As our former CEO Uku sets sail on a multi-year round the world voyage (yes, it is true, we are not making it up), meet the new face of our company, Hindrek Reiman. Hindrek, who joined our team in 2019, has held a plethora of positions during his time with us and now takes the helm to lead Degritter into its next era. Get to know the man, in his very own words.

You joined the Degritter team in 2019 as an assembler-tester and now you are the new CEO. Looking back at all of those years, how would you describe your journey in Degritter? 

I have learned a lot and tackled many challenges throughout my career in Degritter. At first, I did not know how long I would stay, so I decided to make the most of it and learn as much as I could. Perhaps that is why I was given new tasks and responsibilities.

After a while I became the Production Manager and then the Head of Production. In those positions I led the assembly team, organised the factory space, created assembly and production tools, and implemented production systems to raise our assembly quality and efficiency.

Why did you decide to take on the mantle of being the new CEO? 

Uku started testing the waters in early 2025. He was hinting that I could be a candidate. I didn’t say yes immediately, I was hesitant as it seemed like a bit of a scary prospect. I am still finishing up my university studies in engineering and I thought that I may be biting off more than I could chew.

Hindrek Reiman

Still, after giving it some thought, I saw a great opportunity for personal growth and finding new exciting challenges. Alongside my personal development, I also wanted to set a goal of improving the efficiency of internal company processes and accelerating product development and design. That’s why I ultimately said yes.

How have the first few months in the new position treated you? What’s surprised you most since taking over? 

It has been very eye opening. I didn’t quite grasp the scope of tasks Uku was dealing with daily. So at first I was hit with a deluge of new information.

It took me about a month to adjust and reorient myself. In a way it is an ongoing process to find that CEO mindset. I need to let go of my previous position and let the new Head of Production make their own decisions without any micromanaging. You need to practice how to zoom out and look at the bigger picture. 

Does having built the machines yourself change how you think about management or business decisions?

Yes definitely. If you know the company’s history and are aware of mistakes made in the past, it changes how you approach making decisions. The same goes with successes. 

Also, since I spend a lot of time in the factory, I put a lot of emphasis on assembly quality and how the entire production process comes together.

What do you wish to accomplish during your tenure? 

I truly believe that Degritter is the best vinyl record cleaner in the world. In the future we can grow even more with technological improvements. I would like to extend our product portfolio and make the Degritter brand even more widely known. 

Hindrek performing at Degritter’s 10th anniversary party

And now some rapid fire questions…

Do you collect vinyl? If so, how large is your collection?

I do, but to be honest, since I have brought a lot of my records to the factory, I have lost track of some. I should have around 100 records.

How often do you listen to vinyl?

I do. I mostly listen to vinyl at work. Even though I have a set up at home, I spend more time in the factory. 

Favourite record or artist at the moment?

Die Spitz –  young punk rockers, who make cool music. 

What was the last concert you attended?

System of a Down in Warsaw.

What’s made you smile recently? 

My summer holiday. I roamed around a lot and had time to work on my passion projects.

What’s one thing about Degritter machines most people don’t know? 

Almost no one knows that the Degritter Mark II has 115 fasteners in it.