Adam Clettborn likes both digital and physical development
Lina Johansson
Specialist Paid Social & SEM
He is incredibly talented – you can't believe he's only 24 years old."
"He must have a photographic memory. I can ask him about a project we had a year ago and he can explain exactly what we did."
The quotes are about Adam Clettborn and come from two of his colleagues. He himself is more low-key and reluctant to brag about himself. One thing he knows for certain:
- If you enjoy what you do and find it fun, you'll become good at it!
The interest in computers started as early as age two
It's clear that Adam finds his job as a developer fun, and it's really the only dream job he's ever had. Growing up in Karlskoga, he was an active child who loved hanging out with friends outdoors, cycling, climbing, and occasionally getting into a bit of mischief. When he wasn't doing that, computers and video games occupied most of his time.
- I've been interested in computers and technology for as long as I can remember. There are photos of me at around two years old sitting in front of a screen with my hand on a computer mouse I could barely grip, so yes – it started early, Adam explains.
Adam wasn't content with just playing Mulle Meck, Minecraft and similar games – he also modified the games using code and quickly figured out how to program himself advantages. The joy of creating things himself led him to choose the Technology programme with a focus on Informatics at the local Möckelngymnasiet school. Taking a gap year after graduation was not an option for Adam; he already knew what he wanted to do.
Skipped the nightclub in favour of the gym
- I moved to Jönköping to study for a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering when I finished high school. The specialisation was Software Development and Mobile Platforms, and I learned a lot during those years, Adam explains.
The classic student life focused on parties was, however, not something he embraced. Instead, he focused on playing computer games, studying, and strength training.
- I spent quite a lot of time at the gym during those years. It was easier when I could plan my studies myself and didn't have too many fixed schedules to adapt to. I find development exciting – being able to change your physique through training. And honestly, muscle soreness actually feels pretty good, says Adam.
Found Motillo by chance
After three years in Jönköping, Adam had a computer engineering degree, a well-trained body, and a longing to be closer to his family, so he headed back home to Värmland.
- I moved back to my mum and her partner in Karlskoga, a temporary solution until I found a job. I didn't know much about IT companies in the area, so I started searching around and stumbled by chance across an article about Motillo about them being named a Litium Premium Partner. The article wasn't particularly long but it caught my interest, so I looked up the company and submitted an application, Adam explains.
The application was well received by Jonas and Jakob, and Adam was invited for an interview and then asked to complete a programming test. The test went well (or as Adam himself describes it: he nailed it), which resulted in a second interview with Victor Axelsson:
- With Victor it was more of a conversation than a formal interview. I got answers to all my questions and he told me more in depth about what it's like to work at Motillo as a developer. After that I really felt it was a company with a mission and culture that suited me. A few days later came the call where I found out I got the job!
Taking a break in Motillo's Fun Factory
We have a large room we call the Fun Factory which is great to hang out in for a break. There's a ping-pong table, table hockey, and my favourite: PS5. At lunch we often play a football match or run a few rounds of Speedrunner. It's nice to switch between programming and some more light-hearted activities every now and then, even though it often gets pretty serious when we play – you want to win!
Driven by complex tasks
Adam had his first working day at Motillo on 1 September 2020, in the middle of a raging pandemic. His previous work experience in the industry consisted of an internship and hourly employment at Qsys in Jönköping during his studies, so he wasn't quite sure what to expect.
- I had of course formed the impression that it would be good at Motillo, but it turned out to be a hundred times better than I had imagined! What matters most to me is the pleasant atmosphere and high level of expertise, yet very unpretentious. When I started I got to be involved in live projects almost immediately, and it was great to get in that way, says Adam.
In addition to working on various e-commerce projects, Adam is also involved in developing MOX, Motillo's in-house storefront which is an optimisation of the standard solution offered by Litium. The assignment suits Adam, who thrives best when given larger, complex tasks that no one has done before. He himself expresses that he is driven by finding solutions on uncharted territory and having to think a little extra.
Crazy Cat Dad and a quiet home life
The temporary bedroom in Karlskoga has been swapped for a lakeside apartment in Skoghall that Adam shares with his partner Linn and their cats Molle and Lillis. Outside of work, there are plenty of hikes and day trips. The plan is also for gym sessions to take up a bigger place in Adam's life again:
- I've been thinking about starting to train again for nearly eight months now. I've finally bought a gym membership so there's really nothing stopping me. Since November I've also been playing recreational hockey, which is great fun. I played a bit when I was a kid but now it's mostly for fun. A lot of people on the team have played hockey before so it goes really fast, even though it's at a recreational level.
As for the future, Adam dreams of a life with a house and a family. Career-wise, he is happy with where he is now:
- I want to stay at Motillo because we have a really great time together. As the e-commerce industry and web development move forward, so do we – that's important to me.
