
Johan Knap
Team Leader, Outfitting Customer Services
"I like finding solutions to challenging issues or building software scripts to utilize CADMATIC for the specific needs of a customer."
Read Johan Knap's story
"I like the fact that I have varied work tasks and challenges."
I am an old school CAD guy. In the 1980s, I worked in automation and electrical projects as a project engineer and later manager. Today, I live with my wife and our youngest daughter (16) in Kouvola, Finland. Our older children have already left the nest.
I have several hobbies: One is collecting vintage guitars and amplifiers, as my wife says, old rotten wood. I naturally also play the guitar, something I started as a 7-year-old. I have also worked as a diving instructor and have indulged in underwater photography. In winter, if possible, I like to go downhill skiing.
In the 1980s, we were doing some customizing of our engineering tools. A salesman from Kymdata visited our office. We discussed the applications for a few hours and two weeks later he called me to offer me a job.
I joined them in August 1989 and after a few months started developing electrical design software with my new colleagues. In August 2019, CADMATIC acquired Kymdata and its CADS software, at which point I became part of the CADMATIC family.
I started in my new role as Business Development Director on 10 February 2020. My previous position was Sales Director of CADMATIC Electrical & Automation. In my new role, I am responsible for the international business development of CADMATIC Electrical Software, as well as CADMATIC Electrical sales in our Swedish and Estonian offices.
I think the most challenging aspect is the very diverse business areas we operate in, from Marine to Process & Industry to Construction. Time is always a challenge, there never seems to be enough of it. Being in this business entails life-long learning, but that is one of the reasons I like this job.
I like the fact that I have varied work tasks and challenges. Naturally, when we win cases or solve customers’ problems it provides me with a lot of pleasure. Also, the pleasant colleagues at CADMATIC create a positive atmosphere and working environment.
Under the former CADS brand, we achieved the position of market leader in Finland and in Estonia for electrical design software. Now that we are part of CADMATIC, we have a bigger sales network and more resources. The comprehensive product offering with application integrations is naturally something that is important in the market.
I believe that we can expand our markets for electrical design software a lot. Of course, we must be patient and work systematically going ahead: the new brand and the new market areas come with their own set of challenges.
Previously, I was one of three owners and the Chairman of the Board. Besides my daily work, I had to think about the business as well. Now, the focus of my work is much narrower, and it suits me well. I have met a lot of our clients and without exception, I have received positive feedback from our customers regarding the acquisition. Naturally, they also see the bright future we all do!