to their responsible practices, both companies are part of the Vastuu Group’s Reliable Partner service, and they comply with forest certifications required by the forestry industry.
The brothers also highlight the importance of networks and partnerships. Industry players share experiences, knowledge, and best practices, fostering mutual growth. Managing time, planning, and prioritizing remain ongoing areas of development - skills they continuously strive to improve.
When Kuljetus Karvonen Oy was founded, business specialist Heli Hirvonen from Business Joensuu provided crucial support.
- We gained confidence in our ideas and received help with planning. The collaboration strengthened our resolve and gave us the courage to take the next step, the brothers say.
Heli Hirvonen reflects that supporting young, enthusiastic entrepreneurs at the start of their business journey has been a pleasure:
- With startup entrepreneurs, we review the business plan and profitability calculations and, if needed, plan financing solutions. It’s a good idea to contact us early when considering starting a business.
JJ Karvonen Ky and Kuljetus Karvonen Oy exemplify how family ties, a strong work ethic, and a bold attitude can build not only a successful business but also a thriving future for Heinävesi and the wider North Karelia region.
- Being close to nature is one of our core values. As a forestry business, we understand that responsible work begins with respect for the environment, says Jani Karvonen.
Forests play a significant role in Heinävesi’s economy and the well-being of its residents. Mayor Maarika Kasonen also emphasizes the diverse importance of forests to the municipality’s identity and vitality:
- Heinävesi is the most forested municipality in Finland, with an exceptionally high proportion of forest area relative to its land area. Natural areas combined with large, contiguous commercial forests are a vital part of Heinävesi. Our strengths include forest resources and a nature- and culture-based tourism and recreation environment. For generations, forests have provided economic benefits and employment to a wide range of people, especially in forestry, timber harvesting, and transportation sectors. Forestry and recreational use of forests can coexist, and our local nature offers a valuable space for relaxation. Nature tourism continues to attract increasing interest.
The mayor adds that Heinävesi’s forests are seen not only as a resource but as an essential part of the local lifestyle and identity. Balancing economic use and recreational value is a key aspect of the municipality’s development.
Text: Eeva Kulmala, Municipality of Heinävesi
Photos: JJ Karvonen and Kuljetus Karvonen
For more information and to learn about services:
Joona Karvonen, +358 40 747 6594, jjkarvonen@outlook.com
JJ Karvonen on Facebook