zemeunvalsts.lv note
On the web, we accidentally stumbled upon the joy and pride felt by Ugāle resident Inga Purviņa regarding our fellow local, Pēteris Elsts. Shared joy is double joy, and it is very, very important to colleagues in the industry.
Today’s story is about a Man and Entrepreneur with a capital letter – not only because of his significant contribution to the Latvian national economy and the development of forestry, having just received a special state award, the Cross of Recognition – but even more so because of our fellow local, a wise and thoughtful leader of whom locals are proud, an interesting personality, and conversationalist: Pēteris Elsts, owner of Niedrāji MR.
As we begin the conversation, Pēteris admits that by nature he is more of a loner, modest, and loud publicity is not comfortable for him, so the conversation inadvertently turns more towards existential questions, inner motivation, and a kind of driving force. It touches on his employees and the team, and what has intentionally or unintentionally helped create a kind of empire (even if he has never thought of his company in such terms).
But I will not be afraid to call Niedrāji MR an empire, because for our latitudes, the company is large and stable (currently Niedrāji employs 200 people), with very low staff turnover. When asked about the secret of this stability, Pēteris admits that the highest value is the Person, and only then follow skills, aptitude, and experience. Employees are the foundation of everything, and they deserve the biggest 'Thank You'. Cooperation, joint decision-making, and equality in the hierarchy are the pillars that help not only in daily work, in setting ambitious goals, and in making important decisions, but also in promoting everyone’s internal sense of responsibility and recognizing the employee as an asset.
Pēteris points out that the company as it is today was never an end in itself, and there was never really a specific vision that it would be exactly like this years later; rather, he has always been guided by his gut feeling and good intentions.
What brings the greatest joy and satisfaction? What has been created returns through the prism of each employee. It is not for nothing that there is a saying: “What goes around, comes around.” In the company, good will and attitude are returned through the employees and their children. Pēteris speaks with special pride about his employees' achievements and hobbies, pointing out with genuine reverence the awards and trophies they have won, and I hope I am allowed to whisper that perhaps, very soon, we, the people around him, will see or hear something about all of this too.
What helps Pēteris stay strong and what is his safe haven? It is his wife Baiba, Person No. 1 in his life, his family, and their two sons.
What would he like to wish the Company in the future, in such a constantly changing and dynamic everyday life? To maintain optimism and patriotism towards the environment and the place where we live. And even if it might sound trivial, to turn off the internet for a moment, take a break, take a deep breath, and be alone with oneself, thereby not only organizing thoughts but also gaining awareness, clarity of mind, and who knows, perhaps even finding a truly honest answer to the question: who am I really.
What would he wish for himself? More peace and time for his own growth. For development to happen, one must be in harmony with oneself and have balance in all things.
On that note, I say a sincere thank you; may we all be guided by true values, may we have a strong family by our side, and may we never stop challenging ourselves to find the best version of ourselves every day. The definition is yesterday; tomorrow is our action today.
LET IT BE!