Success Stories: Started as a warehouse worker, today owner of a furniture manufacturing company

(Patria) - After spending the nineties in Italy, Savo Joksimović decided to return to BiH and start a furniture manufacturing business. He connected with investors from the diaspora, and thanks to his business connections, he secured the first opportunities for exporting his products. Despite the pandemic and market stagnation, his story inspires hope for the recovery of the domestic economy.

"I was born and spent my youth in Breza. I received my first scholarship from Unioninvest, and opportunities in Yugoslavia prompted me to go to Italy to my brother in 1991, where I would work for the next 12 years building exhibition stands, setting up fashion shows, and equipping banks and shops. I started as a warehouse worker, then moved on to assembling setups and stands. Soon, I became a construction manager, responsible for up to 70 people," Savo recounts his journey.

The fast pace of life and constant overtime led him to consider returning and creating a calmer rhythm of life in his homeland. The return was not easy.

"Initially, we were involved in importing and selling shoes from Italy, but then we recognized an opportunity and found our niche in the market for custom furniture manufacturing. There, you have the chance to incorporate your own ideas, and the possibilities for export and entering foreign markets are good. I connected with our people in the diaspora, the business started, and in September 2019, we completed our first export to Italy. Later, Switzerland also opened up to us," Joksimović adds.

His company, "Eurosag," is now planning to acquire machinery that will speed up production and improve manufacturing quality.

"The COVID-19 pandemic brought great challenges, but we are fighting. Manufacturing is a very demanding sector, but it also has its advantages. In cooperation with manufacturers of chipboard from Italy, we have managed to create unique products in the BiH market. We are especially proud of our kitchen line. Now that we have gained trust both in our domestic and international markets, I have reason to be optimistic," Joksimović notes.

"Eurosag" participated in the technical training program of the USAID Project "Diaspora Invest" in the field of management, sales, and communication. This Project organized 4 webinars, as well as a Sales and Communication Training for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in the middle of this month. Joksimović emphasizes the importance of investing in staff education.

"We always want to infuse ourselves, creativity, and perseverance into our product. Therefore, we are sticking to our plans, despite everything our economy has gone through in the past few months. It is important to reduce the 'black market' in the furniture industry, encourage companies that operate regularly, and create conditions for us to operate competitively. Only together and responsibly can we change the situation. I hope my story will encourage young people to turn to this sector and find their opportunities there," Joksimović concluded.