Bak kulissene med Åsmund Voster
I am the CEO of Butler and my most important task has been – and still is – to make lasting changes in the company together with skilled employees.
I co-founded Butler in 2010, and have been active in the company since around 2018. In addition, I run and own Mechman AS, so it quickly becomes more than a full-time job.
The common denominators between the two companies are clear: sales, technical expertise, dialogue with customers, production, project work and management. It is exciting to use my creativity and technical background in both companies.
What does a typical working day look like for you?
No two days are exactly the same, but a lot is about project follow-up – both towards customers and internally in the organization. I spend time on product development, tenders, and finding good solutions.
The week is often planned with meetings, tender work and follow-up of employees. I try to make sure that everyone has what they need to do a good job, and that we keep our schedules and that we deliver what we promise.
Butler's values are to be open, inclusive and trustworthy. How is it felt in practice?
We try to live by our values in what we do, and sometimes we have to correct course. Trust is built over time, and we are happy to think of the many customers and partners who have been with us from the very beginning and who still use our products and services. The values are a natural part of our everyday life and are part of our decisions.
Do you have experience from similar work before, or do you come from another industry?
I have been involved in building up several companies for both industry, offshore and maritime industry, and try to build stone by stone together with good teams.
What engages you – either professionally or personally?
Idleness is not good, and I think it is important to have education and further development and that there is professional pride in what you do. It's great when I hear that someone has a profession they're proud of. Regardless of the level of education, we must create opportunities for everyone.
Can you tell us a little about yourself – who are you outside of work?
Family means a lot, and I like to travel and experience new places. I am also involved in local organizational life in Christian work. When I have time, I like to go out with the boat or to the mountains.
Do you have a motto or a rule of life that you like?
I have always liked to learn new things, and try to learn something new every day. You must therefore not be afraid to challenge yourself, and be willing to make changes while holding on to what works well. Long-term collaboration is the recipe for success of all time, and it makes sense to me.
What do you think about the future of Butler?
I envision Butler continuing to grow as a national and international player in niche products for offshore and automation. We will build on what we have achieved so far – with customers in focus.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Positive, solution-oriented and family-loving.
If you could choose any job in the world for one day – what would you do?
Then I would have the one I have now. Or maybe been the skipper of a fishing boat.
Finally – what would you say characterizes Butler?
We always focus on the customer, and focus on the customer having a good experience working with us and getting what we have promised. It is nice to experience that we get good feedback from customers who come back and want to continue cooperating.
