Our blog series “Coffee Break: 5 Minutes with…” is a chance to get to know our team members better.
We’re kicking off the series with none other than Via laurea’s Director and CEO, Gailius Kazlauskas, who founded the company back in 2008.
A fun question to start with – coffee or tea?
Beer. But OK, black coffee. Thanks to one of our clients and partners, we have a coffee machine in the office, so I put it to work every day.
What does a great workday look like for you?
When I get something done that isn’t routine, but "pushes" the company or our processes to a higher level. And, of course, when we sign a contract with yet another lovely client.
How do you explain Via laurea to people who haven’t heard of us?
At the moment, I’m actively involved in various “extracurricular activities” (we're members of SULI, FLCC, NLCC, KCCI and Business Shooting Club associations). Therefore, I have to do this quite often, in different formats.
SULI event at the Lithuanian embassy in Helsinki, 2025
First, I say that we implement and develop an ERP system. Then I watch the reaction – if that hasn't peaked the person's interest, I briefly explain what an ERP is and why it’s needed. Since it’s usually a business person, it’s fairly easy to "adapt" the explanation to their specific field.
However, over the past few years, more and more often I don't even need to explain what ERP is. Instead, I immediately get a question "which one?". When I say it's "Odoo", people tell me they already know it, and there's nothing more I need to add.
You founded Via laurea back in 2008 – what was the company’s original vision and how did it change over time?
Via laurea was originally established to develop and support several startups. These included a logistics company, a global debt offsetting system (it was even covered by the press at the time), and commercial digital screens.
Via laurea commercial screens in Akropolis
Unfortunately, we entered the market too early, especially with the digital screens – back then, printed advertising seemed like the better option for businesses. It’s important to remember we’re talking about 2009-2012 (the years of economic crisis). So, in order to survive, we started offering quick, low-cost websites, which at the time also felt like a startup in itself. Over time, we naturally gained clients who needed larger projects as well.
Website store in Klaipėda's Akropolis
Gradually, we began specialising in ecommerce and, as a result, we got to know Odoo (we received a few orders for integrations/connectors). I liked the solutions this system offered. Around that time, I personally felt a strong need for a project management tool for our own use. We first implemented Odoo internally and, soon enough, our first client came along. The rest is history.
What achievement are you most proud of?
When we first became official Odoo partners (2020), it was only natural that we were at the very bottom. The leaders on the partner list at the time seemed completely out of reach. But, in just two years, we broke into the TOP of the partners list, and we haven’t let go of that position since. Today, we are recognised as one of the largest partners not only in Lithuania, but in the Baltics too.
Odoo Business Show in Vilnius, 2024
What do you look for in Via laurea team members? What kind of people thrive here?
The answer is very simple: self-aware, conscious people. I’m not looking for employees. I expect to meet partners, like-minded people, and friends at work every day. The worst thing that can happen is having to check whether something was done, keep reminding, or constantly repeat myself. Even worse is having to demand things… Those kinds of people don’t last here.
In your opinion, what sets Via laurea apart among Odoo partners?
There are at least a few truly strong teams in Lithuania, but what I really miss is a sense of community. The understanding that by collaborating and sharing, we would strengthen the Odoo name in Lithuania and, as a result, grow the whole “pie.” There’s more than enough work for everyone. It’s a real shame that there are “partners” who badmouth and criticise other partners’ competence in order to lure clients away (Odoo allows clients to switch partners).
That’s not how we compete. On the contrary – we aim to be as honest and transparent members of this community as possible. I sometimes get calls from clients of other partners (even those “bad guys” I mentioned), but I always recommend that they speak openly and try to find common ground with their current partner. Because in most cases, the biggest challenge in implementing any ERP system isn’t the technical execution, but managing the change.
What is the most difficult part of working with ERP projects?
It’s exactly what I mentioned earlier – change management. Odoo, as an ERP system, is incredibly flexible and well built. During every implementation, we clearly see the huge benefits it brings to organisations: previously chaotic processes become structured, resources are freed up, mistakes and miscommunication are avoided. But then that hypothetical button being not on the right but on the left, and not green but purple... usually becomes the main topic of discussion.
Which recent Odoo updates are the most interesting to you?
Our clients often wonder whether it’s worth migrating to new Odoo versions every year… Maybe updating every three versions would be enough? But each time Odoo releases a new version, there’s a natural desire to start using it as soon as possible. No one is forcing you but you want to, because you see even more benefits and possibilities. So, every year, I really look forward to seeing what’s new.
This year, I’m especially excited about our own migration to version 19, because I can see some really promising new AI integrations and use cases. The key message I want to share is this: Odoo doesn’t stand still. It keeps up with the times.
To wrap up – what’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned over the past 18 years?
I don’t really see myself as some kind of leader or an exceptionally knowledgeable manager. I think I’ve simply been lucky with my team. These amazing and loyal people turn my everyday work into a creative and even enjoyable process.
So, over those 18 years, I’ve learned that you need to build a work environment where it feels good to go to work every morning… where you feel like you’re among like-minded individuals and friends. That’s what motivates me. Well and, of course, growing my business.
Via laurea team Christmas party 2025
