This year, Oras Oy's Director, Sales Nordic & Baltics Marko Sundholm received the ProLVI medal, a recognition award for the HVAC industry. The award is given to a person who has done significant work in the field, and it is awarded by Talotekninen teollisuus ja kauppa ry.
Marko Sundholm's remarkable career in the HVAC industry has focused on sales and marketing. Sundholm is a native of Otaniemi, and holds a master's degree in engineering. Sundholm found a job at Oras Oy shortly after his graduation, initially in charge of the production line, but soon moving to sales duties and, among other things, to key account manager. Sundholm became Oras Country Manager in 2008. In 2019, the area of responsibility expanded to include Nordic and Baltic sales, and he still works in these positions. Sundholm has also been actively involved in the activities of industry associations. He currently serves as the first vice-chairman of the board of Talteka ry and as the chairman of the board of LVI-numero Oy.
Colleagues describe Sundholm as a personable, listening leader who likes to let others shine without making himself a number. Palkittu himself also confirms his interest in working with people, solving problems and finding compromises. Having spent almost his entire career at Oras Oy, Sundholm also praises his employer, where long careers are a strength.
"For me, representing the industry's number one brand has also meant the opportunity to create lasting and trusting relationships with both colleagues and customers," sums up Sundholm.
The award was presented this year by the event's host, Ahlsell Oy's branch manager Juha Hagström.
"Marko has made a remarkable career in the HVAC industry and with his active activities has significantly promoted the positive development of the industry. He has played key roles in the HVAC industry as well as in organization activities, and with his long-term contribution has promoted the future of the entire industry. Above all, Marko is appreciated as a professional, competent and pleasant person", Hagström described the awardee.
The ProLVI medal is awarded to a person or an association that, according to common understanding, has spared no time and effort in working to become the best in the HVAC industry. The medal is awarded at the HVAC industry's annual Putkipörssi event, and the medal is awarded by Taloteknine teollisuus ja kauppa ry. The ProLVI medal has been awarded since 1985.
Previous years' ProLVI awardees:
- 2022 Mikael Strandell, CEO Oy Grundfos Pumput Ab
- (in 2021 and 2020 the prize was not awarded)
- 2019 Jorma Grönholm, Executive Vice President (retired), Fläkt Group
- 2018 Henri Juva, board member, Quattro Mikenti Group
- 2017 Gunilla Laiho, sales director, Rettig Lämpö Oy
- 2016 Heikki Laiho, chairman of the board, Heikki Laiho Oy
- 2015 Esko Mäntyniemi, Country Manager, IDO Bathroom Oy
- 2014 Jyri Luomakoski, CEO, Uponor Oyj
- (no award was given in 2013)
- 2012 Helena Säteri, Director General, Ministry of the Environment