Per Holknekt is one of Sweden's top rated and most popular speakers. Per is a very well-known Swedish entrepreneur and brand consultant, having founded 31 companies and international brands, including the famous international fashion label Odd Molly and skateboarding brand Svea. In 2017 Per was named Digital Influencer of the Year in Sweden.
Per grew up in Dalarna, Sweden. His father was a police officer and his mother a school principal. In the eighties he moved to Hermosa Beach, California, where he was a professional skateboarder, winning several international competitions. While in California, he founded the skateboarding magazine Transworld Skateboarding. He returned to Sweden in 1984 and studied economics, and then started the skateboard brand and clothing label Svea.
Per went on to develop a drug addiction and after a life crisis in 2000, he lost everything and ended up homeless, supporting himself by selling the Stockholm street newspaper Situation Sthlm. After seeking treatment for his addiction and regaining sobriety, he became a housemate on the first season of the Swedish Big Brother series on Kanal 5, finishing in second place.
In 2002 Holknekt started working with fashion designer Karin Jimfelt-Ghatan, and together they started the highly successful international clothing company Odd Molly, awarded the title of "Founders of the Year" in 2010 at Sweden's annual entrepreneurial gala Entreprenörsgalan. In 2013 Holknekt left Odd Molly after twelve years, to work as a branding consultant for a multitude of companies.
His other ventures include launching a magazine, hosting a radio show in Sweden and writing his autobiography Per Holknekt 1960–2014, co-written by Markus Lutteman. Per is also a successful pinball player, and has participated in national, European, and world championships hosted by the Professional Amateur Pinball Association.
With his stories and teachings learned from the many highs and lows of his rollercoaster life, Per is a truly compelling, unique, and inspirational speaker, who leaves his audiences feeling motivated and raring to go.
