Meet the Team: Jürgen Valter

Meet Jürgen Valter, our lawyer at Grünfin.

What do you do at Grünfin?

I’m the Law Guy. So, I’m making sure we obey the law. My first task when joining Grünfin was to coordinate and make sure Grünfin will get the investment firm license necessary for providing portfolio management services across Europe.

The whole financial services area is severely regulated from EU to local level and thus, it was no “walk in the park”. But we did it. As a team. We have the license, but it’s not like having a driving license where you only need to prove yourself once and that’s it.

Investment firms must continuously prove themselves to the supervisor (Finantsinspektsioon) that they are and remain fit, solid and safe, especially for our clients who entrust their investments with us.

So, there is no lack of work and I do it for the benefit of our team and our clients.

What’s your superpower at Grünfin?

Black magic tricks and long text writing skills.

What do you like about working at Grünfin?

Coffee and people.

I know it’s corny, but the vibe at Grünfin is what I like most. I feel much younger here. For me, Grünfin is like a smart, well-educated and life experienced teenager. Still a teenager. And that’s super!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

My family, going to the woods and dreaming.

Again, I am no specialty here in Grünfin in that regard, but I really like going outdoors, hiking and cycling. I would say I’m the one who loves it the most… haha.

At least once a year, I like to be in solitary. For several years now, I go alone off-grid for a week or so in September. That is something I always really look forward to as it recharges my batteries completely. For me, there is something divine in being alone.

What is your favourite book you would recommend to others?

“Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds” by David Goggins.

What’s your most useful eco tip?

If going by bike is not enough, then drive an old car - classic or not - as long as its old, it’s eco.

Also, eat low-processed food. First, it’s naturally healthy but secondly, it’s also eco. Processing of food is a huge waste in many ways. So, drive your old car into nature, bring along pure or low-processed food and have a picnic.

That’s the way to ride your life for a long time!

If you had to teach a class on one thing, what would you teach?

Making fire and cooking an omelet on that fire. There is a lot to learn in that matter.

First, how to get the fire going without using artificial firestarters. I mean those things that are usually very unfriendly to the nature, cost money and are not with you when you need them.

Second, how to keep the fire going steadily and without burning down the forest.

And of course, what burning materials to use, when and how etc. Then, how do you cook your omelet so that it would be tasty, not over nor undercooked and be ready at the same time with your coffee.

Mmm I’m hungry already. Class dismissed…

If you could spend a day doing only what you love to do, what would that day look like?

Another best day… haha.

Of course, a day with your family is the best day. But second best day - as said earlier - is a day or more in solitary. This is something I suggest everyone should do every once in a while. If you spend that day outdoors, even better.

I mostly enjoy when I am focused to the simplest and most practical tasks. Fire making and cooking are among them, but also tent pitching, cleaning something, backing a backpack, building something etc.

When outdoors the whole day is filled with such tasks and you are forced and blessed to doing them.

When the night comes and it’s time for bed, you feel fulfilled even if you did “nothing important” on that day.

Last but not least, a few fire questions.

What’s your favourite place of all the places you’ve travelled, and why?

Lapland (winter and autumn).

Are you a coffee or a tea person?

Coffee.

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

I’m more a cat person, but I also love dogs.

Ocean or mountains?

Mountains.

Summer or winter?

Winter.