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Varsila Markku
Over 30 years of professional experience in lighting, illumination engineering, projects, marketing, sales, writing articles and training.
Professional Background
Varsila Markku is a distinguished professional in the lighting industry, boasting an impressive lifetime career that spans sales, marketing, business development, product management, and product development. Throughout his extensive experience in the field, he has served as the technical director for one of Finland's largest luminaire manufacturing companies. This diverse array of roles has allowed Varsila to engage in nearly every facet of the lighting business, including technical management and operational strategies.
His proven expertise is not only confined to practical roles but also extends into academia and professional associations. Over the years, Varsila has contributed significantly to education in the lighting domain, having lectured at numerous prestigious institutions such as the University of Industrial Arts Helsinki (UIAH), Lahti University of Applied Sciences, and Helsinki University of Technology, as well as marketing education through the Marketing Institute of Finland and TAMK University of Applied Sciences. His engagements often include delivering seminars for regardful organizations such as the Union of Electrical Consultants of Finland and the Illuminating Engineering Society of Finland.
Education and Achievements
Varsila's educational journey is as notable as his vast career. He holds a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Electrical and Lighting Engineering, Marketing from Teknillinen korkeakoulu, also known as the Technical University of Finland. Additionally, he has studied Industrial Arts at the University of Industrial Arts Helsinki, which underscores his commitment to developing interdisciplinary skills that bridge the gaps between technical proficiency and artistic design.
One of Varsila's hallmark achievements includes authoring nearly 100 articles in various professional Finnish publications from 1985 to 2020. His writings have spanned a range of topics pertinent to the lighting industry, such as illumination engineering, ergonomic lighting solutions, and energy performance standards in buildings. His articles have been featured in respected journals including Asu Hyvin, Esselloo, and Sähkö – Electricity and Electronics, among others. These contributions have not only bolstered his reputation as a thought leader in the lighting sector but have also facilitated knowledge sharing among industry professionals.
Notable Contributions
In his various roles within leading lighting companies, including iGuzzini, Philips Oy Ammattivalaistus, and Fagerhult Oy, Varsila has consistently made substantial contributions. As Marketing Manager at iGuzzini, he took charge of strategic marketing initiatives while fostering relationships that would enhance the brand’s position in the market. His tenure as Business Development Manager at Philips showcased his ability to drive innovation and expand business opportunities.
Varsila's experience extends beyond marketing; he has held pivotal roles in product development and management at renowned companies such as Thorn-Orno Oy and KT Interior Oy. Here, his insights into product performance and lifecycle economy have driven the development of cutting-edge lighting solutions suited for diverse applications, from residential to commercial environments.
On the editorial side, Varsila has served as the Managing Editor for Valo, the trade magazine of the Illuminating Engineering Society of Finland. This role allowed him to oversee content that educates and informs professionals within the industry, disseminating vital advancements and best practices in lighting design and technology.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Varsila is an enthusiastic musician. He plays bass guitar in a rock group, a passion he has nurtured since 1976, integrating his love for culture and creativity into his life. This artistic side complements his technical acumen, further demonstrating his well-rounded approach to both personal and professional pursuits.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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