My Story

The Journey That Shaped My Perspective


Every entrepreneur and every business leader builds experience throughout their career.

Some lessons come from success.

The most valuable ones come from mistakes, difficult decisions, and the responsibility of leading people through change.

My professional journey has spanned more than 30 years, during which I have learned that sustainable business growth is never accidental. It is built through continuous learning, sound decisions and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.


THE EARLY YEARS

First Businesses, First Lessons

I began my entrepreneurial journey in the early 1990s, at a time when Estonia's market economy was just emerging.

Like many entrepreneurs of that period, I made mistakes. Some cost time, others cost money, but every one of them taught me lessons that no business school could have provided.

Those early experiences shaped my belief that long-term success is not achieved through shortcuts, but through continuous learning and steady progress.


INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Twenty Years Leading Baltic Operations

Joining OBO Bettermann transformed my professional career.

For nearly two decades, I led the company's Baltic operations, expanded into new markets, and worked with business partners across several European countries.

During those years, I learned that international business is about far more than products.

It is about trust, people, and understanding the local market.


CRISES TEACH MORE THAN SUCCESS

Throughout my career, I have led organisations through several economic crises.

Those experiences taught me that strong organisations are not those that avoid challenges, but those that adapt, make difficult decisions, and continue moving forward.

Even the most challenging periods can become the foundation for future growth.


ENTREPRENEURSHIP FROM A NEW PERSPECTIVE

After my international executive career, I decided to build my own businesses.

Those years taught me something new.

Even after decades of executive leadership, becoming an entrepreneur means learning again, testing new ideas, and continuously adapting.

That experience helps me understand both the challenges faced by European manufacturers and those of growing entrepreneurial companies.


WHY I ADVISE TODAY

Today, my greatest professional satisfaction comes from sharing knowledge and experience that took decades to build.

I do not offer ready-made solutions.

I help companies make better decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and develop strategies that fit their specific situation and long-term objectives.

MY ADVISORY PHILOSOPHY

I believe in four simple principles.

Listen before you advise
Every business is different, and every recommendation should begin with understanding the client's real situation.

Build on experience, not assumptions
My recommendations are based on practical solutions that I have personally applied throughout my career.

Think long term
Quick wins can be attractive, but sustainable growth is built through consistent long-term development.

Be honest
A good advisor does not simply tell clients what they want to hear. Sometimes the most valuable advice is to change direction—or even decide not to pursue an idea

MY JOURNEY

2021 – Present
RIIT agency (formerly RIIT TRADING OÜ)
Founder

2019 – Present
Tarmo Riit Management Consulting OÜ
Founder & Strategic Advisor

1999 – 2018
OBO Bettermann GmbH
CEO, Baltic Operations

1998 – 1999
LEXEL AS
Development Director

1992 – 1997
IBR AS
Founder & Managing Director


LET'S DISCUSS YOUR COMPANY'S NEXT STEP

If my story resonates with you and you believe my experience could help your business grow, I would be pleased to discuss how I can support your next stage of development.
Get in Touch

Tarmo Riit Management Consulting OÜ

Tallinn, Estonia

✉️ riit.tarmo@riitmc.com

📞 +372 5094 786