What do you love most about what you do?

Managing of new bottle development projects, which are carefully planned by the marketing and design department. There is no greater satisfaction than when a new bottle is first produced and later becomes a sales runner.

What is the best advice you've ever received?

If you don't take care of yourself, no one else will.

What is the most exciting project/memorable moment/achievement you've worked on recently and why?

It would be unfair to highlight only one project in the development of bottles. Each bottle's development is a unique chapter and challenge, requiring detailed definition and planning to ensure the final product meets our vision. Managing wine bottle development projects is particularly challenging, especially since we are newcomers to this market segment. The wine and spirits segments of alcoholic beverages are more different than they initially appear.

What skills or qualities do you believe are essential for success in your industry?

Definitely, many would agree with me that it is a passion for glass, the ability to adapt quickly, be efficient, well organized, and have a visionary way of thinking.

What do you think sets our team/company apart from others in the industry?

The aspect that definitely sets us apart from the rest is our products, which are sustainable due to their reuse. By doing so, we are indirectly creating a better future for our descendants.

Tell us a surprising or fun fact about you.

During summer break, I swim or paddle boarding to the nearby islands.

What do you love most about what you do?

The ever-changing nature of my work keeps me engaged and excited. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth. I appreciate the freedom to experiment, test, and continuously improve our processes.

What is the best advice you've ever received?

Trust yourself and believe in what you do. This simple yet powerful advice has guided me through various situations. Self-confidence and conviction are essential for success.

What is the most exciting project/memorable moment/achievement you've worked on recently and why?

Every project I’ve been a part of holds a special place in my heart. However, one particular moment stands out – the culmination of tireless efforts resulting in the creation of a stunning bottle design. Holding that bottle in my hands, knowing the dedication and craftsmanship poured into its creation, fills me with a sense of pride and accomplishment. It serves as a reminder of the passion and commitment driving our team to excellence.

What skills or qualities do you believe are essential for success in your industry?

Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with colleagues is crucial. Together, we achieve more than we could individually. Adaptability: The ability to swiftly adjust to changing circumstances ensures we stay ahead. Attention to Detail: Precision matters, especially when working with delicate materials like glass.

What do you think sets our team/company apart from others in the industry?

Our team’s unique attitude toward glass sets us apart. We view it not just as a material but as an art form. Our flexibility in design and commitment to quality make us stand out. On top of that, we're not afraid to try new things, and we have a great support system that encourages creativity and professional growth.

Tell us a surprising or fun fact about you.

I always look for the positive in every situation.

What do you love most about what you do?

For me glass is a magic material. I've been working with glass for so many years, but I can still learn and discover its “secrets“. With so many  chemical and physical processes  going on in the furnace you can never be bored. And it's also a pleasure to see transfering a new bottle project from paper drawings to final glass production. Customer's joy and satisfaction, when we meet all their expectation,  brings joy also to my coleagues and me.

What is the best advice you've ever received?

I used to study psychology in my free time and my mentor once told me: »Not everyone is going to like you and that's ok. You can't please everyone. But you can live and act in your life  in a way,  you can  fall asleep peacefully every night. A clean conscience makes a soft pillow.« And this quote has been my guideline ever since.

What is the most exciting project/memorable moment/achievement you've worked on recently and why?

Currently, we are writing a new chapter in a glassmaking industry by melting glass with hydrogen. We successfully manufactured bottles for spirits using hydrogen to melt glass. It's the first commercial use of hydrogen in the glass packaging industry. This project represents an essential step towards a more sustainable future for the glass manufacturing industry.

What skills or qualities do you believe are essential for success in your industry?

Collaboration, communication, adaptability and problem-solving skills are essential in every bussines not just in glass industry.  A certain level of knowledge or expertise in all aspects of glass production is also very important and especially transferring this knowledge within the organization.

What do you think sets our team/company apart from others in the industry?

Steklarna Hrastnik is 164 years old. Our valley has been living with glass for so many years, families from one generaton to another. Dedication, passion, knowledge and love for glass of our employees can overcome many obstacles and challenges.

Tell us a surprising or fun fact about you.

I always check the quality of glasses in restaurants and shopping malls. It's a professional deformation

What do you love most about what you do?

What I love most about what I do is the dynamic interplay between conversations/negotiations with customers and the exhilarating process of launching new, visually appealing products onto the market. Engaging with customers allows me to understand their needs, desires, and pain points, which in turn fuels the innovation behind our product development.

What is the best advice you've ever received?

The best advice I've ever received is simple yet profound: "Never give up."

What is the most exciting project, memorable moment, or achievement you've worked on recently and why?

The most exciting project I've worked on recently was conducting market research to align with current market conditions and preparing a pricing strategy to maximize production capacity. This project stands out for several reasons. Firstly, it allowed me to delve deep into the ever-evolving landscape of our industry, gaining valuable insights into emerging trends, shifting consumer preferences, and competitive dynamics. Secondly, developing the pricing strategy was a thrilling challenge that required a blend of analytical rigor, strategic foresight, and creative thinking.

What skills or qualities do you believe are essential for success in our industry?

1.Confidence is crucial for navigating the dynamic and often challenging landscape of the industry. It allows individuals to assert themselves, make decisions, and take calculated risks with conviction 2.Collaboration is key in glass industry where teamwork and interdisciplinary cooperation are paramount. 3.Time management is indispensable in an industry characterized by tight deadlines, fast-paced environments, and multiple concurrent projects. 4.The ability to quickly respond to changes is critical in an industry where market trends, consumer preferences evolve rapidly.

What do you think sets our team/company apart from others in the industry?

Flexibility, listening to and fulfilling customer needs.

Tell us a surprising or fun fact about you.

When the wind is strong and everyone is hiding inside, I go out and windsurf.