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BY / April 12, 2024 / News

The success story of Tiveta AS: from a plasterboard installer to the head of the supply department

Vilius Paleckis is a man of great stature, known to many in Oslo.

More than 10 years ago, without any experience in the construction sector, he started his career at Tiveta AS. He not only learned the trade but went even further—today, he holds highly responsible management positions.

From buying and delivering tools and clothes to managing the entire fleet. It takes on a whole different meaning when you consider the corporate mindset.

But when you really want it, everything is possible and achievable. Viliaus' story is proof that even starting from zero, one can reach career heights. Of course, this does not happen quickly.

Years of unceasing toil and effort are essential ingredients in this seemingly simple recipe. In this interview, we will lift the veil and dive into this leader's daily life.

We will learn exciting details not only about his role in the construction world of Tiveta AS but also touch on his personal life.

Let's travel back in time and remember how you became an employee of Tiveta AS. What was the year, and are there any interesting details you'd like to share?

I started my career at Tiveta AS in 2012. I got the job offer through my dad, who began working before me. The most interesting detail was that I had no understanding of or experience in the construction sector.

In what position did you start working for the company? What were the first impressions?

I started working as a support worker in the installation of plasterboard panels. The first work days were quite stressful because I knew nothing about this job, but I tried very hard to learn everything and gradually improved.

Tiveta AS then and now. How has the company changed over the years? List the main changes.

The main change is the size of the company. When I started my career at Tiveta AS, we had about 30 carpenters. Today, we have 140. Another change is the size and scope of the objects; now, we are developing much bigger projects. The arsenal of tools and the fleet of cars have increased. The work system has improved, and, of course, working conditions have improved significantly.

We have no doubt that readers would be interested in knowing the typical job specifications of a drywall installer. Would you be willing to provide some details?

As in every work, care is required, as are good installation tactics and, of course, advance planning regarding the necessary tools and materials for installation. Once you get into it and get used to the process, the results speak for themselves. You need a lot of desire.

As we know, today, you hold a completely different position. How many years did you have to work in the plasterboard installation department?

About 3 years.

Work in the construction sector is varied, and you often encounter unusual situations. Perhaps you could recall a more amusing event from that era? One you will never forget.

Of course, I have. In one project, it was necessary to install insulating wool under an apartment building. There is only one entrance at the end of the house and another at the other end. The height of the entire room where I had to work was about 1.5 meters, so I had to lie down, but that's not the worst. The worst thing is that I feared closed spaces, so when I entered this area, I couldn't do anything for the first 30 minutes until I came to my senses.

Let's talk about your current position. Were you crying out for a change in your routine? What was the reason for changing job specifications?

The company was growing rapidly, and everything was improving, so I got an offer from the CEO to take this position, which I am still working on.

Describe in more detail what you do now and what your function is. My job functions are very varied and extensive. I am responsible for the purchase, maintenance, and service of the company's tools and car fleet, the purchase and issuance of work clothes, the coordination of employees' trips to work, and the accommodation of employees. I am also responsible for ordering and delivering material fastening systems to our projects. In short, I am responsible for ensuring that everyone has everything and that no one lacks anything, resulting in no downtime in the workplace.

It seems that, in a technical sense, the distance between the plasterboard installer and the head of the supply department is quite pronounced. How did you get used to the new position? What were the biggest challenges you faced?

Since I already had experience working in construction, I got used to these positions quite well. The challenge was to develop a system that would ensure all deliveries would go smoothly and quickly. Together with the team, we have created a smart system through which employees can order all the necessary tools, clothes, and other details directly through the mobile application. They receive them the very next day.

You play an extremely responsible and vital role - to provide all employees with the necessary tools for work. Over 140 carpenters work in the company. How do you manage everything? On average, how many objects are all these people spread over?

Sometimes, I don't always get everything right because it's a big challenge to provide for all 140 employees, but as I mentioned, my colleagues and I have created an excellent, very effective system. As of today, we have 12 ongoing projects. Every project has a set delivery day, so employees plan what they need in advance, and deliveries go as smoothly as possible.

Tell the readers about the system you use to control this whole mechanism. How is everything going? Let's say I work at one of the company's facilities 20 kilometers from Oslo and need a new saw. What should I do to get it?

Each employee has an account through which he executes all orders. So, if he needs a saw, he submits an order to me on his mobile phone, and the saw is delivered to them on the pre-planned delivery day. It's simple, convenient, and effective.

It would probably be safe to say that teamwork is essential in your work. How does it work in your environment?

We have weekly meetings with our colleagues, during which we discuss current and upcoming work and discuss ways to improve the flow of work. We always communicate with the team and try to do everything as well as possible.

An ordinary person who has held such a tool in his hands has heard of such manufacturers as Makita, Dewalt, etc. Which ones do you work with?

Our tool arsenal is very extensive; we work with Makita, Dewalt, Bosch, Hilti, and more.

What would it be if I asked you to name the number of tools such a company manages?

Approximately 20000 tools.

Did the change of profession at Tiveta AS live up to your expectations? Do you have any regrets?

I have no regrets, and I am pleased. I really enjoy what I do.

What are the main highlights of your experience in this role? What has filled your knowledge baggage?

The knowledge baggage was filled: knowledge of tool functions, ability to plan and organize everything in detail, and gaining self-confidence.

What makes you unique compared to others?

I am very communicative and stubborn when it comes to achieving my goals. I work systematically; I get along well with different types of people.

Do you see yourself continuing to do the same for the company? What are your future career plans?

There are still many challenges in my work every day; there is still much room for improvement. Today, I am delighted with my position and do not plan any drastic changes. I want to take an interest in your personal life as well.

What are your hobbies? Do you do sports? How do you spend your time when you shed the Tiveta AS regalia of your current status.

My main hobby is sports, which takes up most of my free time. I also like to ride a motorcycle and travel.

What fascinates you most about Norway and do you associate yourself with this country in the long term?

Norway is fascinating because of its natural and cultural features. I think I will stay here for a long time.

If you could go back in time, what event would you want to change?

I wouldn't want to change anything because every challenge or failure gave me some benefits and experience.

Do you like to read? If so, which author do you admire the most, and what was the last book you read?

I love self-help books; I'm currently reading Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus by John Gray.

What are your core values that you would never give up?

I am a man of my word.

What do you value most in another person?

Openness and loyalty in friendship.

Is there a mentor in the world that you look up to?

My best mentors are my parents.

You mentioned your love of travel. Which countries have you been to, and do you plan to visit new ones this year?

I like warm-climate countries. I have visited Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey, and Egypt, and I would like to visit America.

The celebrity on the planet you'd like to meet live. What would it be?

I want to spar with Mike Tyson.

What is your greatest asset?

The most significant wealth is my loved ones.

Well, finally. What would you wish for yourself and others this year?

Health, because it is the most significant wealth. Let's keep an eye and take care of ourselves.