This year, Roald Løseth celebrates an incredible milestone: 30 years with ROFI, a LANCO Group member company specializing in demining and protective equipment. Roald is a proud ROFI brand ambassador, and his dedication has been instrumental in the company’s success.
To mark this special occasion, we sat down with Roald to learn more about his remarkable journey with ROFI and the unique experiences he’s had along the way.
Happy ROFIversary, Roald! How did you start working for ROFI?
Thank you! Before joining ROFI, I ran a franchise store in Molde, where ROFI's headquarters are located. It was a demanding job – working from 7 am to 9 pm left me with little time for my family. One day, a friend I used to play in a band with suggested I apply to ROFI, praising it as a great workplace. I decided to take the leap, and it’s a decision I’ve never regretted.
What do you like about your job at ROFI?
There’s so much I enjoy! For starters, my role is unique – ROFI is the only company in Norway specializing in demining and PPE solutions. Over the years, we’ve won several design awards, even competing with major clothing brands, and that makes me proud to be part of the team.
Traveling is another highlight of my job. As a sales representative I’m visiting customers and attending international trade shows. I’ve visited over 70 countries and built relationships with people from all over the world. Meeting face-to-face is crucial for building strong connections.
Lastly, being part of ROFI for over 30 years is a source of motivation. I’ve seen the company evolve and adapt to meet the world’s most critical needs. For instance, we recently developed a demining apron specifically designed for women, that has been well received in the demining community.
One memory that stands out is my first mission abroad for ROFI in Azerbaijan in 1994, where we built a refugee camp for 2,000 people from Nagorno-Karabakh. Meeting a relative of a family from that camp last year and hearing how their lives improved was truly rewarding. It reminded me of the importance of what we do.
What about the challenges of your job?
Never fully disconnecting from work can be tough. Because I work with people across different time zones, I sometimes get calls at odd hours. For instance, if there’s a disaster in Asia, I may get calls in the middle of the night. To manage this, I turn my phone off at night, so I can recharge properly. Thankfully, people often leave messages or email me, and I respond during my work hours.
How does ROFI compare to other employers in the area?
ROFI is well-known locally, particularly for our tents, which people recognize easily. Even though we’re part of LANCO, we’re proud of the ROFI brand.
We’ve become a smaller team over the years, but we’re now excited to welcome new talent to our team and move into our new office.
Do you have any hobbies?
I’ve been active in sports for most of my life. I played football from age 9 until 45, when a knee injury made me stop. After that, I took up cycling and even became chairman of the local cycling club. I’m also a spinning instructor and have 2-3 classes per week. I still love watching football and have travelled to many places to watch matches live.
Do you have a favourite place in the world or in Norway?
It’s hard to choose just one! Italy is one of my favourite countries, but Norway boasts breathtaking natural beauty and countless stunning locations to explore. Molde, with its coastal charm, is a fantastic place to live.
We’re incredibly proud to have Roald as part of our team. His expertise, dedication, and passion have left a lasting impact on ROFI and the industry.
Thank you, Roald, for your 30 years of hard work and commitment. Here’s to many more successful years together!
