As a sailmaker and later as a dealer, Michael Olesen has seen it all in our industry. It being from behind the sewing machine or at the helm, Olesen has been there all the way, and for the most of his career, it has been with Elvstrøm Sails.
First as an employee, and later with Michael Olesen going independent, working together with Elvstrøm Sails.
- My time with Elvstrøm Sails stretches way, way back. I finished my sailmaking education in 1983, and after a few years in different positions around Denmark, I was offered the chance with Elvstrøm Sails in Aabenraa in 1993 - and I've been a part of it ever since, Michael says.
And February 1st marked 25 years for Michael Olesen and the Elvstrøm Sails Nord SailPoint in Aalborg.
Today, it covers the northern half of Denmark, and it also features an extra office in Aarhus, the second largest city of Denmark.
Learning through the decades
Originally, it was not Michael's plan to become an independent sailmaker. Yet, as time moved on at the Aabenraa loft, the opportunities arose.
- I started at Elvstrøm Sails as a sailmaker, but I ended up becoming part-production leader, too. This opened the opportunity for me to explore the world of sales, and I remember it fondly as a great time where we constantly searched and explored new areas and markets. An example is the Norwegian market - at the time, we didn't have a sales representative for Norway, but I ended up in the brochure and helped Elvstrøm Sails to get into that particular market, Michael says and adds:
- I have always enjoyed that innovative spirit which is a big part of Elvstrøm Sails. I ended up working on all kinds of projects and then found out that I enjoyed working in sales.
Living by the sea
Despite Elvstrøm Sails being located in Southern Denmark, Michael never let go of his origin in Hals outside Aalborg in the North. Going independent gave him the chance to move back to the area and still keep the connection to Elvstrøm Sails.
- I can't really run away from the fact that I grew up in an area, where there is water everywhere. I became a sea scout by the age of 11, and from that point, my interest in sailing and sailing boats just exploded. You know, we read all the magazines, sailed with the friends and so on.
In short: Passion and profession united into one:
- I have always felt super happy and privileged to call my passion for sailing my job. I got to the point where I had to accept that we can't all make a full time living from racing in the big regattas, but I'm happy to say that becoming a sailmaker and sail dealer was and still is the perfect alternative - I'm so happy to do what I do, and I hope it shines through, Michael says with a smile.
The next generation under the Crown
Michael Olesens long relationship with Elvstrøm Sails has also moved to the next generation of the family. Michael's son Andreas has joined Elvstrøm Sails in his own way, becoming the anchor of Elvstrøm SailWear.
- I have always been sailing, but it didn't really catch on for Andreas as a kid. As a teenager, however, it all changed. First he bought a motor dinghy with a friend, and shortly after, they grew more fond of sailing boats. Since that time, Andreas has had his own boat.
And then the newly lit passion for sailing also became a job:
- As a part of his education, Andreas had to find an internship. Then, one day, he came home and told us that he had secured one with X-Yachts in Haderslev. In the Southern part of Denmark. It has a ring, right? The logistics weren't ideal, but Andreas was super happy about his internship which then turned to become a full-time job with X-Yachts. And then, he moved to the new SailWear. I'm really happy we have a common passion for sailing, and we do race together today.
And when it comes to the now 25 year old Elvstrøm Sails Nord, the development doesn't stop, Michael ends:
- It has been fascinating to see the business and our sails develop through 25 years. I enjoy being a little part of the big machine so to say, and I'm sure we have even more coming for us in the future. Innovation has always been a key part of what Elvstrøm Sails stands for, and I really respect that it has always worked this way.
Congratulations to Michael and Elvstrøm Sails Nord from Team Elvstrøm Sails!