The German Pole(cast)

Hello listeners!

In this episode of The GermanPole(cast), Zbig and Max explore the story of Media Expert and its rise from a regional retailer to a leading name in Poland’s electronics market. What has helped this Polish company compete so successfully with international brands?

They discuss the key elements of its business strategy, including:

• A nationwide store network reaching smaller cities and towns.

• The integration of online shopping and physical stores.

• Investments in logistics, digital infrastructure and fast deliveries.

• Competitive pricing and recognizable marketing campaigns.

• Financial performance and competition with RTV Euro AGD and MediaMarkt.

The conversation also explores what Media Expert’s success tells us about Poland’s economy and the strength of domestic businesses. Whether you are interested in retail, curious about Polish brands or looking to understand how local companies compete with global players, this episode offers a closer look at the business behind a familiar name.

Let us know if you have any questions after this episode by sending us an e-mail at: [email protected]

Hello listeners!

In this episode of The GermanPole(cast), Zbig and Max take a closer look at Grupa Maspex and its journey from a local producer in Wadowice to a major food and beverage group in Central and Eastern Europe.

They explore the brands behind its success, including Tymbark, Kubuś, Lubella, Łowicz, and Żubrówka, and discuss how strategic acquisitions and international expansion have shaped the company’s growth.

They also examine Maspex’s role in the Polish economy, the importance of its regional roots, and what its story reveals about Polish private entrepreneurship. From everyday supermarket products to international business strategy, this episode introduces listeners to the company behind some of Poland’s most familiar brands.

Let us know if you have any questions after this episode by sending us an e-mail at: [email protected]

Hello listeners!

In this episode of the German Pole(cast), we break down everything employers and foreign workers should know about legalising work in Poland, including:

Who actually issues a work permit and what role the State Labour Inspectorate plays

How to submit a work permit application through the praca.gov.pl portal

Why legal stay in Poland does not automatically mean that a foreign national may legally work

How long the competent authority should take to issue a decision

Whether a foreign national may work while the employer is waiting for a new work permit

When work may legally continue after an existing permit or registered declaration expires

What documents and employment conditions may be checked during a PIP inspection

Whether a formal ponaglenie can be submitted in new work permit proceedings and what an employer may do if the case is delayed

Practical legal tips to help employers avoid illegal employment and prepare an inspection-ready documentation file

Whether you are an employer planning to hire a foreign national, a foreign worker waiting for a permit, or someone involved in international recruitment in Poland, this episode gives you the practical legal knowledge you need to understand the process and avoid common mistakes.

Let us know if any questions will appear after this episode be sending us an e-mail at:

[email protected]

Hello listeners!

In this episode of The GermanPole(cast), Zbig and Max take a closer look at PKO Bank Polski — Poland’s largest bank and one of the country’s most important financial institutions. They discuss its historical role, financial strength, importance to the Polish economy, state ownership, and ongoing digital transformation. They also compare PKO with its main competitors, including ING Bank Śląski, Santander Bank Polska, mBank, and Bank Pekao, and consider what makes PKO such a unique and strategically important player in the Polish banking sector.

Let us know if you have any questions after this episode by sending us an e-mail at:

[email protected]

Hello listeners!

In this episode of The GermanPole(cast), Zbig and Max explore how Tymbark grew from a small local fruit-processing company into one of Poland’s most recognizable beverage brands. They discuss its strong market position, emotional connection with consumers, role within the Maspex Group, competition with global companies, and the challenges it may face in the future.

Let us know if any questions will appear after this episode be sending us an e-mail at:

[email protected]

Hello listeners!

In this episode of the German Pole(cast), we break down everything every foreigner should know before renting a home in Poland, including: The difference between a standard lease and an occasional lease What you should always check before signing a contract Why a detailed handover report and photos can save you from expensive disputes Who is responsible for repairs—and what counts as normal wear and tear When a lease can be terminated by you or your landlord Special legal rules for Ukrainian beneficiaries of temporary protection Practical legal tips to help you avoid common mistakes and protect your rightsWhether you're moving to Poland for work, studies, or a fresh start, this episode gives you the legal knowledge you need to rent with confidence.Let us know if any questions will appear after this episode be sending us an e-mail at:

[email protected]

Hello listeners!

In our latest episode, we uncover the fascinating story of how Orlen has evolved from a traditional oil company into a strategic multi-energy powerhouse. Today, the company is not only shaping Poland's energy market , but also playing a key role in the country's energy security , expanding across Europe , and investing heavily in the future of energy.

Let us know if any questions will appear after this episode be sending us an e-mail at:

[email protected]

Hello listeners!

In todays` episode Max and Zbig will talk about Allegro and the Rise of Polish E-Commerce alltogether!In this episode, we explore how Allegro evolved from early online auctions into Poland’s dominant e-commerce platform—and why it has become a key pillar of the country’s digital economy .We break it all down clearly and practically—how Allegro works behind the scenes , why it’s the backbone of Polish e-commerce , and how it empowers thousands of small and medium-sized businesses to scale nationwide . We also look at what sets it apart from Amazon, especially in terms of local market understanding, logistics, and customer experience .From marketplace mechanics to platform strategy, this episode goes beyond online shopping—it’s about how digital infrastructure reshapes entire economies . Tune in to The German Pole(cast) and explore one of Europe’s most fascinating platform stories.#TheGermanPolecast #Allegro #Ecommerce #PlatformEconomy #DigitalTransformation

Let us know if any questions will appear after this episode be sending us an e-mail at:

[email protected]

Hello Listeners!

Today the two hosts will tackle with the topic of another popular polish brand - Żabka. The main question regarding this episode is: What does a small convenience store tell us about the transformation of an entire country?

Our format of discussing the popular polish brands is to give our listeners that visit or stay in Poland for a longer period of time is to give our insight of Poland in many different perspectives.

We hope You enjoy the topic as much as we did!

Let us know if any questions will appear after this episode be sending us an e-mail at:

[email protected]

Hello listeners!

Art forgery is as old as art itself — but why is it still so difficult to prosecute today?In our latest episode, interviewers Max and Zbig are joined by legal expert Ewa Czajka — author of the master’s thesis “The Crime of Art Forgery in Polish Criminal Law” and currently a trainee attorney-at-law in Wrocław — to dive deep into the fascinating and often dark world of forged artworks, fake signatures, manipulated expert opinions, and legal loopholes surrounding the art market.Together, they explore how art forgery evolved from Ancient Rome to modern-day Poland and why justice systems still struggle to effectively combat it.In this episode, we discuss: - Michelangelo’s early forgery scandal - Why Polish criminal law still lacks clear art forgery regulations

- The connection between money, power, and fake art- The role — and failures — of expert witnesses- Why many forgery cases collapse before reaching court Historical document fraud and forged masterpieces What must change to better protect the art market

Let us know if any questions will appear after this episode be sending us an e-mail at:

[email protected]