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. 

Highlights:

{01:25} Treeless paper

{02:10} Choosing Poland as a country of operation.

{07:00} The Ghosts of Communism in Poland

{14:45} Training Methods in Poland

{15:05} Sales and Marketing in Poland

{18:32} Cultivating Relationships in Europe

{22:55} Products Michael sells

{28:05} The Effect of the Ukraine War on European Business

Michael Klepacz bio:

Michael Klepacz is a former aircraft mechanic turned eco-entrepreneur. Born and raised in Ohio, he moved to Poland in 2012 to use the GI Bill for business school, getting a BA and MA in entrepreneurial management. He started Poland-based Natural Materials Unlimited in 2015 and makes finished products from local textiles and treeless paper.

Connect with Michael:

Website: https://www.naturalmaterials.eu

Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeklepacz 

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