The end of the 1980s marked the beginning of a free market and brought new possibilities. Pajak had to start operating in this new reality. How does this transformation look from a retrospective perspective?
We adapted very well to the new market realities. It was during that time that a solid foundation was laid for the company's future operations. The economic changes caused the market to absorb everything. My father came up with the idea of creating the famous 1 kg Bag sleeping bag. By the way, it's our best-selling product of the 40-year history, and no other Pajak product has sold in such quantities. We were sewing tens of thousands of these sleeping bags annually. This provided us with a solid foundation for the company's activities. It also confirmed that there was a significant demand in Poland for outdoor and camping equipment. This directed the company onto the right track and ultimately led us to where we are now.
The company has been operating for 40 years, initially, of course, your parents were responsible for the business, but since around 2003, you have been functioning as a similar team. This shows a certain kind of perseverance, calmness, and resilience. Tell me how you share responsibilities and projects?
First and foremost, we are a family-owned company, which sets us apart from larger firms or corporations. We strive to operate based on the overarching principle of making decisions together. Of course, there are times when disagreements occur. However, in such situations, we discuss and negotiate to arrive at the best possible solution. As for the company structure, let's start with the boss - my father, Andrzej PajÄ…k, is the CEO. He oversees all financial and logistical matters. I am the Managing Director, responsible for the company's operations, project management, collaboration with new contractors, and maintaining Pajak's image. All key decisions in this regard go through me. On the other hand, Wojtek KÅ‚apcia is in charge of the broad field of Research & Development. He handles all technological aspects of down production, including designing new products and sourcing materials. These are the three most important areas in our company. Some time ago, my brother Grzegorz also joined the team, and he was entrusted with creating the creative department.
For years, you have had your headquarters in Bielsko-Biała, specifically on Cmentarna Street.
Yes, we have been in this location for about 15 years. Before that, we had two other premises, also in Bielsko-Biała. You could say we are locally rooted.