Working on large-scale projects with the latest technology and in excellent working conditions – everything a construction engineer or architect might wish for. The editorial staff of Vrabotuvanje.com, through an interview with the CEO Fikret Zendeli, presents you the success story behind Breon.
Vrabotuvanje.com: The story of Breon begins in 2010. Will you tell us more about your beginnings in Macedonia? Why exactly in Macedonia? What challenges have you faced over the years?
Fikret Zendeli: In March 2010 I started my Macedonia adventure with only a Golf 3, 2 PCs, huge motivation and self-confidence. It was a very challenging start, from organizing the registration of the company, finding the future office-space, introducing the first employee with Swiss standards/norms, acquiring clients and producing top quality projects. Everything depended on me in the starting period. Consequently, there were not many free Sundays for me during the first two years of Breon. Since my roots are from Macedonia, I wanted to realize this idea here. To create working places and a place to transfer Swiss knowledge to the local people was one of my initial goals. The main challenge was (and still is) to find motivated and qualified employees, who are able/willing to contribute to our company vision.
Vrabotuvanje.com: On what projects does Breon currently work and what are the projects that made you feel proud?
Fikret Zendeli: Currently we are working on several projects, the main one is a big reconstruction of an object from the 1913/1914 in the middle of Zurich, where for the first time, for the realization of this project we are trying to use the BIM technology. I am very proud of all projects we have done, since each one of them was done under different conditions and challenges, but mostly we managed to achieve great quality in our performance. There is one reconstruction project that I am extremely proud of anytime I pass by it on the Bahnhofstrasse of Zurich. Considering the quality standards that are required there and the time pressure applied in that project, the successful realization says a lot about our quality. At the same time, I am fully aware of that we still have to continue working to achieve the quality that our clients and employees deserve.
Vrabotuvanje.com: You mentioned that Breon works exclusively on projects intended for the Swiss market. How did you manage to successfully meet the demands of your clients given the fact that the Swiss are considered to be extremely accurate and methodical?
Fikret Zendeli: It was necessary to train every employee to the Swiss standards. Since I grew up there and did all my studies there, I am not familiar with any other work ethics. I dedicated many years of my life (left Switzerland and my social surrounding there) to come here and to educate and train my employees. It is a tough challenge for the local people to get used to those high standards/working philosophy, but there are definitely people with great potential for achieving that.
Vrabotuvanje.com: Construction engineers and architects are regarded as extremely deficient professions. Besides the salary, companies should offer additional benefits in order to reach the best candidates. What does Breon offer to his employees?
Fikret Zendeli: What Breon offers is different advantages and a chance to work with the newest technology in our field of work. Chances to develop in the new technology (BIM), children support money - for each child monthly bonus, paid (50% or max. total amount) of free time activities so the team members can relax better after the working hours and 6 weeks of vacation. Also, something we are very proud of, a chance to support a local social cause (SOCIAL FRIDAY) during working hours.
Vrabotuvanje.com: You noted that 2018 is the key year for Breon. At what stage is your company and what are your next goals?
Fikret Zendeli: I believe that 2018 is a year that will define in which direction we will move with breon and the initiative SOCIAL FRIDAY, since we are the initiator of SOCIAL FRIDAY. We are currently on a very interesting stage with promising chances for the future. Furthermore, we are looking forward to welcome new team members who can contribute to our vision and further development.
