What were your beginnings in the company and what led you to head the Polish branch?
My journey with KOH-I-NOOR Polska began in April 2000. I started in the sales department. It was a very challenging time – the Polish branch was undergoing reorganization. We had to find new premises, build a team, organize a warehouse. The aerosol market was completely new to me – I had to learn everything from scratch. Although my first contract was only for a trial period, my dream was to prove my worth and gain trust. Gradually, I gained experience and thanks to my dedication and consistency, I gradually took on more responsibilities until I was entrusted with leading the entire branch.
What did the branch look like back then and how has it changed since?
At the beginning, the Polish branch was very small and its structures were just forming. We didn’t have stable processes or facilities. Today, it is a completely different organization – a professional, efficient team, modern procedures, and full integration with the headquarters in Czechia. We are not only an efficient operational unit but also a strategic partner in achieving the goals of the entire KOH-I-NOOR group.
Which key moments have stuck in your memory the most?
Definitely adapting the company to conditions after Poland’s entry into the European Union. That was a huge leap in terms of quality and procedural requirements. I also remember the various stages of transformation at the headquarters in Mladá Vožice – expansion of the plant, introduction of robotic production lines, and modern management models that required constant adaptation from us in Poland. Key moments also include when our customers decided to continue cooperation – because they knew they could rely on us.
What success in leading the Polish branch are you most proud of? What impact did this success have on the team and the company as a whole?
I am most proud of creating a team that trusts each other, works with dedication, and grows together with the company. The last few years confirm this – over five years we have maintained customer loyalty above 93%. This is a huge success that speaks not only to product quality but also to the relationships we build with customers. It is proof for me that our professionalism and values have a direct impact on the company’s market position.
What do you consider your greatest first BUSINESS success?
Definitely cooperation with Pharma-C-Food. I pursued this client for almost five years. At that time their main supplier was a competing company LINDAL, so breaking into their supply chain required a lot of patience and perseverance. I think we gained their trust thanks to our reliability, flexibility, and ability to respond quickly – especially in situations where every hour counted. I remember how important that first order number was – and how happy we were about it. And globally, of course, the position and market share we managed to achieve on the Polish market over these years.
How do you envision the future of the Polish branch? What are your plans for further development and growth?
I see the future of KOH-I-NOOR Polska as continuing dynamic development. We want to strengthen our market position, expand our offer, introduce new service standards, and integrate even better into modern processes at our Czech headquarters. Change is our daily reality – but thanks to a strong team and clear values we are ready for it. My goal is further development of a company based on trust, knowledge, and quality – a company worth collaborating with for another 25 years.
Has your approach to clients changed over the years?
Not really. From the beginning I believed that every customer deserves maximum attention and professional care – regardless of company size. I don’t believe in “less important” customers – every business partner is an important part of the whole system and a reliable supplier of components directly affects production smoothness. This philosophy works for me to this day.
What did you want to be when you were little? And when did you decide on a career in business?
As a five-year-old I dreamed of becoming a driver of a big truck! Big vehicles fascinated me and I imagined myself sitting behind their wheel. Today I laugh at it – but I really spend much of my work week in a car, so my wish actually came true 😊.
What definitely makes you laugh?
Intelligent people with sharp, often sarcastic humor – ideally with a stone poker face. I love situational humor and quick, witty remarks. When I meet such a conversation partner, they immediately win me over!
What do you like to do in your free time?
Read. A lot. Sci-fi doesn’t really interest me – maybe I’m too realistic – but I love biographies, reports, historical novels, and non-fiction literature. Stories of real people are an endless source of inspiration for me.
Do you have any weakness that people usually don’t know about?
Yes. My brain has always worked in “symmetrical mathematical sequences” – automatically counting things I see: number of tiles, leaves, sticks in fences… my brain counts them, sorts them out and calms down only when the result is even; otherwise it doesn’t let go. For a long time I thought it was some oddity that I’d rather not mention. Today I look at it with perspective – maybe it’s just my way of relaxing 😊.
And finally – what would you say to yourself 25 years ago?
Never lose faith in people. And don’t be afraid of changes – they are what push you forward and lead you to places you once only dreamed about.
