What are some challenges for an American to establish a manufacturing facility in Poland, a country more risk-averse than most? Michael Klepacz uses the advantages of a low-cost country to pay 20% more than the minimum wage but illustrates the sometimes lack of personal responsibility, the “good enough” mentality, “not connecting the dots” and the “ghosts of Communism.” Nevertheless, he would rather be nowhere else and in a country with a lot of “low-hanging fruit.” Michael also illustrates how to have a factory in a country when you (mostly) don’t speak its language and how he strives to maintain high-quality standards. His company makes undyed textiles and products made from hemp and linen (including paper and vegan-friendly guitar straps), and markets mainly through trade shows, individual distributors, and sales reps to send his products westward into Europe and on to North America. 

{You can hear the full episode on Friday May 5th}