Johan Andersson is not only the CEO of the family-owned business Mellby Gård, but also a passionate investor. His goal is to leave behind something even better than what he took over. He thinks in generations rather than in short-term plans, which is why he rarely works with a three- or five-year perspective.
Describe your role as CEO of the family-owned business Mellby Gård!
The role of CEO at Mellby Gård can be divided into several areas. Part of it involves being an active owner of the companies within the group. My role is also about ensuring that we have the right people on the boards of each company, and I am often involved in recruiting new CEOs within the group.
In addition to working with the companies we already own, I am responsible for evaluating and implementing new investments, acquisitions, and structural deals together with my colleagues. As CEO, I also have personnel responsibility, primarily for our relatively small head office team of around ten employees.
I also play an active role in our philanthropic initiatives and sponsorships as part of our sustainability efforts.
In addition to your role at Mellby Gård, you also have your own investment company. Tell us a little about it!
Over the years, I have personally made around ten investments in younger, innovative companies with a strong digital profile. These investments range from digital law and fintech to e-commerce and platform-based businesses.
I simply enjoy supporting talented people throughout their entrepreneurial journey. In the future, I may make this part of my work a little more visible, but for now, I still have to remain somewhat secretive…
How do you think as an investor?
You have to feel a genuine passion for what you invest in. It is not enough to analyze something purely from a financial perspective or to be driven solely by economics. It is just as much about having a good feeling for the team behind the company, the product or solution itself, and whether there is a clear societal benefit being created. I simply invest my heart, which is very important to me.
If you want to get involved in a company, what captures your interest?
It is usually not that difficult. I am easily inspired by skilled and driven entrepreneurs. If it later develops into an investment, it becomes very much about whether I genuinely feel passionate about the company.
You should be able to demonstrate scalability in the business model, show that the pricing strategy has been carefully considered, and present a thoughtful analysis of how the company, the industry, and the competitive landscape may evolve over the coming years.
What is your driving force?
I love seeing companies and people grow and develop over a long period of time. As a family business owner, I do not think in quarters or even in years. I do not make plans based on a three- or five-year perspective. For me, it is about thinking in generations and being able to leave behind something that is better than what I took over.
I believe this is achieved through continuous improvement and by always striving to become better than the year before.
It is no secret that you are married to Stina Andersson, the founder of STINAA.J. What did you think when she first presented the idea to you?
I thought it was a brilliant idea from the very beginning. I also saw firsthand how much Stina struggled with poorly designed shoes and substandard soles. In some ways, I was also part of the reason why Stina and Peter first met, which ultimately resulted in a unique combination of experience and orthopedic expertise on one side, and fashion, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship on the other.
I am simply very impressed by what Stina has created.
Last but not least, which STINAA.J model is your favorite?
I love my sneakers called “Hugo”.
