Designer and entrepreneur · Jyväskylä

Leo
Kokkonen.

At Pole, I recognised the opportunity in growing enduro riding and combined the best of downhill and trail bikes into a new product concept. I designed the bike and built a factory to manufacture it.

I brought production from China to Finland, and 80% of Pole’s products were sold abroad. I have done all kinds of work in my company. I have worked in engineering, design, testing, management, marketing, pricing, manufacturing, assembly and packing, paid freight bills and reviewed actual costs. At Mahtisonni, I apply this experience to developing a client’s market, product and business.

Explore my background

Leo Kokkonen working at the Pole factory — Pole Bicycles · At work in the factory

My own work, since 2004.

01Concepts 02Manufacturing 03Business

The Machine bicycle, designed by Leo Kokkonen — The Machine · Market, geometry and manufacturing

Komia Design · 2004

I recognise where demand could emerge.

My strength is recognising a market match. I listen to people’s experiences and opinions, notice early signals and connect them with technology or an idea. At Pole, this meant connecting the needs of emerging enduro riding with the best characteristics of downhill and trail bikes.

I founded Komia Design in 2004 and worked on marketing and design projects for growth businesses and listed companies. Komia continues independently today. I also use Design Thinking methods for problem discovery to explore new solutions. I have designed dozens of logos and still draw them by hand.

Concept development and design

Details of Pole’s machined frame and suspension linkage — CNC-machined frame · Pole Bicycles

Pole Bicycles · 2013 / The Machine · 2017

The material led to a new method.

We wanted to use the strength of 7075 aluminium to make a metal frame an alternative to carbon fibre composite. We developed a machining and bonding method that made new forms possible. In 2017, we introduced The Machine.

I built a factory around the method. The work covered geometry, machining, bonding, measurement, quality assurance and assembly. The method received patents.

The thinking behind The Machine

Pole Hiisi riding in Finale Ligure — Hiisi · Finale Ligure 2026

Mahtisonni · 2024 / Hiisi · 2026

I use these tools in my own business.

I founded Mahtisonni in 2024. Hiisi launched in 2026 and is machined and assembled to the rider’s measurements in Jyväskylä. I have used AI in Pole’s business since ChatGPT launched.

I built the configurator, order management and customer order page. The Staff app handles orders, margins and invoicing. I define the rules, check the numbers and decide what gets published. Pole’s systems and this website are part of my daily work.

Hiisi’s website and systems

I take responsibility for design and implementation.

The work can start with an open problem, a new product idea or an existing process to improve. I develop concepts, visualize them clearly and take the agreed solution through to use.

My client work includes quote automation, profitability analysis, websites, design and 3D visualization. The case studies show what has been built.

Let’s meet for coffee Explore the work ↗