Jukka Raitala

JUKKA RAITALA: 10 things you don’t know about me

Jukka Raitala

1. The significance to my number is …

“This is a special question. 22 is a very special number for me. My father passed away on the 22nd and my daughter was born on the 22nd. So that number means so much to me.”


2. My favorite meal is …

“Sushi. And a glass of nice, white wine.”


3. Something from Finland that I wish was more of a thing in America …

“Probably more saunas. Definitely. I think they exist here. I haven’t explored too much, but, even in condos, people have saunas inside their own condo. So I think to have an own sauna would be amazing.”


4. My favorite way to spend an off day is …

“Obviously with my wife and daughter. Now, it would be — when they come to Minneapolis — spend day off and just explore the city. Be in the nature. I love to be in nature. It seems like in Minneapolis, you can find nature pretty easily.”


5. My biggest fear is …

“To be in very tight place. Claustrophobia! That’s kind of what I’m scared of. And also, heights. I have to say, to be very high, it’s kind of scary. I don’t like to go to the amusement park. I think because of the heights.”


6. My go-to music I listen to while I’m driving is …

“I’m a kind of person that likes almost every kind of music except dark metal or heavy music that doesn’t suit me as well. But, recently, I’m listening to a lot of podcasts.”


7. The personality trait I’m most proud of is …

“Friendly. Kind. I think that describes me well.”


8. My favorite family tradition is …

“I think that goes back to when I was a kid. In Finland it’s very normal to spend summers in the cabins. We used to go with my cousins, always with our parents, to the cabins and just enjoy summer there. As a kid, it was the best time of my life. I’m not doing that anymore, obviously. Living abroad, life is now different. But, when I was a kid, that was definitely the best part of my life. People love to swim in the lakes, go to the sauna, do barbeques. That’s very traditional Finnish way. Kind of isolate yourself from the rest but still be among people.”


9. Something I always have with me when I travel is …

“Passport! No, that’s bad. I think my phone. You know, it’s sad to say that, but nowadays I think it’s so important to have with you when you travel. Also, Airpods, I have to say. I’m using them a lot, so I think that’s one I would miss a lot if I forget them.”


10. The best piece of life advice I have ever received is …

“Probably not advice from anybody, but just realizing in life to try to find happiness in life. You know, I just think about that and we only live once. Try to stay positive. Try to find happiness in small things. I think that’s very great advice, and I try to live that way.”

JUKKA RAITALA: 10 things you don’t know about me -