Article
Sami Sakari: "I enjoy that I get to work with my hands"
Sami Sakari’s work affects the everyday safety of dozens of drivers on the roads in all conditions. Sami works as a tire mechanic at Vianor, car and tire service chain that is part of the Nokian Tyres Group. He fits vehicles with tires, the only safety equipment on a car in contact with the road surface.
Sami’s workday consists of mounting tires on rims and fitting them on customers’ vehicles.
- When I fit tires, I treat the vehicle like I was going to drive it myself. I always think of the customer’s safety first.
Sami had his first chance to work at the tire business when he was 18.
- I had a tire service center near my home and was inspired to work there. I have been happy with my choice of profession. I have tried other jobs too, but in the end I always come back to the world of tires.
At Vianor Sami has worked for two years and likes the work community where all are appreciated, and help is easily asked and dispensed.
- I really like the colleagues and the spirit we have here. It’s the most important thing to me at a workplace.
During his 12 year-long tire career, Sami has learned his profession almost to a t. However, there is always something new to learn to develop his skill. In recent years, the electrification of driving and the more common use of SUVs and crossover models are also visible in Sami’s work, as heavy electric vehicles and SUVs require larger tires.
Even with modern tire fitting machinery helping, the process of fitting tires still requires physicality. Taking care of safe practices at work is a high priority with everyone at Vianor, and employees are trained to handle tires of all sizes safely. However, it is exactly the physicality of the work that Sami is drawn to.
- I enjoy that I get to work with my hands. When I look at the cars leaving our service point with new safe tires, I feel like I have really accomplished something at the end of each work day.
