Jerry’s career at Valmet Automotive has been both fast-paced and exceptionally diverse. Along the way, he has had the opportunity to take on a wide range of roles and international assignments – all with the same employer.

Today, Jerry works as a Defense Sales Manager, building new business opportunities at the customer interface in a complex and rapidly evolving market. However, his journey to the role began in a very different position.

 

WHEN A DOOR OPENS, HAVE THE COURAGE TO WALK THROUGH IT

Jerry joined Valmet Automotive in 2011 as an Electrical Technician. Just one month later, he was sent to Belgium to repair the Fisker Karma vehicles that were in production at the time. When production later came to an end and the work dried up, he briefly moved on to other opportunities. However, his return to Valmet Automotive came sooner than expected.

“I thought I would only come here to work for a short while, but now it’s already been 15 years.”

After returning, Jerry’s career progressed quickly. He moved into a Team Leader role and gradually took on increasing responsibilities in supervisory positions, Production Manager roles, and later as a Department Manager in internal logistics. Along the way, he was involved in nearly all Mercedes-Benz customer projects and also worked as a Launch Manager for Mercedes-AMG.

“The range of roles I’ve had has been incredibly broad, and I feel very fortunate to have seen and experienced so much within one company. Whenever I’ve seen an open door, I’ve walked straight through it without overthinking what might follow. Looking back, those decisions have turned out to be the right ones.”

At the beginning of 2026, Jerry took on a completely new challenge by moving into the role of Defense Sales Manager. He describes customer understanding as being at the heart of his work, but says that curiosity, proactiveness, and the ability to operate in uncertainty have also been invaluable throughout his career.

WORK ENRICHES LIFE

Jerry’s new role as a Sales Manager has once again brought a fresh perspective to his work. What motivates him most is the opportunity to challenge himself, continuously learn new things, and step outside his comfort zone.

“People often think that working in a plant means doing the same things over and over again. For me, however, Valmet Automotive has made every year of my career different.”

His diverse experience in production and leadership roles has provided Jerry with a strong foundation for working with and leading people. He considers his strengths to be his ability to connect with others and his determination to thoroughly understand and resolve issues.

No two workdays are the same for Jerry. The fast-paced rhythm of shift work has been replaced by a new kind of daily routine in the customer interface, but constant change is exactly one of the things he enjoys most about his job.

The most rewarding aspects of his work are his colleagues, the shared sense of humor within the team, and successful customer interactions that leave him with the feeling that his work is truly making a difference.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES AROUND THE WORLD

Jerry considers his international assignments to be among the most valuable experiences of his career. They have provided not only exciting professional opportunities, but also new friendships and unforgettable memories. His journey has also included situations that put his ability to handle pressure to the test.

“Through this job, I’ve had the chance to see a great deal of the world. I would be much poorer in experiences as a person if I had left the company earlier. I would have missed out on so much, both professionally and personally. For example, I was once sent to Los Angeles to help finalize a production process when Fisker Karma was setting up its own plant in a suburban area. When I arrived, I discovered the project was already three months behind schedule – and instead of a factory, I was greeted by excavators.”

Despite the moments that have challenged him, it is the international projects that have left the strongest impression on Jerry. They have helped him grow both professionally and personally, while teaching him to embrace change with confidence.

 

Jerry’s story demonstrates how a single workplace can open countless doors to the world, professional growth, and experiences that last a lifetime.