The Downtowners – Claudia and Peter Kajanoja, Owners of Nordic Tree Water
September 4th, 2025
Meet Claudia and Peter Kajanoja, two local business owners who recognized early on that Downtown West Palm Beach was the ideal place to follow their dreams. Claudia, a certified public accountant, is from Cali, Colombia. In 2009, she took a leap into entrepreneurship and started her first business, Strategic Consulting LLC, in Downtown West Palm Beach Peter Kajanoja was born in Paimio, Finland. In 2009, he also founded his own firm — Psk-Distribution — a lumber-importing business.
What brought you two to Downtown West Palm Beach?
Claudia: We went to university nearby, fell in love with each other, and then fell in love with the Downtown District, so we got married and moved here after graduation. We are now the proud parents of two wonderful kids! And just last year we expanded our entrepreneurial adventure when we launched Nordic
Tree Water, the first USDA-certified organic 100% birch water beverage in the United States. Nordic’s headquarters are here in Downtown West Palm Beach.
What do you like about being in Downtown West Palm Beach
Peter: Downtown West Palm Beach is captivating! It’s a safe, beautiful, charming area brimming with activities. You’ll discover stunning new murals and art around every corner. Just a quick stroll and you’ll be able to enjoy incredible water views. And we’re so close to everything — shopping, dining and entertainment. The quality of life here is unmatched.
How do you and your family have fun in Downtown West Palm Beach?
Claudia: We love taking our kids to Sloan’s Ice Cream on Clematis Street. We also enjoy drinking coffee, and there are plenty of fantastic spots in the area, including Johan’s Joe, Subculture Coffee, and Salento Coffee.
Peter: If we’re out for a stroll and want a quick bite, Green Olive Market Place is a great option. We always have a good time during happy hour at Avocado Grill, and True Kitchen in CityPlace is our go-to for dinner. On weekends, you can often find us enjoying the West Palm Beach GreenMarket in the morning (during season) and strolling through CityPlace in the afternoon.
How has Downtown West Palm Beach evolved since you’ve been here?
Claudia: For 17 years, we’ve called Downtown West Palm Beach home, and the transformation has been extraordinary. What was once a quiet area blossomed into a vibrant hub filled with life and energy. The Brightline train has made access to the rest of South Florida seamless. And CityPlace has turned into a stunning venue for families and friends to connect and create memories. The surge of new schools, universities, hotels, businesses, and luxury apartment buildings prove that the area is thriving. Yet, through all this growth, we still cherish and support our beloved mom-and-pop shops, preserving the unique small-town spirit that defines Downtown West Palm Beach.