Postimees · New Home (Uus Kodu) · 2025
Ehitustrust CEO Kaido Somelar: "Success is still born outside the comfort zone."
English translation of the original Estonian article. Original headline: Ehitustrusti juht Kaido Somelar: „Edu sünnib ikka mugavustsoonist väljaspool.“
See the original design in the magazineKaido Somelar started out as a principled young man in the role of site manager, but by staying true to his inner values he has grown one of Estonia's largest construction groups. What is special about this man and his business that such success has been achieved?
A lively conversation with Kaido Somelar doesn't want to end, because there is so much to talk about. We touch on topics related to a work culture based on respect and building a team, laugh at life and discuss how to cope with stress and what could be done even better.
"If there is will and a sense of duty, the work always gets done well. There's no need to be afraid of big plans," Somelar is convinced, adding that if small steps support a long-term plan, you simply have to get started.
If it can't be done somehow, it can still be done somehow.
Somelar has a conviction that keeps his company on the rise: "Do what you've promised, and success is basically guaranteed." Ehitustrust has an extremely high share of repeat clients, because the team's conduct, communication skills and problem-solving are valued.
Looking around, there are people whose glass seems half empty rather than half full. Kaido Somelar's success is based on his great sense of duty and an inner decision that every problem has a solution. "I have a sheet of A4 filled with solutions. Answers to the question HOW CAN IT BE DONE?" the man explains, adding that once he has done everything in his power, there is no need to worry any more. "I've also met people who have an A4 sheet filled with reasons why something can't be done," Somelar smiles, specifying that people with such an attitude are not brought into the Ehitustrust team.
Houses get finished, but building a team takes years.
Although Kaido Somelar admits that leading a team is darned hard work, he is delighted by the high enthusiasm of his current, long-built team. He is pleased that the company's project managers seem intrinsically motivated: "They make an effort, seeking recognition, and that drives them forward – when they do big things, they feel good, which in turn is reflected in the results."
Training, motivating and getting to know people – in Somelar's view, working with the team never ends. It is also important to notice the risk of burnout at work and to learn quickly from mistakes.
"I like having many people from different backgrounds around me. Just a few decades ago, an engineer basically had to be able to build a washing-machine drum out of a beetroot," Somelar laughs. "With the attitude of 'How can it be done?', a lot can be accomplished," the company head says, happy with a team where employees of different ages and experience all make their contribution.
Somelar believes diversity enriches and complements. He is convinced that staying in your comfort zone does not bring success. "What moves you forward is contradiction. Young people have to be in the team, because they dare to take risks," he says with certainty, noting that only with a good team can you do big things.
What exciting projects does Ehitustrust have on the go right now?
Looking at the sites currently under way, most are with repeat clients. "I value long-term cooperation highly," says Somelar, pleased that Ehitustrust is recommended – the company's image is positive because it delivers what it promises.
Today Ehitustrust operates all over Estonia: the Amserv car centre in Harju County, office buildings in Telliskivi, the renovation of the Marat building and more. Also under way are the extension of Eesti Pagar in Paide, the Lõõtsa 6 commercial building in Tartu, the Schenker logistics centre, the Narva and Viljandi hospitals, the Viruvere factory, the K-Rauta building materials store, the Lõõtsa office buildings and more.
The company is also Estonia's largest builder of Lidl and Coop stores. Kindergartens are being built for local municipalities. Together with Avaare, Ehitustrust is known as a developer of apartments in South Estonia. Preparations are also under way for a large apartment development in Sikupilli, Tallinn. There are many sites, and more keep coming.
The projects closest to his heart.
"For me, buildings are full of stories. You look around the city remembering the interesting details and challenges that came with building one house or another. It's a great feeling," Somelar shares his joy.
"The projects you've been closely involved in are the ones that have become close to your heart. For example Lõunakeskus, with whom we've worked from the very beginning, as well as Tartu Kvartal and the Lydia hotel. In Tallinn, Skyon and the Telliskivi quarter; in Harju County, the Pärdi centre and so on," he names a few.
On the development of Ehitustrust: "If you don't do it today, nothing will happen tomorrow."
Somelar considers long-term thinking important and, in dealing with business partners, relies on the principle: "I treat others the way I want to be treated."
"Today you think it, in three years it works, in five years the wheel is well oiled, in 10 years it's going well," Somelar says slyly, without revealing concrete plans for the future, and adds with a grin: "Be afraid of your dreams, because they may come true."
What seem to be the biggest challenges in Estonia right now?
"In my opinion, society could cure one problem: politicians consider the people of their own country stupid," Somelar is critical, and he doesn't understand, for example, why the country's leaders are trying to turn Estonians into Danes. "Estonians are car people – do we have to grow into something different and start riding only bicycles between the forests? Let's take our country's specifics into account," he advises politicians to reconsider.
"Estonia has done well, although some growing pains still show. Many people carry over from the Soviet era the idea that ownership is what matters. But wealth isn't having money in your account," Somelar reflects, continuing: "A country's wealth is achieved when those who cope less well are supported and there is stability and a sense of security. Estonia's stability still seems to last one election period."
He is convinced that our country needs a proper regional policy. Urbanisation should be curbed and life in the countryside supported. He also points to Estonia's industrial policy as a problem area that the state's governing bodies could pay more attention to.
Advice to 20-year-old Kaido: do the same, or do even more.
Somelar recalls that when his university studies were nearing the end, his older brother sent him to a job interview with the advice to talk about who he really is. That is how he was hired at Linnaehitus. A great sense of duty and a will to work are what have always moved him forward in life. "I can't sit still; restlessness is in me, and it constantly inspires me to act," laughs the head of Ehitustrust.
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" – that is the motto that helps him be more understanding and respect others. As an example he mentions being late – which, he says, shows a lack of respect for other people.
What people often don't realise...
"In fact, running a large company has its not-so-pretty side too. Since everyone's eyes are on me, I have to make the final decision myself. There's no one else to turn to any more. The responsibility keeps growing, and you have to be able to cope with that stress," Somelar explains the downside of his position.
He tries to take time for himself. For example, if the day has been full of meetings and conversations, he sometimes enjoys simply being silent at home. He has also found activities he enjoys to unload the tension.
"My best friend is my son. For many years he did motorsport, and that coincided with my hobby. Enjoying your hobby and your child's sport together is great," says Somelar contentedly. By his own account, he has the technology bug and the urge to make something with his own hands. So he enjoys time in the garage, where for a change he can devote himself completely to something other than work.
"As a leader, my responsibility is great, and nobody really comes to ask how my work is going," Somelar smiles, adding: "For myself, I can count as my performance review all the positive feedback I hear here and there, and the fact that the number of repeat clients is very high."
Seeing the drive and dedication with which Kaido Somelar is currently developing the best team, the future of Ehitustrust seems to keep opening up. One can only wait with excitement to see which big projects will be taken on next and in which direction the company will expand.