Busy days for the staff.
When we first moved to Skellefteå we always went to Däckskiftarna, in Solbacken, to get our tyres changed. But we became unhappy with the service, and went elsewhere for a while.
Then we heard from friends that there was a new owner and that things had changed for the better. When we found out the new owner was a Brit, Rick Folkes, we decided to go and see him - and what a change! Happy, smiling and helpful staff and decent tunes being played on the stereo. So we stopped for a longer chat.
The promise of a better work-life balance lured Londoner Rick to Skåne in 2001. Rick took over the Skellefteå franchise of Däckskiftarna this spring, and he’s pulling out all the stops to make the business a success.
What are the most obvious differences between southern and northern Sweden?
The weather changes very quickly up here, and it's very exciting. Actually, there's a lot of drama attached to it, which I enjoy.
Are northern customers different from southerners?
Yes, most definitely! Northern Swedes are actually quite different; they're much more open and friendly. I find it a pleasure coming to work in Skellefteå every day because I meet so many nice, chatty people.
Any other major differences?
The other thing is that people here look much younger. Lots of seniors come here, some of my customers are around 80. And one 70-year-old guy I met earlier, he didn't look older than 50. So I think there's something in the air up here. People actually seem to be very healthy, which is one of the reasons why I'm quite looking forward to being up here working for nearly half the year. Maybe the approach to fitness will rub off!
How about the winters up here?
When the winter comes, instead of hibernating, which is what we do in southern Sweden, people up here get out and enjoy the nature. That said, it's probably not for everyone. I know plenty of Brits who have moved up here, but then decided it’s a bit much so then go to live in southern Sweden.
Rick Folkes: "People up here get out and enjoy the nature."
Could you imagine living up here?
Oh, absolutely. You know, people have a slightly different perspective on life here. I mean, one of the reasons why I started this business was to make a little bit of a life change so that I could actually get more time off and actually enjoy the summers and winters. This is a perfect place to be able to do that.
How does business life differ between the UK and Sweden?
The rules are much clearer in Sweden. It takes a little time to adjust to the culture here, but the great thing is that once you adjust to the culture, you find safety within those rules. Take Skatteverket - you know that if you submit your forms on time everything should be OK, and there are no grey areas, which is good. Also, 99% of the time business life is secondary to personal life - family comes first. And I think it’s great that Swedish companies, generally, are very conscious of the well-being of their employees.
Rick Folkes: "It's a pleasure coming to work in Skellefteå every day because I meet so many nice, chatty people."
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Rick Folkes: "People up here look much younger""
Rick Folkes: "The weather changes very quickly up here, and it's very exciting."